West Mercia police force has decided to drop its policy of requiring officers to wear white shirts and clip-on ties while on the beat.
The constabulary said new black shirts would be phased in for officers on frontline duties during June. The new shirts, which will also be allocated to special constables, have been specially designed to be worn under body armour.
West Mercia Constabulary, the first force in England to introduce the new shirts for all operational police officers, said many officers had criticised the traditional police uniform, which includes a black tie, as restrictive and extremely uncomfortable when worn under protective vests.
West Mercia's deputy Chief Constable, Ian Arundale, said that the new shirts were well-received during a recent trial.
"Overall, the responses to the new under body armour shirts have been incredibly positive and the shirt was well received by members of the public - with people commenting that the shirts looked very smart, more up-to-date and made officers seem more approachable.
"When officers are not involved with frontline duties they will continue to wear the traditional white shirt and black tie."
Police officers in North Worcestershire will start wearing the new shirts from June 11, with officers in Herefordshire, Shropshire and South Worcestershire following suit on June 25
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