The Police Service of Northern Ireland presented its new image to the public today, unveiling the new uniform and crest officers will be wearing.
They go into service across the North on April 5th, the day the first recruits to the PSNI graduate.
For the first time officers will wear a clearly-displayed name badge rather than the police number currently worn.
Speaking at the launch at a Belfast press conference, Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, said: "This day represents a very significant and symbolic step for policing in Northern Ireland.
"What we see before us today is simply not a new style of uniform, but a symbol of a fresh start, a new beginning."
He said it was a particularly proud moment for the Policing Board as the emblem was unanimously approved by members during the first few weeks of their existence.
He said: "Presented with what some thought to be an impossible time-scale and to what to many seemed to be an insoluble problem, my fellow board members showed great maturity and ingenuity and agreed a design proposal which is respectful to the diversity, inclusiveness and parity.
"We believe we have created an emblem which all communities in Northern Ireland, including everyone in the police service, can claim to be their own."
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan said: "The new uniform will perhaps be one of the most visible changes in the appearance of the police but we must not forget that, alongside this, the last two years have already seen a huge programme of fundamental change in our service.
"This programme has brought us here today and will continue into the future as we, in partnership with the [British]government, the Policing Board and, above all, the community, work to transform and improve our police service."
PA