Japan police to eliminate skirts in officer uniforms

Police in Japan are set to abolish skirts in uniforms starting in April 2025. This decision comes as most female officers prefer to wear pants for ease of movement. The National Police Agency (NPA) announced the change on Friday. The new uniform policy is aimed at community police officers at various locations, including police boxes. Many female officers now need to respond quickly to incidents, which has made skirts less practical. Along with the removal of skirts, the NPA will introduce new polo shirts that are designed for hot weather. These shirts will be made from breathable material to help officers stay cool during the summer months. Historically, skirts were common for female officers who worked on traffic enforcement. However, with more women stationed at police boxes, there has been a shift in uniform needs. The updated uniforms will standardize insignia sizes for men and women. The new polo shirts will come in both short and long-sleeve styles, maintaining similar colors and designs to current shirts. Additionally, a new cap made from mesh fabric will be introduced for patrol duties. The polo shirts will be trialed at four police stations in Saitama Prefecture from May to October. After the trial, local police departments will decide whether to fully implement the new uniform style.