History: At independence, in 1966, the name of the police "Basutoland Mounted Police" was changed to the "Lesotho Mounted Police". In 1986 after the military coup, the name changed this time to the "Royal Lesotho Mounted Police". In 1998, RLMP became "Lesotho Mounted Police Service" (LMPS).

Lesotho is a mountainous country. It is said ¾ of the countries build is mountainous. The existence of police riding horses was to be established as one of the major useful resource in the police service. Since 1872 when the police service was established, those who joined it were to bring with them their horses that they were to use during tour of duty. Over the years, the value of Police Riding horses remained. Therefore the police service was named the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and now each Police Officer is a rider and can use his horse during tour of duty.

1966 to 1986 - Lesotho Mounted Police
(aluminium cap badge)

before 1966
Basutoland Mounted Police

1986 to 1998
Royal Lesotho Mounted Police
helmet badge (white)

1986 to 1998
Royal Lesotho Mounted Police
cap badge (yellow)

since 1998
Lesotho Mounted Police Service
cap badge (yellow)

same cap for CONSTABLE and SERGEANT

for Constable:

- Epaulettes: L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Hat: Navy blue and gold checked head-band and black shiny peak/brim.

for Sergeant:

- Epaulettes: Three Chevrons and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: Nil
- Hat: Navy blue and gold checked head-band and black shiny peak/brim.

cap only for Inspector

- Epaulettes: Two stars and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: LMPS Emblem at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat: Navy blue and gold checked head-band and plain navy blue peak/brim

same cap for SENIOR INSPECTOR and SUPERINTENDENT

for Senior Inspector:

- Epaulettes: Three stars and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: LMPS Emblem at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat: Navy blue and gold checked head-band and gold band on the peak/brim

for Superintendent:

- Epaulettes: A crown and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: Single golden stripe at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat: Navy blue and gold checked head-band and gold band on the peak/brim

same cap for SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT and ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER of POLICE

for Senior Superintendent:

- Epaulettes: A star and a crown above and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: Twisted golden rope at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat: Golden head-band and one line of gold oak leaves on the peak/brim - embroidered golden badge

for Assistant Commissioner of Police:

- Epaulettes: Laurel wreath surmounted by crossed tip-staves and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: Twisted golden rope at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat: Golden head-band and one line of gold oak leaves on the peak/brim - embroidered golden badge

same cap for DEPUTY COMMISSIONER of POLICE and COMMISSIONER of POLICE

for Deputy Commissioner of Police:

- Epaulettes: Laurel wreath surmounted by crossed tip-staves and a crown above and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets, Two golden oak leaves at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat, Golden head-band and two lines of gold oak leaves on the peak/brim - embroidered golden badge

for Commissioner of Police:

- Epaulettes: Laurel Wreath Surmounted by crossed tip-staves, a star and a crown above and L.M.P.S. shoulder title on both shoulders
- Gorgets: Golden oak leaves at both ends of jacket or shirt collar
- Hat, Golden head-band and two lines of gold oak leaves on the peak/brim - embroidered golden badge

BECAUSE all of these are the property of LMPS and also in each Constable and Inspector cap you can find: