SHORT ARM OF THE LAW

Police watchdog raps force over ill-fitting, poorly made uniforms

- BY NORMAN SILVESTER

FRONTLINE cops are being forced to buy their own uniforms because the ones issued to them don't fit.

A shock report from watchdog His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary found officers are wearing their own trousers, fleeces, boots and jackets rather than the ones given to them by bosses.

Trousers for both cops and staff were found to be of poor quality, ill-fitting, rapidly faded in colour and lacked stretch.

Fleeces designed to keep out the cold were described as too thin.

In some cases female cops were forced to wear men’s trousers because they fitted better.