Avon & Somerset Constabulary: British Police Uniform Part 3

Police Belts, Trousers, Skirts, Footwear

Belts

In the early days of policing, constables used wide leather belts like those shown below. These were slowly phased out only to appear again in the 1990's as a nylon web 'duty belt'.

The next rather elegant and relatively rare Bristol Constabulary leather belt has increased in value in recent years. In August 2024, a similar belt buckle only, sold for £105.71 on eBay UK. I can recall seeing a whole belt like the one below sell for around £50 ten years ago.

As with other items of uniform, it's nice to own but what do you do with it? Unless you have a full size manaquin in uniform, it will probably end up in a box or draw for several years until you decide to sell it.

Bristol Constabulary belt

Early 20th century generic 'snake' belt used by various Police Forces

Modern day nylon web version

Standard 1.25 inch wide leather trouser belt

The nylon 'duty' belt shown below is an Avon & Somerset Police issue from the early 1990's. This 2 inch wide belt uses velcro for size adjustment. The plastic buckle snaps together and is released by pressing the top and bottom of the buckle simultaneously. These were not initially issued to Avon & Somerset Special Constables but could be obtained on an individual basis as a private purchase. This buckle was made by ITW Nexus who developed the design designated as SR-50.

Note the buckle reads patent pending

Reverse showing the military style size adjustment

A variety of different pouches were available for documents, handcuffs, radio and pens as shown below. Later versions included additional pouches for the Asp and CS gas. These belts are seen less today since the standard issue 'stab proof' vest and optional 'tactical vest' have enough pockets for these accessories.

This type of utility belt and other uniform changes have been criticised as being too military in appearance. It could be said that British Police officers are becoming increasingly similar to law enforcement agencies of the United States. The US Police had their own 'SWAT' teams long before gun crime was a concern in the UK. The UK has now followed suite and this approach is now seen as an essential response to increased gun crime and terrorism.

Avon & Somerset 1990's issue duty belt pouches

During the 1990's the larger pouch shown above would carry pads of forms like the HORT/1 (Home Office Road Traffic) form used to require motorists to produce their documents at a Police station within 7 days and VDRS (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) for vehicle defects. Other items could include the trusty A-Z street map which was essential in the days before satellite navigation and other mobile GPS devices.

The pouch shown above was also standard issue for dedicated Traffic Wardens at the time but not for Special Constables who would have to request one from the central stores at Bridewell Police station in Bristol (Bridewell station closed in 2005).

Trousers and skirts

The standard issue trousers for British Police officers had changed little during the 20th century. Early versions up to the 1950's were made of wool with cotton lining and buttons on the waist to attach braces. Belt loops were introduced once braces were no longer used. A narrow long pocket was sewn into one side of the trouser leg to accommodate the wooden truncheon. The leather truncheon strap could then be either tucked into the main trouser pocket or under the trouser belt. Later trousers were made from a polyester/wool mix as used by Avon & Somerset Police. Skirts issued to female officers were made of the same material as the trousers. Skirts for female officers were gradually phased out during the early 1990's. Female officers with skirts and handbags was once a common sight but now it's hard to believe it was ever practical.

Dog handlers were the first to be issued with a more casual lightweight cotton trouser considered more suitable for their work. This style was later adopted by all officers and is the current type of trouser used today.

Turner Virr of Yorkshire have supplied Avon & Somerset Police with the current issue style of trousers shown below.

Avon & Somerset officer in 2011 wearing the nylon duty belt and Turner Virr trousers

New uniform for Met WPCs on show in 1967 (right-hand side)

The above press photograph from 1967 shows Pamela Northing (left) wearing the existing uniform and Heather Richards modelling the new Met Police uniform in London. It was designed by Norman Hartnell, dress-maker to the Queen.

Footwear

1945

Dr Martens were a popular choice for both male and female officers during the 1980's and 1990's.

1980


Classic 8 hole Dr Martens with yellow stitching - model '1460'

These eight hole Dr Marten boots were a firm favourite for male Police officers during the 1980's and 1990's. Female officers would sometimes use the low cut shoe version. The boots with yellow stitching were adopted by various youth cults such as the skin heads. They could also be purchased without the yellow stitching to comply with uniform standards required for Police work. Steel toe caps were common until new safety guidelines banned them from some Police Forces.

Sadly, production of these boots in England ceased in 2003 and moved to China - like so many other things. Having said that, Dr Martens now offer an 'originals' range which includes the 8 hole classic which is actually handmade in Northamptonshire, England. The standard version is priced at £159 whilst the version made in England retails at £209 (summer 2022). It's great that they offer a version actually "Made in England" since that's become something of a rarity.

http://www.drmartens.com/uk/c/1460

Dr Martens boots move to China 2002

It seems that Dr Martens are currently experiencing another revival and bouncing back into fashion once more. Long may it continue.

Special Constables have historically been provided with an annual 'boot allowance'. An amount of money towards replacement boots. Footwear has been left to individuals to purchase themselves, with the only stipulation that they are black. Most officers tend to favour a more robust shoe or boot. Sadly, the expectation for having nicely polished boots seems to be a thing of the past following the adoption of a more casual uniform. I still believe there's allot to be said for taking pride in your appearance.