The directive, put out last month to change garb was prompted by the proliferation of private security personnel in khaki. ``The security agencies have been given time up to August 15 to get new uniforms. If, after that they are spotted in khaki, we will act against them,'' said Assistant Commissioner of Police Vasant Gosavi. Many policemen are also sore that security agencies even copy the features of the uniform like badges on their caps, belt buckles and stars on the shoulder straps. ``We are already fed up dealing with criminals, and now we have to look out for copycats too,'' shrugged a constable at the Commissionerate. Wearing uniforms identical to those of the police or the armed forces is even punishable under sections 171 of the Indian Penal Code and 149(A)of the Bombay Police Act. The maximum penalty under both sections are three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 200. ``Though the penalty is negligible, most agencies are worried about a blot on their record,'' said Dr P S Pasricha, Joint Commissioner (Law and Order).

But for the `copycats', a blot on their records is likely to be the last thing on their minds. ``There are nearly 500 security agencies in the city, but only 29 have been registered with the government,'' said Commodore Om Prakash, president of the Association of Exempted Security Guards Agencies. None of the security guards employed with the registered agencies wore khaki uniforms, he claimed. ``The most favoured colour is dark blue and black, and khaki is used by the unregistered firms,'' he said. Added Major S S Sukhi, who started his Security and Personnel Services Pvt Ltd in 1965, ``Since these agencies are not licensed, they do not have to worry about police records.''

The police do not even possess a list of the errant flock.``Every housing society in the city employs security personnel. How are we supposed to keep a tab on them?'' asked an exasperated Gosavi. The department plans to ask each police station to check out the agencies in their area and teach the `copycats' a lesson in dressing.