FIRST names of police officers are to be put on their uniforms in a bid to put them on a more informal footing with the public.

The move was revealed after two months of discussions between bosses at Lancashire Constabulary and the county's Police Federation, representing rank and file officers.

Originally, the suggestion was to have badges saying, for example, 'Constable Smith', but the Federation thought that was too formal.

There was also concern that officers could have been childishly mocked by the public if their surname was something unusual, with the Federation giving the example of 'PC Pratt'.

But now it has been agreed that officers can voluntarily wear a badge on their breast pocket with their rank and first name, ie. 'Constable John'.

Police think it could help break through barriers by allowing members of the public to be on first name terms with officers.

Steve Edwards, chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation, said the badges would be good for community level officers, such as beat bobbies.

He added: "From the first idea, mine would have been 'Constable Edwards', but if I was in the community, I would want to be known as Steve.

"We wanted to make it a bit warmer and more personal rather than authoritative.

"It is a good idea on a voluntary basis. I don't know if it will be popular but I think it may be."

Shoulder badges declaring rank and number will remain.

A similar scheme was launched for Metropolitan officers earlier this year, who, instead of rank, have their first name and surname on badges.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary also uses name badges.

In Chicago two years ago, a policeman survived being shot after his name badge deflected the bullet.