Police uniforms ‘unfit for purpose’ and linked to health problems, major survey reveals

More than half of police officers and staff in England and Wales say their uniforms are unfit for purpose, restrictive, and causing health problems, according to the first-ever National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey.

The research — led by Dr Camilla De Camargo and Dr Stephanie Wallace from Lancaster University Law School, in collaboration with the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), UNISON and the Superintendents’ Association — gathered responses from 20,838 officers and staff across all 43 police forces.

Restrictive, uncomfortable and unsafe

Over half of respondents (56%) reported a negative overall experience wearing their uniform, with 64% saying it restricts their movement and reduces their effectiveness. Just 20% viewed their experience positively.

The most problematic items were cargo trousers, criticised by 69% of respondents, and general-purpose body armour, which 61% described as very uncomfortable. Officers reported struggling to bend, restrain suspects or carry out basic duties because of restrictive clothing.

Impact on health

The survey revealed alarming health consequences. Among men, 44% reported musculoskeletal pain, often linked to body armour or heavy equipment. Women described ill-fitting trousers that caused chafing, swelling, and in severe cases, cuts to the genital area.

Body armour also failed to accommodate female anatomy, with 38% of women reporting “crushed” breasts and some struggling to breathe while wearing it. One respondent said: “The stab vest doesn’t incorporate breasts, pressing on my chest and making it hard to breathe.”

Overall, 62% of male and 85% of female respondents reported at least one physical health condition they believed was caused or worsened by their uniform.

Negative experiences were most common in Merseyside Police and South Yorkshire Police, where more than 70% of respondents were critical. Only North Yorkshire Police recorded a more positive than negative response, with 44% reporting a good experience.

Calls for urgent reform

PFEW board members Belinda Goodwin and Zac Mader described the findings as “disquieting”, warning that restrictive and uncomfortable uniforms are undermining officer safety and effectiveness.

“How can it be right that the Government invests in high-tech drones while failing to provide basic day-to-day kit that’s fit for purpose?” they said.

Melissa Russhard, UK Uniform Portfolio Lead for the NPCC, said the findings would help address the “postcode lottery” in uniform standards and define minimum safety requirements across forces.

Dr De Camargo added: “We are shocked by the results but not surprised. We hope this evidence can lead to impactful changes that improve the lives of uniform wearers every day.”

The survey, carried out in 2024, is the first national perspective on police uniforms and equipment, building on Dr De Camargo’s previous work exploring the history of police uniforms and women’s experiences in the job.

Download the full report to find out more.

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