TTPSSWA: More consultation needed for new uniform policy 

Shane Superville

President of the TTPS Social Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) acting ASP Gideon Dickson said he had the same reaction as the public to a recent announcement of a change in the police uniform policy.

During a police media briefing on Thursday afternoon, DCP Operations, Junior Benjamin announced that only officers in elite tactical units, (the Inter Agency Task Force, the Guard and Emergency Branch, the National Operations Task Force and the Multi-Operational Police Section), would be allowed to continue wearing blue operational uniforms. All other units, including divisional Task Forces would be required to wear the traditional grey shirt and dark blue trousers while on duty. The decision was made in a bid to clamp down on the growing trend of criminals wearing clothing similar to police tactical uniforms to stage attacks.

Speaking with Guardian Media on Saturday, Dickson said he did not feel there was sufficient consultation with the association before the decision was finalised. He said while officers have been compliant with the recent directives to submit their blue operational uniforms back to the TTPS, many officers were not pleased with the change in policy. “Putting our Task Force officers back in grey and blue is not the best thing at this point in time. “I can say this might be an opportunity for us to acquire more ergonomic uniforms that is consistent with the climate, the terrain and the activities police officers are called upon to do. “There is only so much we could take. “Officers are human beings too.” Dickson raised concerns over the practicality of having officers wear the traditional uniform as daily duties required that they run, jump and even hike depending on what situations they were entering.

He also called on the police leadership to consider allowing officers assigned to the Canine Unit to wear the operational uniforms as it may not be the most feasible option. “Imagine a man holding a dog in one hand with his grey and blue on with his forage cap on and the dog is dragging him from point A to point B to try and pick up on a scent. “That in itself is cumbersome and confusing. It’s not rational in the times we are in. “We need to tailor-make instructions that make complete sense for the persons you expect to obey those instructions.” Dickson added the change in uniform policy was the latest issue facing police officers who have struggled with shortages in the blue operational wear.

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