The truth is that the band merely utilized the trappings of 1970s

The truth is that the band merely utilized the trappings of 1970s British punk : the bleached blond short hair, Sting in his jumpsuits or army jackets, Copeland and his near maniacal drumming style. In fact, they were criticized by other punk bands for not being authentic and lacking “street cred”. What The Police did perhaps take from punk was a brand of nervous, energetic disillusion with 1970s Britain.