While the uniform may be a give-away as to who wields the truncheon and who could possibly feel its force, the police authorities are looking to cut down on similarities in a bid to assert their authority and command respect.

Policemen will not be allowed to wear earrings, body studs, pony tails -- especially those in the style of German fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld, dreadlocks, three-day old beards or visible tattoos. Other hairstyles "which may be perceived as an expression of a marked individualist demeanor" were also banned.

Officers of both sexes in the 30,000-strong police force will be able to wear not more than one necklace and one bracelet each, as well as make-up provided it is discreet and "socially appropriate for a policeman or policewoman."

Female officers will also be able to wear earrings provided they are not more than five millimeters in diameter.

German cops to present a united front through dress code

An Interior Ministry spokesman told Der Spiegel magazine: "We want German police to have a united front in terms of appearance."

The decree, which will be published next month, will stay in force until after the June 9 to July 9 World Cup finals. The order, which applies to Germany's federal police, matches regulations which already apply to state police forces.