Standards of dress and appearance for uniformed police officers, special constables and uniformed police staff (PS 315)

Background

Nottinghamshire Police must provide the best possible policing service to the people of Nottinghamshire. We have a responsibility to enhance public confidence in Nottinghamshire Police and present a professional image. The wearing of uniform must be consistently applied throughout Nottinghamshire Police.

All police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables of Nottinghamshire Police must portray a professional image to the public and communities we serve. A smart and professional appearance will project authority and respect whilst providing reassurance to the public of a professional standard of service. The appearance of police officers and police staff is a factor that may influence opinion and poor appearance may detract from an otherwise excellent service. This also supports Our Pledge to develop a workforce fit for the future and deliver an outstanding service we can all be proud of.

Aims and objectives

Nottinghamshire Police is committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, the diverse needs of all police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables are met, provided that they do not conflict with, or compromise, the delivery of operational services and obligations under Health and Safety legislation and the overall requirements and standards as set out in this policy.

The aim of the policy is to standardise the dress and appearance of all uniformed police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables in Nottinghamshire Police, thereby ensuring consistency and safety for staff whilst portraying an image which engenders confidence, credibility and respect from the public we serve. The policy complies with best practice as detailed in Home Office Circular 051/2003.

The objective of the policy is to establish a framework of guidance and instruction that will assist police officers, police staff, supervisors and line managers in identifying and maintaining acceptable and expected standards of dress and appearance. Religious and cultural requirements will be accommodated wherever possible.

A panel of personnel from across Nottinghamshire Police meet quarterly to discuss potential uniform changes as part of the Uniform Working Group. All requests for additional or changes to standard issue uniform/equipment must be considered by the group.

An App has been built to allow all officers and staff to order, return and query all uniform and equipment related items. Access is via NAPPS, and the portal is linked to individuals account so they will be no need to input any details.

Details

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Uniformed police officers
• Uniformed police staff
• Special constables
• Volunteer Cadet Leaders

For guidance regarding non uniformed police officers and non-uniformed police staff see policy document PS 312.

Key principles

• All police officers, staff, volunteer cadet leaders, and special constables must maintain a professional and positive image of Nottinghamshire Police through appropriate appearance for their role, applying common sense and discretion in line with societal standards and the spirit of the policy.

• Items worn must not compromise operational safety, impartiality, or the professional appearance of Nottinghamshire Police.

• Line managers and supervisors will appropriately manage the standards of dress and appearance of their people at all times, ensuring the compliance with Health and Safety.

• The policy complies with Home Office Circular 051/2003.

• Whilst maintaining the standards of dress, consideration will be given to extremes of temperature, health and safety, hygiene, ethnic, cultural, religious and medical factors.

• Consideration must be given to the appropriateness of wearing or displaying of any visible representations. The wearing of anything that could show any political bias, impartiality or detract from the professional image of Nottinghamshire Police should be avoided.

• The Health and Safety policy requires that each individual has a duty to ensure that they do not place themselves at unnecessary risk and will take precedence over this policy.

• Individuals can raise through their line managers/heads of departments, key areas of uniform and equipment concerns or issues and/or identify emerging trends for consideration by the Uniform Working Group who will make informed decisions about future planning and direction.

Responsibilities

Individuals

• It is the responsibility of all individual police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables to ensure they adhere to this policy and associated procedures and guidance.

• To ensure that a good standard of appearance is

• To adhere to reasonable instructions by a line manager in the wearing of uniform or workwear whilst working for Nottinghamshire Police.

• Where issued, high-visibility clothing will be the standard uniform to ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations and to visibly support high-visibility patrols.

• If individuals have concerns or issues regarding uniform or equipment, they should raise them through their line manager/head of department for local resolution. Where appropriate, line managers/heads of may escalate the matter to the Uniform Working Group for further consideration.

Line managers and supervisors

• It is the responsibility of line managers/supervisors to ensure that all their officers and staff comply with the uniform and appearance standards and that a good standard of appearance is maintained.

  Supervisors are specifically responsible for ensuring officers comply with Health and Safety requirements, including the correct wearing of uniform and PPE. As part of this, high-visibility clothing is the default standard across the force and must be worn where issued.

  If officers raise any issues regarding uniform or equipment, line managers should try to resolve it locally.  Where the line manager feels that the issue should be raised at force level for consideration and direction, then the matter should be raised through the Uniform Working Group for consideration.

• They must decide on the suitability of dress and appearance whilst considering the role being undertaken and likely extremes of temperature, health and safety, hygiene, ethnic, cultural, religious or medical factors.

• Where supervisors/managers are concerned about an individuals’ appearance, the individual should be appropriately and sensitively challenged, then informed of the standards of dress and appearance The reasons for their failing to adhere to the standards should be established.

• Support and guidance should remain the priority for line managers and supervisors who should seek to instigate more formal procedures only where failure to comply is appropriate.

Appearance

Hair

Hair should be neat and tidy. It should be worn so that it is cut or secured above the collar and ears and presents a professional image. Individuals should consider the health and safety implications of how they wear their hair.

Extreme hair styles, hair colour, patterns and motifs are not appropriate and should not prevent the wearing of headgear.

Facial hair

Where police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables are clean shaven, they should adhere to this daily to ensure they present a neat and tidy image.

Fully grown beards and other facial hair should be kept clean, neat and tidy. Individuals should consider the health and safety implications of their beard, for example the length and implications for face fit masks.

Warrant cards/ID cards must be updated when there is a substantive change in appearance.

Cosmetics

Makeup and nail polish can be worn in moderation and must convey a professional image. Nails must be of a functional length that does not represent a health and safety issue. Mehindi (henna plant) decorative body painting in accordance with religious or cultural observance may be worn.

Tattoos

Tattoos that may be considered offensive and impact on the professionalism of the police service must be covered at all times. Refer to the PD 480 Police Officer Recruitment and Selection Procedure for greater detail.

Individuals must not have tattoos on their hands, neck, forearms or face if they could reasonably be interpreted as discriminatory or offensive and/or indicate attitudes or views that are inconsistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Jewellery

The minimum amount of jewellery should be worn to maintain a professional image and minimise any risks to health and safety. No excessive jewellery in terms of amount or colours is acceptable as this detracts from a professional, uniform image. Police officers, police staff and special constables have a duty of care to themselves and colleagues to risk assess the jewellery being worn and the circumstances they are in.

Jewellery which is worn as part of a religious or cultural belief may be worn providing there is no significant risk to health and safety.

Lanyards, patches and pin badges

To maintain high standards of impartiality and professional dress only the following visible representations should be worn:

• Lanyards issued by Nottinghamshire Police.

• Pin badges issued by Nottinghamshire Police.

• Pin badges issued by a Nationally and Locally Recognised Staff Network (e.g. Christian Police Association (CPA), National Black Police Association (BPA) etc.)

• Pin badges that are issued by staff associations of Police Federation, Superintendents’ Association.

• Pin badges that are issued by Nottinghamshire Police recognised trade unions.

• Pin badges that support an approved Nottinghamshire Police peer support service e.g. Wellbeing Champions, TRiM etc.

• The red ‘Haig’ poppy of The Royal British Legion, for the annual campaign period (28 October to 11 November or Remembrance Day, if later).

• Recognised charity memorabilia purchased in support of charities that support injured and fallen officers and their families.

• No patches other than insignia of rank will be worn on uniform clothing, other than those specifically approved by the Chief Constable.

Exceptions:

• The AFO patch is part of operational requirements and post incident procedure encompassing anonymity arrangements.

• Hidden disabilities’ lanyards.

For those permissible items set out above, they must be of moderate size and design and must not be of a political nature, offensive or worn or displayed incorrectly in accordance with the Code of Ethics. They should also not impair the effectiveness or damage the reputation of any individual or that of policing.

Wearing decorations (medals) on formal occasions

Medals will normally be worn so that each medal is suspended from between 3.17cm and 3.81cm of ribbon and so fastened as to cover the ribbons on the jacket. If more than one medal is worn it may be necessary to vary the length of ribbon so that the lower extremities of the medals are in a horizontal line.

Specific instructions will normally be issued on each occasion when officers are required to wear their medals. Generally, such occasions will be visits by members of the Royal Family, where the police either form a guard of honour, funerals or are in special attendance or are otherwise brought into contact with Royalty, and when taking part in processions where members of other services are present and wearing their medals. In the case of visits by HMICFRS the wishes of the Inspector will be followed. When attending funerals advice should be sought from a family member regarding the wearing of medals.

Medals of any description must be retained whilst in service to comply with any Nottinghamshire Police requirement to wear medals at relevant events.

The medal sequence

When wearing medals / affixing medal ribbons to Tunics the sequence they need to go on is (left to right):

Queens Awards

• Victoria Cross / George Cross (These take preference over any other medal).

• MBE or OBE or CBE.

• Queens Police Medal.

Military Service

• Operational Medals (in order of when individual conducted operational theatre).

Jubilee Medals

• Golden Jubilee Medal.

• Diamond Jubilee Medal.

• Platinum Jubilee Medal.

• Accumulated Service Medal.

• Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

• Any foreign decorations or medals that H. M. The King has given permission to be worn.

When wearing your medals these should be placed over your ribbons (on tunics) which should be in the same order as your medals. If you have a tunic, your ribbons should be stitched/tailored to the garment, but they can be attached to a ribbon/s pin bar for easy attachment and removal from a tunic. The pin bar on the reverse of your medals ideally should slide through loops sewn on to your tunic and above a tunic's left-hand side chest pocket but the pin bar point can be forced through the fabric of a garment.

Sunglasses

May be worn when required but, must be removed when speaking or dealing with a member of the public and when inside a building. As soon as it is known that for a medical reason there is a necessity for sunglasses to be worn, then this must be discussed with a supervisor or line manager. Bright coloured frames and mirror reflective lenses are not acceptable.

Food

Police officers, special constables and police staff should not use gum, eat or smoke when dealing with the members of the public or media. At a community engagement event, where food has been provided, it is the individuals choice and judgement to determine if they wish to eat.

Uniform Dress Code

• The uniform that is worn will only consist of items issued by the Uniform Portal.

• Whilst on duty, uniformed police officers and uniformed police staff will wear the clothing issued at all times unless authorised by their line manager to wear plain To avoid confusion about the identity of the role wearer, different uniforms must not be mixed.

• In cases where uniformed police officers and police staff are on recuperative or limited or management restricted duties, consideration needs to be given as to whether the health and safety risk assessment, individual's circumstances and/or disability may affect the wearing of uniform. In such cases, advice may be sought from Occupational Health and plain clothes can be worn.

• All items of uniform must be kept clean and in good repair. It is the responsibility of police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables to ensure lost/damaged items of uniform are replaced. Unless authorised to wear plain clothes, uniformed police officers and police staff will wear uniform at all times when on Except for footwear, uniformed police officers and police staff may wear only items issued by Nottinghamshire Police and authorised for the particular duty as per the relevant kit list. Where individuals choose to purchase their own uniform, they do so at their own risk and must ensure that it meets the required Nottinghamshire Police quality, standards and conformity.

• Tac/Molle vests are only to be worn by members of staff authorised to do so, by virtue of their role, a particular skill or following a consultation with OHU. All other persons carrying PPE should do so using Nottinghamshire Police issued utility belt.

• We are aware of a replacement programme to equip all officers with body armour that has inbuilt high visibility.  Until everyone is in receipt of this PPE, the position of Tac/Molle vests over or under high-visibility jackets should be considered following a dynamic risk assessment based on the incident the individual is dealing with.

• Until there is universal roll-out of high-visibility body armour covers (that double up as a tac-vest), the wearing of black Tac/Molle vests under high-visibility jackets should only be considered following a dynamic risk assessment based on the incident the individual is dealing with. Personally bought black tac-vest should not be worn over a high-visibility jackets under any circumstance., such items of kit will no longer be worn once the Hi-Viz version is issued.  

• When travelling to or from work, police officers and police staff may wear certain uniform items including skirts or trousers. This will be subject to a personal risk assessment. Any Nottinghamshire Police insignia / badge must not be visible. A civilian jacket and/or over garments should be worn over the items of uniform.

• Uniformed police officers and police staff attending court are to wear their standard uniform. Personal protective equipment, including body armour should not be worn when giving evidence, but should be stored at the court. In circumstances where there is an identified risk a decision may be made that such uniform should be worn.

• When police officers and/or police staff are on patrol in pairs or a larger group then they should try to ensure consistency of appearance.

• When off duty the wearing of identifiable uniform or part uniform will not take place unless prior approval has been obtained from the relevant Chief Superintendent or Departmental Head.  Please see the memorandum of understanding, issued by the Uniform Working group, for further information.

• Police officers, special constables and police staff are not permitted to wear uniform when appearing on internet sites in an off-duty situation. 

Police issue headwear

• Police issue headwear will be worn at all times outside police buildings, unless in immediate pursuit of an offender, travelling in a vehicle or other extenuating.

• The appropriate headwear as per the kit list for the role will be worn.

• Headwear is an integral part of the uniform and is an important element in enabling the public to recognise Nottinghamshire Police personnel.

• Police issue headwear may be removed at the discretion of a Senior Officer or if a reasonable adjustment exists for headwear not to be worn. For example during periods of hot weather. Individuals must retain the headwear on their persons whilst on duty. 

• The hijab can be supplied and should be worn underneath the police issue hat.

• A black or dark navy turban may be worn, and a PC cap badge can be provided.

Police issue uniform trousers / skirts

• These will be worn as per the current uniform kit list for the role.

Police issue shirts, long or short sleeve

• Police officers and police staff on operational deployment will wear wicking (black breathable top) shirts or the equivalent as per the roles kit list. Staff of Chief Inspector and above will wear white shirts.

• On other non-operational occasions or non-front line office based roles, officers and staff will wear the formal shirt with a tie.

• Shirts will be tucked into trousers or skirts. Named epaulettes will be worn at all times unless a specific operational requirement exists for this not to happen, for example CT. Undergarments worn under white shirts will be plain and appropriate in colour.

• The long sleeved black micro fleece is issued as an additional layer of cold weather protection. These are to be worn over regular wicking or white shirts only and are not to be worn as a single layer and are not to be tucked into trousers. They are to be worn with appropriate epaulettes.

Police issue ties

• Police issue ties or the police cravat will be worn at all times when wearing the formal shirt which will be buttoned up to and including top button.

• Ties and cravats may be removed and the top button undone at the discretion of a Senior Officer or if a reasonable adjustment exists for ties and cravats not to be worn.

• Police officers and police staff are only permitted to wear one small tie pin/enamel badge that would not be considered offensive or inappropriate, on the tie and not impact on the on the professionalism of the police service.

Police Support Unit clothing

• Learning and Development department will email the students the relevant kit list directly.

Police issue body armour

• The default position of Nottinghamshire Police is that the body armour must be worn when on patrol unless a dynamic risk assessment* undertaken by the supervisor indicates otherwise. This is to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety legislation designed to protect officers and staff. First and second line managers have a positive duty under the legislation to ensure that their direct reports are complying with risk assessments and PPE regulations.

• Body armour must be worn when engaged in policing activities.

• Where high-visibility combined tac-vest and body armour has been issued, this must be worn over the fleece, and over the high visibility jacket at all times to ensure access to PPE.

• This must be worn under the fleece, or under the high visibility jacket at all times.

• Police issue body armour has a 10-year life It is the individual’s responsibility to monitor this and contact Uniform Services six months before the expiry date to arrange a replacement.

*A dynamic risk assessment is a real-time, continuous process of identifying and managing risks as they arise in changing work environments, which are not covered by a generic risk assessment, allowing for quick adjustments to ensure safety.

Footwear

• Footwear must be of a black, lace up, low-heeled design and plain, in keeping with uniform appearance.

• Footwear must be polished.

• Plain black or dark blue socks or black tights/stockings will be worn when in uniform.

• When a risk assessment requires protective footwear to be worn for a task operation, it will be worn by all police officers and police staff involved unless a manager specifies Appropriate footwear will be provided for public disorder duties only.

Scarves

• Scarves/snoods are not recommended by Health and Safety. If the individual wishes to wear scarves/snoods during inclement weather, these will be navy blue or black in colour and consideration given to health and safety risks. These will be worn inside the outer jacket and in keeping with the uniform.

Maternity wear

• Maternity wear is It should be discussed with the individual’s line manager and requested from the Uniform Portal.

• This uniform is for uniformed police officers, police staff and It is not compulsory that it is worn.

Carrying of equipment

• All operational officers and uniformed police staff must, where their role dictates, be in possession of the following items of uniform / equipment:

  • Warrant card / ID card

  • Airwave radio

  • Speed cuffs

  • Baton

  • Limb restraints

  • PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide) - Incapacitant Spray

  • Personal First Aid Pouch

  • Body worn video

• Officers can choose which additional items to carry but must ensure that the belt or OHU approved TAC is tidy and not overloaded. All items must be Nottinghamshire Police issue. Where individuals choose to purchase their own equipment, they do so at their own risk and must ensure that it meets the required Nottinghamshire Police standards.

Medical issues

• If an individual experiences medical concerns relating to their uniform, such as sensitivity to certain fabrics, develops dermatitis, has musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and requires specific medical advice regarding uniform and/or equipment, they should be referred to the Occupational Health Department for assessment and resolution. This list of medical conditions is not exhaustive. If individuals have uniform related concerns due to other personal reasons these should be discussed with their line manager who can seek advice from the Uniform team regarding what solutions maybe the most appropriate.

Health and Safety

• Further advice and guidance on the fitting and maintenance of uniform can be obtained from the trained staff at the Uniform Portal.

• Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: It shall be the duty of every employee whilst at work:

• • to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and

  • as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with themselves so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed and complied with.

Loss of uniform / body armour

All loss must be reported to Uniform Portal via the officer’s first line manager stating what efforts have been made to locate the item before a new request is submitted. Due to cost and length of replacement time any loss of body armour should also seek the endorsement from the officer’s second line manager prior to a replacement being ordered.

Dispersal of uniform

There is a process for damaged soiled items, please see advice from the Uniform Uniform contaminated with asbestos; advice should be sought from the control room.

Return of uniform and equipment

Individuals who leave Nottinghamshire Police or who are unlikely to have to wear uniform again or use the issued equipment, must return these items via the Local Facilities hub. Items should be placed in bags clearly marked as return and include the following information:

• Reason for return
• Individual’s name
• Collar number
• Employee number.

The leaver checklist specifies where Equipment/KIT that does not fall under the responsibility of the Supplies Department should be returned to.

Legislative compliance

This document has been drafted to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty; Data Protection Act; Freedom of Information Act; European Convention of Human Rights; Employment Act 2002; Employment Relations Act 1999, Health and Safety legislation and other legislation relevant to policing.

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PS 315:
Standards of dress and appearance for uniformed police officers, special constables and uniformed police staff

Type of Document:
Policy

Version:
1.5

Registered Owner:
Claire Salter

Author/Reviewer:
Harriet Shepherd

Effective Date:
September 2025

Review Date:
September 2030

Linked Documents:

• PS 361 Policy Standards of Dress and Appearance for non-uniformed police officers and police staff
• PD 480 Police Officer Recruitment and Selection Procedure