Survey findings show uniform is failing to fit the bill
18 August 2025
More than two thirds of West Midlands Police officers reported a negative experience of wearing their uniform, according to the findings of a nationwide survey.
A total of 68 per cent rated their experience negatively – the fourth highest number of officers in the 41 forces that responded.
Only 18 per cent rated their experience as neutral, with only two other forces having a lower neutral rating, and just 13 per cent gave a positive rating, the fifth lowest.
Tim Rogers, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation, said it was time for police leaders and individual forces to act on what officers are saying about their uniforms.
“All too often police officers are reporting problems with their uniform, saying it doesn’t fit properly, that it is not fit for the purpose intended, that it is causing them physical issues but sadly we are not seeing any great efforts being made to address their concerns,” he explained.
“It really should not be that difficult to provide officers with clothing and kit that fits them properly and meets the needs of modern-day policing.
“Sadly, it would appear that cost comes before comfort and that should not be the case. While we all appreciate there is no bottomless pit of money to pay for uniform, it cannot be right that we are on a daily basis sending out officers to carry out their duties wearing clothing that is uncomfortable and inappropriate.
“We are not talking about officers wanting all the latest fashion items or keeping up with trends, we are asking for officers to be afforded comfort and protection while at work.”
Stab vests
While there is general negativity, Patrick McBrearty, the West Midlands Police Federation health and safety lead, has managed to bring about a change to the covers of the stab vests worn by officers.
But, the National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey, created by researchers at the Lancaster University, in collaboration with the Police Federation of England and Wales and the National Uniform Portfolio as part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and supported by UNISON and the Superintendents’ Association, revealed a postcode lottery of uniform experience.
More than half of respondents (56 per cent) reported a negative experience of wearing their uniform, compared to just 20 per cent who report a positive experience.
Satisfaction levels vary dramatically by force - with negative experiences ranging from 29 per cent in one force to 75 per cent in another.
Uniform
Issues were raised around uniform being of a poor fit, restricting movement and causing discomfort, with poor ratings of critical items such as body armour and cargo trousers. Respondents felt cost was prioritised over function and quality and more than half said their uniform was impacting their health and wellbeing. Uniform complaints, they reported, were common but often ignored.
The foreword from Lancaster University researchers states: “Inconsistent uniform quality across forces has created a ‘postcode lottery’, where access to high-performance kit depends more on local budgets than operational need. This inequity impacts health, wellbeing, morale and undermines national policing standards.
“The Home Office now has a responsibility to establish coordinated procurement standards that ensure all wearers receive fit for purpose uniforms - enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting fairness, and reinforcing public confidence.”
Tim concluded: “I couldn’t agree more. There should be a national standard, and all officers should have uniforms and kit that is truly fit for purpose. As a local Federation, we will be discussing the survey findings with chief officers and I hope the national Federation is able to use its platform to bring about the change required for the benefit of the wider membership.”
