It’s been 18 months in the making and over 20,000 respondents have contributed to provide incredible insights into the inadequacies of current police uniforms. These issues highlight not only a significant impact on the comfort and performance of our policing personnel but also their overall health and wellbeing.
Understanding the Problem with Police Uniforms
The police uniform survey, led by Dr. Camilla De Camargo of Lancaster University, identifies several critical issues with current police uniforms, including discomfort, impracticality, and health concerns. Many officers report experiencing physical strain and irritation due to ill-fitting garments and unsuitable materials. When every day can present a new set of challenges and demands, clothing should be the least of an officer’s worries. Instead, it should empower them to carry out their duties with confidence and ease.
Some key findings:
1. The majority (56%) of the survey respondents reported their overall experience of wearing the uniform as negative, compared to just 20% that view their experience of wearing the uniform as positive.
2. Half of respondents (51%) report that the uniform is not fit for purpose, compared with only 25% who say it is.
3. Quality and comfort are major concerns: 57% say their uniform is poor quality, and 61% say it does not fit well.
4. North Yorkshire Police stands out as the only force where the experience of wearing the uniform is positive for the greater proportion of uniform wearers. Forty-four percent of respondents from North Yorkshire Police reported an overall positive experience of wearing their uniform. In 40 other forces, negative experiences exceeded positive ones, with several reporting around only 10% positive.
What officers say:
“Cargo trousers are too restrictive when struggling with suspects, on foot patrol or foot chases do not allow for flexibility to climb, jump or fight as you should. The quality is poor, colour fades and Velcro stitching comes undone.”
“The main issue I have is the cargo trousers. They’re poor quality, uncomfortable and not fit for purpose.”
“General purpose trousers are not comfortable or practical for front line roles in the force, it would be far more sensible and practical and more comfortable for officers to wear combat or cargo style trousers.”
Why haven’t these issues been addressed?
Uniform complaints are common, but often ignored. Over a third (36%) have made a complaint about their uniform: yet only 8% received uniform replacements, and just 2% were refitted.
Survey comments indicate that investment in better quality clothing from the outset would not only improve workforce morale, but also increase longevity of uniform pieces, and would improve the public’s perception of the police:
“If uniform was of a better quality, it would look smarter, last longer, be more comfortable and fit for purpose, and be less impactive on the environment. It appears that the uniform provided is the cheapest option available and consideration is not made for the actual purpose.”
Health conditions attributed to poor-fitting uniforms
An average of 60% of the respondents reported at least one physical health condition believed to be caused or made worse by the uniform. A higher proportion of female officers (85%) reported at least one health condition was caused or aggravated by the uniform, compared to 65% of male officers asked the same question. Just under half (44%) of the male respondents cited musculoskeletal pain as the most common health condition – heavy and poorly fitting body armour as a recurring theme in the comments from officers quoted in the report. There were over 400 comments across all respondents listing back pain, back injuries, and back spasms.
Read what the Police Federation say about the police uniform survey report here:
Or download the full report directly here:
