POLICE bosses have launched an investigation into whether officers can wear a badge in support of a force charity.

A Sussex Police officer was ordered to remove the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity badge at the weekend.

The charity supports the families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

The order to remove the badge sparked opposition among colleagues. However, the force said the order was made locally in line with uniform policy.

Chief Constable Giles York said he felt the badge had “something negative in its message”.

Mark White, secretary and discipline liaison officer for the Sussex Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the federation would be meeting with the force today over the issue.

He said: “While we understand that the request to remove the badge was made in line with force policy, we are disappointed officers are not allowed to wear small tokens of support for police-related charities.

“They are sold for a good cause – I know the people making them have just donated nearly £6,000 to the charity.”

The badge, which features a white Union Flag with a thin blue line running through, is being sold by website UK Cop Humour.

The charity gets £1 from every sale of the Velcro patch and £1.50 from every pin badge.

Mr White rejected speculation the badge was politically motivated at a time of police budget cuts.

He said: “It is certainly not a political badge and my understanding is it was asked to be taken off because it goes against force policy.

“People are saying the thin blue line is indicative of police cuts but you go back 20 years and then it was known as the thin blue line so it is just a generic term to describe the police.”

Chief Superintendent Tony Blaker said uniform standards needed to be maintained. However, he added that the issue had “highlighted the strength of feeling officers have about worthy causes and we have liaised with the Police Federation to agree an urgent review.”

The force fully supports COPS, he added.

Chief Constable Giles York Tweeted over the weekend he had chosen not to buy one of the badges as he felt there was “something negative in its messaging”.