THE “Evenin’ all” greeting made famous by TV character Dixon of Dock Green could be consigned to the history books by official guidance that advises police officers to take care when referring to the time of day, it was reported today.

According to one Midland police force, “evening” is a “subjective” term that can vary depending on a person’s culture or nationality.

Other words that officers are urged to take care when using include “child” and “homosexual”, it was reported.

In the Warwickshire Police Policing Our Communities handbook, a section on communication reportedly states: “Don’t assume those words for the time of day, such as afternoon or evening, have the same meaning.”

Metropolitan Police officers meanwhile are told to use the term “gay” rather than “homosexual” – which the force says should only be sued in connection with legislation – while staff are instructed to say “heterosexual” instead of “straight”.

Phrases such as “child” or “youngster” are reportedly discouraged by forces because they could have “connotations of inexperience, impetuosity, and unreliability or even dishonesty”.

Their 52-page guide advises employees to use the phrase “young people”.