New uniforms looking good

A PCSO and police officer model the new look

POLICE officers will be hitting the streets in a stylish new uniform to reflect the modern nature of their roles.

Police community support Officers (PCSOs) will also be issued with new attire from April, 2009, following a successful trial earlier this year.

Officers who took part in the trial gave the new threads a thumbs up, as did members of the public who were consulted about the changes.

Of the 100 officers taking part in the trial, the vast majority felt the uniform was practical and much more comfortable than the existing one.

The new uniform will replace the current shirt, men’s tie and women’s cravat and trousers.

Officers’ uniform will be a black top with a zip and black trousers with pockets in the side, while PCSOs will wear the same style but in royal blue.

The hats and high visibility coats will stay and officers will continue to wear body armour and a utility belt as normal.

Supt Catherine Hankinson, who led the review of the uniform, said: “It is really important that our officers have a uniform that is comfortable and fit for their purpose, but that reflects the modern nature of their roles.

“The feedback we’ve had about the changes has been really positive, and I’m pleased that officers and the public have responded well to the change. It will be practical and enable them to do their sometimes difficult jobs, but will also mean they are clearly identifiable as officers and PCSOs to the public.”