Invicta: unconquered; invincible; undefeated. A fitting title for a ground-breaking new jacket for Kent Police officers.
Tailored Image had the honour of working with Kent Police to develop this new combination outerwear set in response to a demand from their officers for an improvement in their uniform offering due to the weather conditions they work in. The Invicta jacket is a 3-in-1 versatile garment solution comprising an outer waterproof jacket, warm fleece and a reflective high-vis jerkin which combined achieve the comfort and protection required by serving officers.
The project has been an unmitigated success, with feedback from officers overwhelmingly positive and one officer describing it as ‘the best piece of equipment Kent Police has ever given [him].’
In mid 2022, a staff survey sent out across Kent Police made clear that the current provision of uniform was not sufficient to cope with the inclement weather faced by officers on the ground. Following the survey, a uniform and equipment group was formed, chaired by the Head of Tactical Operations and Counter Terrorism, Borders Policing at Kent Police. As he explains, ‘The Chief Constable has made a pledge to all officers to really put their health & wellbeing, kit and equipment at the heart of this service, so following that survey we worked very closely with Tailored Image and in consultation with our officers to design a jacket that was fit for purpose, designed by them for them.’
In order to get the most constructive feedback from officers, Tailored Image provided over 20 different sample jackets covering different styles and functionality. Officers from every rank and department had the opportunity to view the various jacket styles. Unanimously, the feedback was that officers and staff wanted a 3-in-1 style jacket because of its versatility and its ability to provide warmth and waterproofness in the winter without excess bulk in the summer.
Working closely with Kent Police, Tailored Image’s Technical Department developed a highly bespoke solution which would deliver solutions to the problems identified in the staff survey, and so the Invicta Jacket project was born.
The anorak layer is designed with inclement weather conditions in mind. To combat rainy conditions, the garment is fully waterproof and has a stowable hood which is adjustable in two planes. Featuring lightweight construction and vents under the armpits, the anorak is suitable for every season. With double entry hip pockets, adjustable features in several places and microfleece pockets, no stone has been left unturned in making this a versatile and impressive garment.
For additional protection and warmth, the fleece layer can be added to the anorak or worn as a standalone garment. This layer comes complete with reinforced panels to improve garment longevity, durability & mobility. A mid-weave fabric achieves maximum air circulation and keep the wearer cool & comfortable. To further enhance wearer experience, contoured front hip pockets achieve maximum comfort when seated.
Finally the high-vis jerkin layer provides the all-important visibility and security required, particularly for roadside police. Again the item can be added to the other two layers of the Invicta jacket or worn as a standalone garment. With self-adjustable sleeve cuffs and waist channel and enhanced airflow fabric, this is a flexible and breathable addition to the garment collection. Perhaps the most important feature is that the jerkin is self-stowable into a convenient package which can be easily attached to the utility belt.
In giving his feedback the Chair of the uniform committee concluded, ‘My experience and that of the procurement team through the Invicta Jacket project has been an unbelievably positive one. Tailored Image have listened and engaged, fed back but also helped in a supportive and advisory way to get us to the place where we are now.’
As well as the benefits of working with the Design & Technical Team on creating this new garment, Kent Police have also benefitted from the fully managed service facility offered by Tailored Image. As well as alleviating administration, the service brings a wealth of additional benefits as explained by their Business Services Manager, who has the responsibility for overseeing uniform provision for Kent Police officers and staff:
‘The support from Tailored Image throughout our journey has been excellent. They are quick to act on all our feedback and offer constructive and positive views on change. The benefits of our managed service are evident with Tailored Image managing and improving our forecasting, manufacture, online ordering system and delivery.
I’m excited to continue the work that we are undertaking to further develop and enhance our uniform, with quality, value for money, comfort and appearance at the forefront of everything we do.’
For more information on how your organisation could benefit from Tailored Image’s bespoke design and full managed service, why not Contact Us today.
