Supporting Women in Uniform: Research Calls for Change in Police Equipment Policy

Groundbreaking research "Supporting Women in Uniform: Research Calls for Change in Police Equipment Policy" by Dr Camilla De Camargo, Co-i at Lancaster University Policing Academic Centre of Excellence (L-PACE), has revealed that police uniforms and protective equipment are causing physical harm to women officers. Findings from the National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey, led by Dr De Camargo with co-investigator Dr Stephanie Wallace, Lancaster researcher Lois Fairclough, and the Police Federation of England and Wales, show that ill-fitting stab vests and PPE often crush the breasts, cause cysts and skin issues, restrict breathing, and contribute to long-term musculoskeletal pain. Some officers reported needing medical treatment, yet police forces do not currently issue specialist bras or consider breast health when designing uniform and body armour.

The findings echo the work of Dr Jenny Burbage (University of Portsmouth), whose studies on female military recruits show that standard sports bras are unsuitable for prolonged, high-load, high-impact activity, such as military or policing roles. Her research calls for occupationally specific breast-support solutions — an area being advanced by Rebeka Polgar, founder of Tigers Eye, whose scientifically tested bras are designed for women in the military and emergency services.

Dr De Camargo recently presented her findings in front of MPs at a Parliamentary event alongside Dr Burbage and Tigers Eye on 29 October, “Experiences of Women on the Frontline”, highlighting the urgent need for gender-responsive uniform policy.

Camilla has also been invited to meet with the Minister for Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones MP, at the Home Office in late November to discuss how the findings from the National Survey can inform national reform.

In her letter, Sarah Jones MP wrote that “uniform is more than just apparel; it plays a vital role in officer wellbeing, operational effectiveness, and public perception.” She acknowledged that the scale and significance of the research “merit close attention,” adding that she “would be pleased to meet with Dr De Camargo to hear more about the results and to discuss how we can work together to address the concerns raised and support meaningful improvements.”

Together, this work and ongoing engagement signal growing recognition that police uniform and PPE must be 'fit for form' and designed for all bodies. Providing properly fitted, functional and fit for purpose uniform is not a luxury — it’s a matter of health, equality, and operational safety.