Indian police hot on the scent of crime 15 Mar 2007

Reuters reports that police in India's Western state of Gujarat are to wear new uniforms impregnated with the fragrance of flowers and citrus. The uniforms, developed by the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, will be supplied to the state's 300,000-strong police force in the next few months and are intended to help improve their image.

"Most policemen look hassled, drenched in sweat after coming from any scene of crime," said designer Somesh Singh, "they are surely not the best person one would like to meet, but if they smell good and fresh one might as well approach them."

In addition to smelling good, the uniforms also use reflective prints and fiber optic technology - making them glow in the dark - so that officers are easier to locate at night (Er...what happened to the element of surprise guys?).

[via Darren Barefoot]