New police uniforms

[Tackleberry]

Most forces these days are adopting a new style of more 'practicle' uniform consisting of black t-shirt, combat trousers and the traditional helmet being replaced with a flat cap.
Below is a link to the new Thames Valley uniform from their website.
What do you think?

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/newsevents/newsevents-pressreleases/newsevents-pressreleases-item.htm?id=79830

[Fed]

Its got to be the black t-shirt option for an operational police officer. Much more practicle for front line policing but keep the shirt and tie for things like court.

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

Shame you all have to wear high visiblity jackets, even the dustmen wear them, everyone looks just the same, health & safety as usual, gone are the days of a smart tunic and shiny shoes.  Sometimes you don't want to be seen easily, on nights we walked quietly on the inside of the kerb and could observe more easily without being observed, surprising the amount of prisoners you could get by just watching.  They will have you all walking around with flashing lights on your head next, and wrapped in bubble wrap!

[guy incognito]

I wear the black t-shirt at work and they are great. I was a bit unsure at first and didn't think it would make much of a difference, but they are very comfortable and more suitable than the shirt and tie if you are out and about.

The only problem is that despite working a 6 on 4 off shift pattern, we only get issued with 5 tops.  Maybe the fact that the decision makers work Mon-Fri might have something to do with it.

[Deschain]

Certainly I prefer the black base layer top. It is much more practical and requires no ironing, which was a major bug bear with the white shirt!

We don't wear combat trousers, just black ones with a stitched crease.

We still wear the flat cap and white shirts are still worn for VIP duties etc.

I think we have to move with the times. I would prefer to see the adoption of a baseball cap type hat as this is a more practical piece of headgear in this day and age. I feel sorry for those of us that have to wear the big helmet. What a nightmare!!!!

[FN21]

Our force has been mega slow on the uptake re new uniforms.

We are maybe just about to get combats (sorry "cargo" pants) but keeping white shirts and ties! 

Shirts and ties were worn before we all had to wear body armour and they simply aren't practical anymore.  We need modern uniforms that meet the demands of modern Policing.

However I do agree that more traditional uniform should be retained for Crown Court.

As for high vis, I quite agree and avoid wearing it for anything other than traffic incidents.  Bosses love them as they make us stand out to the public - standing out is the last thing you want to do if your hunting for bucks!

[FN21]

Remember these modified custodian helmets being tested back in 2004 - personally I think they look ridiculous! 2" lower to give them a lower centre of gravity and made from plastic to make them lighter. Dont know what became of them?  I say either keep the custodian or replace it - one or tother!

And also a photo of a force that has retained the custodian with a more modern uniform - I think it looks quite good!

[Fed]

That prototype unisex style helmet was totally awful. There is still one officer I know of that works near me that was part of the pilot and his is still in the same place in the nick as it was when it was issued to him. And that is not on his head!!!

I do agree tho, the new style of uniform top and trousers together with the old style custodian helmet does look pretty good indeed.

[heedlessmunkey]

I think it makes little or no difference to the public, I dont think they notice whether we have a tie on or not.
Maybe for queen visits etc as the old people are the ones who appreciate that sort of thing, not janice whose just kicked her boyfriend out for stealing tic tacs from her handbag.

So it should just be a comfort thing, its not pleasant squeezed into a collar and tie, 90% of which is visible due to the stab vest.

[FN21]

I think it makes little or no difference to the public, I dont think they notice whether we have a tie on or not.
Maybe for queen visits etc as the old people are the ones who appreciate that sort of thing, not janice whose just kicked her boyfriend out for stealing tic tacs from her handbag.

So it should just be a comfort thing, its not pleasant squeezed into a collar and tie, 90% of which is visible due to the stab vest.

You're probably right - most people that we deal with on a day to day basis probably couldn't care less.  Also, those that don't like the new uniform will think of it as the norm after a few years - time we moved with the times I think!

[Litew8]

I have to admit I prefer to wear a shirt and tie under the stabbie as I feel smart/professional, mind you; I also prefer to wear my flatcap when out on a job... hate the custodian though... only of use when doing aid as at other times I'm jumping out of the car every few minutes to serve another "Customer" and that darn thing has a habit of falling off when things get exciting anyhow...

Looking at police forces across the EU the UK forces do look smart, but then again we're dressed as if it's the 50's and have to deal with a range or issues the uniform is not designed for. A recent case in point is the re-design of the Police uniforms in Germany. They've moved away from a style designed in the 70's which looked smart but doesn't allow for all the bits of kit and the increasing-in-frequency roll-around on Friday and Saturday nights...

FN21 puts it quite well... the old style for Crown Court and something a bit more modern for day-to-day duties. Not sure on Combats though... I think that will put us too close to being a para-military style... apparently we're not approachable as it is...

[FN21]

That's interesting about Germany - did some digging and lifted this from wikipedia (the source of all wisdom everywhere) 

"Germany introduced green and khaki uniforms designed by Heinz Oestergaard in 1976. However, because most European countries have blue or black police uniforms, most German states as well as the federal police are introducing newly designed blue uniforms to conform with the common image of the police in Europe. At present (August 2009) only the police forces in Bavaria and the Saarland are not intending to alter the 1976 design, whereas the other states have already begun or completed the shift from green to blue.
In line with the uniforms, police vehicles and various items of equipment are also changing colour from green to blue."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement_in_Germany#Uniforms

The article also shows a photo of their new uniform which interestingly still includes a tie, is this the uniform you mean Litew8 or is there another you have seen.

The one in the photo kind of reminds me of a New York cop's shirt!

[Litew8]

Yes that's the one I meant, I knew there was an article on it somewhere... didn't notice the tie though... I personally wear mine regardless of short- or long-sleeved shirt... I think it looks professional but many on my team don't bother... personal choice in some respects I guess.

Apologies for the late reply, just got off nights and this post completely escaped my mind...

L.

[FN21]

Our chief con - recently left - was really up on everyone wearing their tie at ll times.  Very tough on uniform standards!

[klingon911]

I always wear the tie, i think it looks scruffy without. Fair enough if its a hot day and the order is given, bit it looks the part. Better make the most of it, will be all blacks very soon in TVP