Force seeks new guidance on boots

22 December 2022

New guidance on protective boots issued to public order trained officers is being sought by West Midlands Police amid claims they are damaging officers’ feet.

West Midlands Police Federation health and safety lead Deano Walker called for a review of the footwear, which features steel toe-caps, steel soles and built-in rigid metatarsal protectors, when officers complained they were uncomfortable and had caused serious foot pain, blistering and sores.

Deano had urged members who had experienced problems with the boots to contact him so he could present evidence to the Force Uniform & Equipment Group early in December and press for a change of brand but as only 45 officers responded it fell below the threshold needed for further action to be taken.

However, the Force has agreed to return to the manufacturer seeking further guidance on how the boot should be worn in a public order and training scenario.

Deano said: “Emails went to every department across the Force asking officers who are public order trained.

“I got 45 replies. Three were positive from members who said the boots were fine for them but the others all said the same thing, they were causing soreness and discomfort and some c8ontained photos of feet with blisters and I was quite concerned by some of the injuries I saw.”

Deano explained: “Due to the small number of replies received it would not justify a request to the Force to replace or even consider replacing the boot. 

“There are around 2,000 public order trained officers within WMP, changing the current boot for 42 officers could possibly trigger issues for those officers comfortable in the current boot.

“However, as with all Personal Protective Equipment, the boots should come with proper guidance, advice and training on how they are worn so the Force has agreed to go back to the manufacturer to ask if they have any instructions, guidance and advice on how to use them, such as how to lace them up, whether an insole is needed or whether they should be worn with a cotton or nylon sock.

“And, if there is any specific additional equipment such as an insole or a certain sock that is preferred by the manufacturer, then I will be going back to the Force to request they are supplied alongside the boot.”

Deano stressed it was vital that officers continued to wear the Force-issued footwear despite their unpopularity with some officers.

He said: “I understand that this isn't the answer that some officers were looking for as some have already told me they are considering not doing any more public order duties or further training and are looking to source their own boots.

"But they have to wear these protective boots when on public order duties or training because failure to do so could lead to issues with health and safety, insurance coverage and their legal rights in the event of personal injury.”