‘We just make do’: the use, comfort and functionality of personal protective equipment in the UK mounted police.

The research investigates how effective personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the UK mounted police is. It reveals most of the gear isn’t designed to reduce horse riding-related risks and suggests that there’s a need for improvement in fall protection and mounted specific public order protection.

Methodology

• The study was conducted on a group of twenty police officers who were part of three different UK Mounted Sections.
• It utilized a blend of semi-structured interviews and a range of movement assessments to gather data about the use, comfort, and functionality of the PPE these officers use.

Analysis

• Once the data was collected, it was analyzed using a method called reflexive thematic analysis. This type of analysis involves re-examining the components and underlying patterns of the gathered data, allowing the researchers to identify critical themes that emerged in the study.
• Three primary themes were identified in the research, they weren’t explicitly mentioned but they would have expanded on the issues identified with the use and suitability of the PPE by the UK mounted police forces.

Findings

• The study found that most PPE worn by mounted officers isn’t specifically designed to address the risks associated with horse riding. This illustrates a clear gap in the functionality of the equipment provided.
• It was perceived that officers have been ‘making do’ with the provided PPE, indicating dissatisfaction with the current setup.
• The research also pinpoints that improvements in the formulation of PPE are required, particularly those that provide increased protection from falls and provide mounted specific public order protection.

Conclusion

• The research investigation has highlighted a noticeable need for enhancements in the PPE provision for UK mounted police.
• It has also stressed the officers’ desire for a greater emphasis on the unique risks associated with mounted policing in future equipment provision.