The Ontario Provincial Police Association has asked the O.P.P. to phase out the state-trooper-style hats which have been a signature of the official garb since 1997. Apparently, the flat, wide brims fare more like a Frisbee when working by passing highway traffic or during a windy day. Extending well beyond the ears, the unwieldy topper also bumps around the cruisers in annoying ways. Basically, too much untimely slapstick for such a dignified uniform.

Though the bad-ass, pre-1989 retro vibe of the new vehicle livery is totally made of win, the chapeaux were a little too Sergeant Hartman-meets-Smokey The Bear. Commissioner Julian Fantino wants to bring back an old-style, blue-on-blue police cap, which are classically authoritative, traditionally functional, and much more accurate for Village People impressions.

Still, it just won't be the same to see Sergeant Cam "Tackleberry" Woolley deliver his delightful traffic blitz media reports without his trusty duty Stetson.

Top photo by fermata.daily from the Torontoist Flickr Pool; hat photo via the OPPA.