Long legs of the law

Seven officers from the region will be in new threads for a year as police throughout the country trial three new types of trousers for functionality, comfort and durability.

Four Masterton police, and one officer each from Carterton, Featherston and Martinborough, will be trialling the trousers for uniformed staff as part of an open tender process. There will be 85 staff from other regions taking part as well.

Police acting national manager of operations Inspector Chris Scahill said the trousers were of the same colour as those already being worn by staff and were three different designs using various blends of material.

"We ultimately want a trouser that offers the best comfort, durability and versatility for our staff across the country who perform a very diverse range of roles every day."

The trail followed a call from frontline staff for more functional trousers, Mr Scahill said.

Material used in the current police uniform trousers for the past 20 years is a 70 per cent wool and 30 per cent polyester blend.

"This is a great opportunity for our frontline staff to have input and provide feedback about a piece of our uniform that could improve comfort and functionality," he said. Officers will complete a survey every four months on their experience.