Tight trousers are restricting the long arm of the law, claim WPcs

Women police officers are demanding new trousers because their uniform is too "tight around the thighs".

A review has been launched into uniforms for female police after a series of complaints that they are "uncomfortable", particularly the ill-fitting trousers, during long shifts.

Women complained that the trouser legs are too narrow and too tight around their thighs, said Julie Nesbit of the Police Federation.

Ms Nesbit added: "It always seems strange that you can walk into a high street store and get a pair of trousers off the peg that fit but you do not seem to be able to get a pair of uniform trousers that can do the same."

The National Police Uniform Working Group is considering changing the colour of jackets and trousers from black to blue and replacing the traditional white shirt and tie with casual black polo shirts. It is part of a move to introduce a new standard uniform for all forces across England and Wales.

Women officers also want better colour quality for their work shirts so the fabric does not become faded or begin to start to bobble, making them appear scruffy. The working group is also looking at improving the comfort of police uniform which has to be worn underneath heavy body armour.

Its findings and recommendations will feed into an Association of Chief Police Officers' strategic group on uniform which will make a final decision later in the year.