 This was worn with white trousers in summer, and a cane-reinforced top hat, which could be used as a step to climb or see over walls.In the early years of the Metropolitan Police, equipment was little more than a rattle to call for assistance, and a wooden truncheon.As the years progressed, the rattle was replaced with the whistle, swords were removed from service, and flintlock pistols were removed in favour of revolvers.