New-look police are dressed to arrest
The boys in blue will soon become the men in black after Lincolnshire Police received the go-ahead to introduce a "21st century" uniform.
Smart white shirts and black trousers are out and easier to wash black polo shirts and combat trousers are in for the force's constables and sergeants.
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Sgt Cherry Kelly and Constable Martin Doherty model the new uniforms. See next pictures for full-length shots.
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Sgt Cherry Kelly and Constable Martin Doherty model the new uniforms, which include black polo shirts in moisture-wicking fabric, combat-style trousers with zip pockets, and stab vests on to which equipment can be hooked.
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The new longer-length Gore-Tex jackets.
Officers will be able to wear equipment on body armour instead of placing it all on waist belts while three-quarter length Gore-Tex jackets will replace the current blouson ones.
More formal clothes will still be provided to officers for court visits and special occasions. Discussions are also on-going about introducing standard footwear - currently staff have to provide their own.
The new uniform is expected to be issued before the end of the year after the force's application to change was approved by the Lincolnshire Police Authority.
Police Community Support Officers are also affected and will receive blue polo shirts instead of white shirts.
Deputy Chief Constable Neil Rhodes said a detailed consultation had revealed what officers wanted.
"The two most striking issues were officers asking for modern shirts and trousers," he said.
"The job of a constable is often gruesome. They can be dealing with accident victims or rooting about searching for things. They wanted something they could throw in the washing machine, take out and look smart with minimal ironing. The uniform is for the 21st century."
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by Barry, west-lindsey
Wednesday, September 09 2009, 12:15PM
“Hello Lynn, your quite correct I did say 'difficult situations' as many difficult situations are confrontational. my comments stand and i hope the bobby's get there new choice of clothing at further public cost. Can I further suggest, a Big red nose, makeup, and big red shoes, that would be appropriate attire for these highly paid public servants.”
by Jim, Lincoln
Wednesday, September 09 2009, 11:33AM
“With regards to the comments about Hi-Vis vests, I would imagine the whole idea of them is to make Police Officers easy to recognise and spot at a distance (hence 'High-Visibility'). If they were all drerssed in black they would not be particularly easy to find at night, especially if they were in a crowded town on a Friday or Saturday night.
As for the discussion about Stab Vest design, the 'Vest' shape is in use by UK and US troops all over the world as far as I'm aware. I'm sure there are other more substantial designs for speciallist situations such as bomb-disposal, but these will restrict movement and be heavier, hotter and probably more uncomfortable than the standard vest. As Lynn said, Police Officers in a confrontational situation are trained to avoid putting themselves at unnecessary risk by exposing vunerable areas, and have defensive tools to use against armed attackers.”
by lynn, lincoln
Wednesday, September 09 2009, 8:07AM
“Barry - There is a huge difference in the job remit of a police officer, nurse, binman and a cashier.
I said confronational situations, you said difficult, there's a massive difference. Maybe that's why binmen aren't equipped with truncheons, CS gas and handcuffs. LOL”
by Barry, west-lindsey
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 4:32PM
“"Zero - Nurses, cashiers, and binmen are just as an important service as police officers. The difference being they do not face confrontational situations almost every working day".
WHAT RUBBISH. They do face difficult situations if there is a van full plus a dog handler + pepper spray.
As Dean says
"i thought the lincolnshire police were skint its not long ago when they tryed for 75percent increase on council tax never mind the uniform "
Remember police officer pay starts at £22,000.
a soldier starts around 16,000
no more to say really.”
by Jim, carholme
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 4:14PM
“Gary: No doubt some people will say the police aint what they used to be, lets see more police on the streets etc etc. However we need to face the fact that modern policing simply does not allow this.
could you explain WHY?”
by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 3:34PM
“Zero - Nurses, cashiers, and binmen are just as an important service as police officers. The difference being they do not face confrontational situations almost every working day.
Rick - As for being stabbed in the arm or leg, I hardly think this is life threatening, nor do I think a police officer is going to stand with his/her arms up, a stab in this region could prove fatal though. Don't forget they have CS gas, are trained to deal with aggressive punters, truncheons, handcuffs, uncle tom cobbly and all.”
by Zero, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 2:27PM
“What happens if someone stabs a nurse, cashier or binman anywhere on their bodies? What makes them less important than a police officer?”
by Rick, Lincoln
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 2:23PM
“so what happens if someone stabs a Police officer in the leg, arm or in the side of body just under the arm pit where there not protected by the stabproof vest?”
by Wiseman, West end
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 1:59PM
“good luck creeping up on burglars in those high vis vest Lincs police! They make the uniform look scruffy I don't think they suit the police black is smart and reflects authority.”
by steve, lincoln
Tuesday, September 08 2009, 12:10PM
“Looks good but would look better with black body armour. Thats what the public want to see. Hi vis is fine for traffic duty but black whould be standard. Take note Mr Crompton!!!”