Cops forced to buy own uniform amid claims of 'poor quality' kit

POLICE Scotland officers are increasingly buying their own uniform items rather than wear the “poor” quality kit issued to them by the force, a report has revealed.

- Richard Elias

The news has prompted calls for an improvement in gear, some of which has been described as “unprofessional” and “unacceptable”.

Checks carried out by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) revealed a raft of complaints from rank-and-file officers.

Police Scotland has been urged to improve the uniforms worn by officers after a review found several kit items were ill-fitting and of poor quality.

Trousers were found to be insufficiently stretchy and later faded in colour, fleeces were too thin, jackets were too short and body armour too bulky for wearing comfortably while in vehicles.