“We’ve been aware of these issues surrounding unisex uniforms for quite a few years,” Goodwin said. “It’s almost like no one thought ‘oh actually, women are a different shape and size to men.”
The report led to a national police uniform and equipment survey by Lancaster University, with researchers determining the uniforms had evidence of poor workwear design that was “widespread across various emergency service occupations,” the BBC said.
Goodwin said she thought the unisex design was an “old-fashioned,” cost-effective measure,” the BBC said.
“This farce is a distraction for officers who should be out catching criminals,” Elks said. “Police forces should cut out waste and put bobbies on the beat.
Goodwin did not share that sentiment, saying that having good uniforms was crucial to job morale, the BBC said.
“It’s about you feeling valued within your work,” Goodwin said. “It’s got a massive effect on your physical wellbeing but also your mental wellbeing.”
Goodwin reportedly said she hoped the results of the survey will allow for an increased uniform budget, and an improvement for male and female officers.
The survey, which was launched in July, according to Express UK, garnered mixed reactions, with some thinking the results were rubbish.
Benjamin Elks, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, slammed the situation as “woke nonsense,” the Sun reported.
“This farce is a distraction for officers who should be out catching criminals,” Elks said. “Police forces should cut out waste and put bobbies on the beat.
Goodwin did not share that sentiment, saying that having good uniforms was crucial to job morale, the BBC said.
“It’s about you feeling valued within your work,” Goodwin said. “It’s got a massive effect on your physical wellbeing but also your mental wellbeing.”
Goodwin reportedly said she hoped the results of the survey will allow for an increased uniform budget, and an improvement for male and female officers.
Survey Results Highlight the Issues
The challenges were brought to light in the first survey about police uniforms and equipment carried out by Lancaster University and the Police Federation. This national survey was launched in July and included more than 200,000 police officers and staff to give their views. It followed a research study from last year by Dr. Camilla De Camargo, a lecturer and expert in policing at Lancaster University Law School.
She pointed out that police uniforms were mainly designed by men for men, which causes problems like ill-fitting trousers and stab vests for women in the force. Dr De Camargo said that this had a knock-on effect to performance, health and safety, morale and psychological wellbeing.
Complaints From Both Genders
The survey results exposed widespread discomfort with the current unisex uniforms. Male officers complained about crushed testicles, while female officers cited an uncomfortable lack of space “between waist and the crotch.”
A Widespread Problem
The survey highlighted a wider issue in the police force, with “evidence of poor workwear designs that were widespread across various emergency service occupations,” according to Lancaster University. While the unisex police trousers have been met with intense criticism, they are not the only area of concern regarding police uniforms. The lack of fit and design issues for female officers has been a long-standing concern.
Dr Camilla De Camargo found that stab vests, which are a vital safety component of police uniforms, were also designed with men in mind and are ill-fitting for many women.
A Call for Change
The survey results have prompted calls for an increase in uniform budgets and a review of current uniform design and procurement policies. It is hoped that this will lead to a more comfortable and appropriate uniform for all officers.
The Future of Police Uniforms
The survey results have sparked a debate about the future of police uniforms. The police union is hoping that the survey results will lead to an increase in the uniform budget, as well as a more inclusive design process. There are also calls for a move towards a more environmentally friendly and ethically sourced uniform. It remains to be seen how these challenges will be addressed. But one thing is clear, the current unisex police uniforms are not working for many officers and need to be redesigned.
