UK police forces have spent around £1 million on supersized body armour and trousers, according to new figures that have drawn criticism from a former detective.
The data shows that forces ordered 282 XXXXL vests, which can fit a 68-inch chest, in the past two years alone. Specially made trousers with a 60-inch waist have also been ordered by the Metropolitan Police.
Former Detective Criticises Standards
Former Met detective Peter Bleksley said officers with a 60-inch waist or 68-inch chest “aren’t fit enough to be a police officer”. He described the drop in standards as “ridiculous”.
Over the past two years, the Met also reportedly bought 82 pairs of patrol trousers with 50-inch waists, 88 pairs with 48-inch waists, as well as some in size 56R.
Figures Obtained Through FOI Requests
The figures were obtained by The Sun through Freedom of Information requests. At least 1,089 custom-made vests were ordered by constabularies for officers during the two-year period.
Cumbria Police bought 731 big-sized sets of armour, while Lincolnshire Police spent £83,962.70 on 149. Hampshire Police spent nearly £47,000 on 41 sets, the data shows.
Police Federation Response
Paul Williams, acting national chairman of the Police Federation association, said police officers “put their lives on the line” and “come in all shapes and sizes”.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Frankly, the public should be far more concerned about whether officers have body armour that can save their lives than the size on their uniform label.”
