Maternity wear for female officers

Police forces are introducing maternity uniforms for female officers who want to continue working late into their pregnancy.

The maternity trousers, black pinafore dresses and loose-fitting shirts look almost identical to the standard issue – but can expand at the waist as the pregnancy progresses.

Previously, female officers who told their superiors of their condition were immediately whisked off “operational duties” to do office work where they could wear their own clothes.

Now women are increasingly asking to continue to work with uniformed colleagues in the control room or at the front desk.

In some very rare cases, officers early in their pregnancy may even be allowed to continue on “the beat”, however they will need to pass a risk assessment.

Police women also want a rethink over the current uniform they wear because they say it is unflattering and impractical.

They have complained to senior officers that the old fashioned cut of the trousers with their high waist makes them look like X Factor judge Simon Cowell.

They say the garments are also bulky and make it hard to chase offenders.

In London, the Metropolitan Police has commissioned students from the London College of Fashion to design a new uniform.