Beat officers try out polo shirts

The new polo shirts will be worn by officers on street patrol

Beat officers in a Kent police division have been trying out a new uniform which replaces the traditional white shirts and clip-on ties with polo tops.

The new black zip-up shirts will be worn by officers on the beat in Medway for the next three months. Community support officers will be wearing blue.

The trial, which starts on Monday, is a response to requests from officers.

Many felt that more comfortable uniforms would help them cope with modern body armour and other equipment.

"The safety and comfort of our officers is paramount and the force is keen to ensure they are properly equipped to carry out their duties," said Ch Supt Jan Stephens.

"This trial is a result of listening to the needs of police officers and ensuring that our uniforms keep pace with the changing role of professional policing duties."

The public are being asked to send their comments to Kent Police, which will also take the officers' opinions into account when deciding whether to make the shirts part of the official uniform for the whole force.

Officers will continue to wear white shirts and black ties when not on front-line duties.