Arco supplies new suit for SOCOs

Arco, experts in safety and workwear, has become the exclusive stockist of an award-winning protective suit specially designed for scene of crime officers (SOCOs) and crime scene investigators (CSIs).
The Microgard 2000 SOCO suit, which was produced in conjunction with an expert team from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), was designed to give an essential balance between comfort and performance while being practical for the wearer. The protective suit is now sold exclusively through Arco to other police forces across the country.
Microgard worked closely with SOCOs from GMP to design a suit that provided practicality against contaminants as well as provide comfort and performance while on the job. The new suit has many features that make it the ideal choice for any SOCO or CSI. The suit has been designed to fit both men and women and is available in a range of sizes. Other practical features include a hood compatible with other personal protective equipment, including goggles and respirators, self-adhesive pockets to secure equipment that can be positioned anywhere on the garment and finger loops to prevent sleeve movement when working above the head. The suit also conforms to an array of European standards, including EN 14605, EN ISO 13982-1, EN 103034, EN14126, EN1073-2, DIN 32781 and EN1149-1, meaning the garment offers excellent protection against a range of contaminants that a SOCO or CSI may come up against.
Paul Bryce, product and marketing manager at Microgard Ltd, said: “We found it extremely useful to work together with the team from GMP to design a suit that provides practicality for the SOCOs as well as comfort and performance. The team we worked with included experts in the field and knew what was wanted and needed from a protective suit. Their input into the design of the suit was integral to the creative process and we are very proud of our ongoing relationship with GMP.”
Kate Salesse at GMP said: “The pride and satisfaction I feel each time I see television coverage of my staff working safely and comfortably under media scrutiny while representing Greater Manchester Police is my reward for instigating this work.”
The design was recognised by the Workwear and Corporate Clothing Show in April, winning the PPE Section of The Business Manager Award.

• For more information on the Microgard 2000 SOCO suit visit www.arco.co.uk or call 01482 222522.