Police [Hong Kong]

On their uniform (except for musicians) the cap badge was always plain silver. Legend has it that the badge was deliberately designed to look like a mirror in order to repel any evil spirit a policeman might encounter on the beat. The same legend also says (although this is baseless given the uniform was also worn elsewhere within the Empire) that the buttons on his shirt was laid out like a cross for the same reason.

Until the late 1960s the scroll read 'Hong Kong Police'. The 'Royal' title was granted for service during the 1967 riot. Only five police forces have ever received this honour. After 1997 a similar badge and flag has been in use. The main difference being: modern harbour scene; red bauhinia blossom replaces the crown; the scroll reads 'Hong Kong P