Changes to the Police officers uniform

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.025464

I note you seek access to the following information:

I understand that the current PC issued uniform is due to be changed. Navy combats back to black, the blue grey fleece to all black and the officer badge from white on blue to white on black.

Can you tell me when these changes will come into effect. Will it by Borough?
How long will an officer have to exchange there old kit for the new kit.
And finally will metal letters still be used or will it be embroidered epaulettes?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - I understand that the current PC issued uniform is due to be changed. Navy combats back to black, the blue grey fleece to all black and the officer badge from white on blue to white on black. Can you tell me when these changes will come into effect. Will it by Borough?

The MPS moved from Blue to Black Patrol trousers, fleeces and badges at the end of 2020 and the changes were borough wide.

Q2 - How long will an officer have to exchange there old kit for the new kit?

We do not have an exchange old for new kit. The process is ‘Roll in Roll out’ which essentially means as new sizes / stock become available, the old stock in those sizes become obsolete. Until the new stocked sizes are available officers and staff continue to order old stock until is runs out.

Q3 - And finally will metal letters still be used or will it be embroidered epaulettes?

The MPS issue embroidered epaulettes, however chromes are still available and mainly used for ceremonial purposes and when officers move location while they await their embroidered epaulettes for their new location.