Victoria Police officers claim ill-fitting pants split at crotch

THE last thing a copper wants when in hot pursuit of a crook is for their pants to split at the crotch. But the issue is causing unrest within the ranks of Victoria’s police force.

The “tactical trousers” — issued to frontline police — have been branded as poor quality. Picture: File

PROBLEM-prone pants are causing unrest within the ranks of Victoria’s police force amid complaints they’re poor quality and splitting at the crotch.

The “tactical trousers” — ­issued to frontline police — are coming apart when officers jump fences and even during routine arrests.

They are also copping flak for being uncomfortable, too sweaty and cutting due to the fit.

Some officers have sought exemptions from wearing the pants and bought alternatives at their own ­expense.

The police union is surveying members to gauge the ­extent of the problem and Victoria Police has been forced to issue pants with a reinforced crotch.

Macca’s view

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt told the Herald Sun: “Members have reported that the pants are ill fitting and of poor overall quality.”

“Our members tell us that the cut of the pants limit their movement when they are ­required to execute some of the defensive techniques they are trained to perform, and are particularly limiting when they are required to complete routine policing tasks, such as jumping fences,’’ Mr Gatt said.

“Many have reported that the pants split at the crotch easily and are particularly prone to do so when executing a common arrest technique.”

The problem was “not an uncommon occurrence” and varied depending on an officer’s role, size and gender.

“The material used in manufacturing the pants is particularly unpopular with members, who have advised that the material does not breathe, and that the pants cause excessive sweating, particularly in summer,’’ Mr Gatt said.

“This is not only a matter of lack of comfort, but has resulted in members contracting medical ailments.

“The cut of the pants has proven difficult for female members who report that the pants seem to be cut for men, and therefore either gape or are too tight across the hips.”

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The police union will provide findings of its survey to Victoria Police in the hope of a remedy “as soon as possible.’’

Police spokeswoman Sophie Jennings said the comfort and safety of officers was paramount and the force was working with the union to ensure this wasn’t compromised.

She said the police uniform had undergone significant testing and there had been no recent changes to the design of the trousers.

“Victoria Police is aware of a small number of cases in which issues have arisen with police-issue operational trousers, worn by frontline members,’’ Ms Jennings said.

“In response to the issues raised Victoria Police has issued trousers with a strengthened crotch seam and is planning a trial of an updated women’s size range.”

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