Frontline focus review of tools of the trade

Leadership and vision

• It is vitally important that frontline officers and staff are properly equipped to perform their roles to the best of their abilities.
• Engagement with frontline officers and staff about their uniform and equipment requirements could be improved.
• The chair of the clothing and equipment working group was delegated from a member of force executive, usually to a chief superintendent.
• There is a need to improve and maintain standards of uniform appearance.
• Once officers have completed their initial probationary training, there should be better supervision of standards of uniform appearance.
• There is a strong perception that more could be done to recycle uniform and equipment, in line with Police Scotland’s stated commitment to the environment.

Delivery

• Frontline officers and staff did not have access to unforms that meet the same standards of quality as those provided to specialist or senior roles.
• There was insufficient awareness and access to suitable uniform alternatives for officers and staff with specific requirements.
• The introduction of an online portal has been seen as positive, but the way that officers and staff access and obtain uniform and equipment still needs greater modernisation.
• The quality fit and longevity of standard issue uniform clothing needs to improve ‑ specifically trousers, jackets, fleece tops, baseball caps and footwear.
• Officers are buying their own items of uniform and equipment.
• People we spoke to were very positive about the new mobile devices and were enthusiastic about the introduction of body worn video (BWV).
• Officers were very positive about their officer safety equipment, training, and the introduction of Taser.

Outcomes

• Police Scotland does not evaluate the effectiveness of uniform issued to officers and staff.