The lists of police uniforms and equipment here are not exhaustive, nor specific for each force, but give a general overview of typical 'kit' used in the United Kingdom.

History of the Police Uniform The first police officers to carry out a uniform patrol were probably Bow Street Horse Patrol . By the early 1800s, the Patrol comprised around 50 officers who all wore a blue coat and trousers, a black top hat and a scarlet waistcoat.

While uniformed police officers existed before then, it wasn’t until the 19th century that UK police forces began to comply with standardised uniforms and equipment. This is a guide to the evolution of police uniforms from the past to the present.

Mid-Victorian style police uniforms remained little changed until the late 1900s, although the working tunic grew shorter, more fitted, and in the 1940s a lounge-style jacket with lapels was introduced.

In 1829 London established the first modern police force, including a uniform dress code. They chose dark blue for the police because the British military wore red and white. Following their lead, including the colour choice, U.S. police departments began to institute dress codes.