New-style uniform for Britain's railway police
Monday, 19 March, 2012
From March 2012, British Transport Police (BTP) officers have a new modern look with the introduction of a new-style uniform, designed to be more practical, harder wearing and to save the Force money.
"You'll be getting the same first class service from our officers, but they will look a little different," said BTP Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas.
"We have to move with the times and a number of forces have introduced this style of uniform, which should be more practical and better value for money. Indeed we ourselves have been using it in Scotland for some years."
Introduction of the new style uniform is set to save BTP almost £17,000 a year. "That is money we very much need to save in the present climate if we are to protect our front line services," added ACC Thomas.
All uniformed police officers, special constables and police community support officers across England, Scotland and Wales are adopting the new uniform, which consists of a short or long sleeve wicking open necked shirt or blouse.
These replace white shirts and blouses, often worn with ties or cravats, which will now only be worn for formal occasions. There is no change to headgear, with helmets and flat caps worn in England and Wales and flat caps in Scotland.
The new utility uniform tops are black for police officers with the text 'Police' on the upper-arm. PCSOs have a blue top with 'Community Support Officer' on the upper-arm.
