REGARDING the article concerning the wearing of name badges by uniformed police officers (LET, September 2), officers display a number on their uniforms by which they are identified if the need arises. This is all that is necessary.

The wearing of name badges would seem to be another spiral downturn in the perceived lack of respect for authority. This downturn is to be implemented by the very people who should seek to impress that authority on others.

How long will it be before the names are shortened into 'Alex,' 'Ros' and so on? Having sunk to that depth, will the next step be nicknames?

Police officers are in a position of power and in order that they carry out their duties with a fair and even display of that power they should command respect.

The reduction in police height requirements, the sloppy casual dress attitude displayed by many officers and the obvious lack of very basic discipline displayed by some members of the police force (Note, not service) these days tends to detract from the respect and therefore the authority that they must command to carry out their work for the benefit of the public.

The wearing of name badges is a gimmick, nothing more or less and will probably be applauded by those to whom the very word discipline is anathema. It is all very well being friendly but the old adage, 'Familiarity breeds contempt' was never more apt than now.

The job of policing must by its very nature be one that exercises authority. Authority to my mind equates to a certain degree of fear imposed on those who such authority is imposed.

As your columnist Margo Grimshaw would have it 'zero tolerance,' as far as offenders are concerned, is the only way forward. This policy should be implemented by smartly-dressed, disciplined, efficient, polite and knowledgeable police officers. Nothing less than this will do.

ANTHONY HAWORTH, Pendleside Close, Sabden.