News Japan's police to phase out uniform skirts for female officers

The NPA announced on Friday that starting in April, female officers will no longer be able to wear skirts as part of their uniform, and trousers will become the standard attire for all personnel.

The decision follows a decline in female officers opting for skirts as more take on frontline duties such as responding to incidents and accidents. The agency noted that some police departments have already phased out skirts entirely. The updated uniform policy will also introduce breathable polo shirts for male and female officers as part of the summer attire.

The National Police Agency said police in 26 of the country's 47 prefectures have already stopped issuing uniform skirts, based on feedback that skirts hinder mobility during field duties. The agency decided to stop issuing skirts nationwide to unify uniform standards. Police uniforms for female officers, which included skirts and pants, were first specified in regulations in 1976.

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I bet they're pleased about this; skirts must be very impractical when in hot pursuit of a miscreant!

Last summer, while riding my bike, I collided with a minivan that abruptly stopped before me, leaving a dent in its tailgate. We called the closest koban, and they sent a young female officer. Riding a scooter, it would have been rather impractical for her to wear a skirt. It was my first time dealing with the police in Japan, and I was impressed with her professionalism. She came in at less than 155 centimetres but was clearly in charge. Seeing her cauliflower ears, we knew she must have been a martial arts whizz—a skirt would have been entirely out of place.

Anyhow, sunglasses, polyester polos, and trousers for female officers: it's good to see them adapting to modern times.

If it was optional already it doesn't really seem to be an improvement. Unless some were pressured to wear skirts when they didn't want to.

thomas said:

Seeing her cauliflower ears, we knew she must have been a martial arts whizz—a skirt would have been entirely out of place.

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It takes a lot of trauma to develop cauliflower ears!

Ukigumo said:

It takes a lot of trauma to develop cauliflower ears!

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They're definitely a red flag: "Don't mess with me!"