Police Trousers that are Fit for Purpose – Finally
A collaborative project between Kent Police and Tailored Image has culminated in a long-awaited positive result for female police officers in a continued effort to trailblaze a more comfortable solution for police officer uniforms. A recent, and by now well-renowned, national survey revealed that over half of respondents (56%) reported a negative overall experience wearing their uniform, with 64% saying it restricts their movement and reduces their effectiveness. Just 20% viewed their experience positively.
Kent Police were quick to respond to these negative comments, with the Chief Officer Team requesting a review of all kit and equipment with a view to improving uniform standards – helping to overcome issues with previous garments which were deemed restrictive, uncomfortable and unsafe. Working together with Tailored Image, their focus has been on replacing garments which do not serve the needs of the officers with uniform items that are comfortable, safe and allow police officers to carry out their roles effectively and in an unrestricted manner.
Background
Held in 2024, the first ever National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey revealed a damning series of results where police officers across England and Wales reported their uniforms to be unfit for purpose, restrictive, and causing health problems. By now, the survey is well cited across the policing and uniform industries due to its overwhelmingly negative feedback from those officers entrusted with upholding the law in our communities.
The research was led by Dr Camilla De Camargo and Dr Stephanie Wallace from Lancaster University Law School, in collaboration with the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), UNISON and the Superintendents’ Association. Responses were gathered from 20,838 officers and staff across all 43 police forces.
Kent Police Response
The most damning feedback was in regard to police trousers – with 69% of respondents reporting them as problematic. Kent Police have been quick to respond to this feedback and, together with Tailored Image, have undertaken a review of their trousers, beginning with the female Police officer black patrol trouser.
The process began with engagement with a female wearer group within Kent Police with a face-to-face feedback session. Based on this encounter, Tailored Image’s Head of Innovation, Technical and Compliance put together an innovative new design and produced a sample set. These trousers were used to conduct a wearer trial with the same group of ladies. They provided their feedback on the initial sample set which was then used to create a revised specification and following a second wearer, Tailored Image received sign off on the new female fit trouser. This trouser is now being worn across 6 Police forces in England with unanimous feedback that they are the best option females have had to date.
The Superintendent leading this project for Kent Police made a specific point of coming to one of the face-to-face meetings to personally thank Tailored Image for all the work that was done. She was pleased to announce that she now has a pair of trousers that she feels comfortable wearing, the first in her whole career in policing.
Replicating Success
Due to the success of the female trial, Tailored Image is now undertaking the same exercise with the male patrol trouser. A revised design is being wearer trialled at present specifically addressing the crotch area which seems to be the prevalent issue on male patrol trousers, with initial feedback extremely positive. We are even more committed than ever to ensuring our emergency services customers have access to comfortable, durable and safe uniform options for their staff to enable them to carry out their essential duties to the best of their ability and without restriction or discomfort.
