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Most equipment and uniforms designed for police officers are based on tests with male officers. Smaller women - under 5-feet-4-inches tall - often find that small sizes based on a male frame do not fit them. Improperly fitting equipment and uniforms pose a health and safety hazard which could endanger the lives of police officers and of others. Dedicated women's sizing - smaller in overall size and taking women's larger hip size and breasts into account - works best for women from both a health and safety and comfort perspective. Cut-down men's sizes are not adequate for most women. Nearly one-third of women police officers surveyed by the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science (IWITTS) reported fit problems, compared to about 6% of male officers in a workplace assessment conducted by IWITTS in two mid-size police departments. Women officers indicated they reported fit problems to their supervisors, yet fit problems persisted. Sometimes women officers are labeled whiners or troublemakers for insisting on equipment and uniforms that fit properly. Female recruits in the Training Academy may be reluctant to acknowledge fit problems for fear of being labeled a complainer at the beginning of their policing careers.
Women traditionally have problems with sizing of uniforms, vests, duty weapons, holsters, duty belts, handcuffs, bikes, and other equipment. Supply personnel, academy staff and supervisors should be aware of these potential fit problems and should be responsive. Departments should conduct a periodic survey of its female officers to identify fit problems. Ideally, when uniforms and equipment are issued in the Academy, Department management and manufacturer's representatives should be on hand for sizing checks. Your Department may want to include this publication in supervisor training.
What if a particular vendor doesn't offer smaller sizing? During the next round of contract negotiations include smaller sizing for women as a mandatory bid criterion. If women's sizing is not included in bids, then switch vendors; there are vendors who offer dedicated women's sizing. Vendors who don't have smaller sizing can always subcontract and include this in their proposal cost.
For a list of manufacturers with smaller sizing and dedicated women's sizes, see our longer publication, authored by Donna Milgram, Police Equipment & Uniforms Sized to Fit Women. If you have vendors you think we should add to our list, please click here to contact Donna Milgram.
Below is a brief anonymous survey to assist Departments in identifying fit problems with uniforms and equipment. We recommend distributing the survey to both female and male officers so that a comparative analysis can be done. Fit problems may or may not be gender-based.
Uniforms & Equipment Anonymous Survey
1. Does the Department offer dedicated women's sizing or smaller sizes?
Yes No
2. Please check which are available through the Department's vendors:
Body armor with cup sizing
Guns with small handle grips
Holsters designed for women
Dedicated women's supply duty belt
Dedicated women's sizing in uniforms
Dedicated women's sizing in shoes and boots
Community Policing Bicycle in women's frame
Motorcycle in lighter weight
3. How often are equipment and uniforms issued?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
4. Describe the contracting process for uniforms and equipment.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
5. Does the language in the Request for Bid for uniforms and equipment require dedicated women's sizing be offered?
Yes No If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
6. Are vendors allowed to subcontract?
Yes No If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
7. When are the next two Request for Bid processes for uniforms and equipment?
_______________________________________________________
8. Does all of your protective gear, uniforms and equipment fit satisfactorily?
Yes No (If yes, skip to 11.)
9. If no, circle all items that do not fit.
10. If other, state the problem:
________________________________________________________
11. If you have fit/size problems with gear, uniforms and/or equipment,
did you advise the Department of the problem?
Yes No If yes, describe:
_______________________________________________________
12. During the past 2 years, have you had job-related injuries or other health problems caused by fit/size problems with gear, uniforms and/or equipment?
Yes No
13. If yes, state the problem
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
14. How serious are uniform and equipment problems in the Department?
Circle One
0 = none 1 = a little 2 = moderate 3 = serious 4 = very serious 5 = severe
15. Please indicate your gender: Male Female
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