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Policy on Force Uniform and Accoutrements for Police Officers

Bureau / Department Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF)
Objective To review the effectiveness of existing items of uniform and accoutrement items and to consider introduction of new items for Police Officers.
Content The Force Uniform and Accoutrement Committee ("UAC") was formed in the early 1990s as the forum to review the effectiveness of uniform and accoutrement items and to consider introduction of new items for Police Officers.

The UAC and its sub-committees, which consist of both male and female members, meet regularly to discuss issues concerning uniform and accoutrement. With representatives of different formations sitting in the UAC and its sub-committees, comments of police officers, both male and female, can be brought to the attention of the Force Management.
Groups / Persons Affected All police officers in the HKPF.
Impact The needs of both male and female officers have been considered from the outset in the selection of the appropriate uniform and accoutrement for officers (e.g. bullet-proof vest). When new items are to be introduced, both male and female officers are involved in the trial and are required to provide feedback. The items will then be evaluated and modified if necessary to ensure that they are suitable for use by police officers.

The UAC and its sub-committees hold meeting on a quarterly basis. Suggestions made by police officers are discussed in the sub-committees and pursuable proposals are submitted to the UAC for decision.

For example, taking into account the differences in the body shape of male and female officers, suitable modifications to the material and design of uniform have been made in order to meet the different needs of male and female officers.
Success Factor / Lessons Learned Although having the same operational requirement, male and female officers may have different needs in terms of uniform and accoutrements. Through discussion in the UAC and its sub-committees, comments of both male and female officers can be taken into consideration in the adoption of new items or modification of existing items.

With the involvement of both male and female officers in the regular review, the uniform and accoutrements used in the Force can better suit the operational needs of both sexes, which in turn contributes to the improvement of the overall operational efficiency as well as occupational safety and health of the officers.