Federation urges officers to give feedback on footwear

15 November 2022

West Midlands Police Federation has launched a fact-finding mission to find out if public order trained officers are having any problems with their protective boots.

The special footwear features built-in rigid metal metatarsal protectors which some officers have found to be uncomfortable to wear and can cause serious foot pain, blistering and sores.

Branch health and safety lead Deano Walker said feedback from a number of members suggested there were issues which needed addressing.

He thanked members who had contacted him with their experiences so far and urged others to do the same so that the Federation was fully aware of any issues.

Deano explained: “Members who are public order trained are issued with boots because it is classed as personal protective equipment.

“These boots are steel toe-capped with steel soles but it has come to light that, to put it bluntly, they are causing some officers discomfort.

“I asked all the local Fed reps to email all of their departments urging them to get in touch if they were having problems with their boots.

“I have now received about 40 emails from members and have put together some really good evidence to take to the Force so firstly I'd like to thank those officers who have contacted me and secondly, let anybody else know they can get in touch.

“We can't make representations to the Force without evidence so I am very grateful to those who have contacted us.

“We will be taking the feedback to the Force uniform and equipment group on 7 December and it will be discussed then.”

Deano said he had heard reports that some officers were refusing to wear the Force-issue boots while carrying out public order duties but warned members that failure to do so could lead to issues with health and safety and insurance coverage in the event of personal injury.

“The message has gone out that officers have to wear these boots because otherwise there could be problems further down the line,” he said.

“But hopefully there will be a review into these boots in the not-too-distant future and we can convince the Force to replace them.”

Members can email Deano at DWalker@westmids.polfed.org with their comments and feedback.