Police forced to wear baggy trousers after ‘uniform shortage’

POLICE officers have complained they are being made to wear baggy trousers because of a shortage of uniforms after changing their ordering service.

One officer from West Midlands Police said he was supplied with a pair of trousers six inches too big for him, while another suggested Poundland offer a higher quality range.

One trainer said police students had to conduct riot training in jeans and trainers. The force has admitted it had “experienced some issues around uniform and equipment ordering” but said a backlog was “now clearing”.

DHL, which recently took over the contract to design and deliver the force’s uniform and equipment, said it would provide a “consistent, efficient and uninterrupted supply of products ranging from patrol wear to body armour”. However, contributors to a social media forum for West Midlands Police claim the new six-year deal with DHL has led to uniforms arriving late and being of poor quality.

Referring to a request for new trousers, one officer’s father said: “They arrived with an apologetic note explaining that they were completely out of stock so have sent him some ‘emergency trousers’ in the nearest size available. He takes a 34in waist and the trousers are 40in. Suits you, sir.” A police trainer said: “I have been teaching the student officers foot cordons etc for last few months.

“They have no uniform! And no ETA! Doesn’t seem right doing public order training in jeans and trainers!”

Another officer said: “I know they want to save money but Poundland do a better uniform and clothing range than our uniform stores.” Since 2010, the central government grant for West Midlands Police has fallen by £145million and the number of police officers has been cut by 2,000.

One officer said new officers were being affected financially by uniform shortages. They said: “They get told they won’t get pay rises for passing competency tests because they cannot get signed off for independent patrols without a proper uniform.” A force spokesman said: “Like other forces, West Midlands Police recently switched to the national uniform ordering management service.

“In the long run, the national service will provide better quality kit for our officers and staff. However, there were some challenges as the force migrated over, resulting in a delay in some uniform and equipment reaching officers. The backlog is now clearing.”