Across the UK the uniform look of uniforms worn by police, security guards, bouncers, and even and traffic wardens significantly influences public perception and interaction. This uniformity, while collectively and symbolically identified as safety and order, can create challenges for some of society’s most vulnerable. People experiencing rough sleeping (PERS) in particular may view figures wearing such garments as increased symbols of authority and threat.
Uniforms across many enforcement agencies, including the police, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), private security, nightclub bouncers, local authority street enforcers, and private policing companies, are embellished with badges and designed for practicality, featuring sturdy fabrics and pockets for equipment. While these features are designed to articulate enforcement and authority, they can appear intimidating. For PERS, already marginalised, this can intensify feelings of exclusion, marginality, and vulnerability.
Consequences of uniform nature
Similar enforcement uniforms can be aesthetically daunting even for the housed population. However, they increasingly deter PERS from interacting with enforcement or other uniformed individuals, irrespective of any authentic objectives.
The increased difficulty in classifying different types of enforcement agencies further clouds any interactions. A PERS might be unable to see the difference between a PCSO and a local authority street enforcer, which may lead to conflict and confusion, including uncertainty as to rights and obligations. Misunderstandings, and a history of negative enforcement encounters, may lead PERS to evade support from those in uniform who could offer it, such as outreach workers.
And, according to journalist Samira Shackle, “Private pseudo-police risk replicating the same damaging power dynamics as the actual police with even less scrutiny, oversight, and accountability.” Appearance is a key element of those dynamics.
The rise of pseudo-policing
So one problem with similar enforcement uniforms is that not all those who don them have the same legal powers. Most having the same powers as regular civilians – they cannot make an arrest and have no power to question suspects. But are PERS aware of this? The way ‘pseudo-police present themselves can blur the boundaries for PERS and other marginalised groups who are already disproportionately criminalised, arming pseudo-police officers with authority they don’t possess.
Moreover, bailiffs have been known to dress like police officers, to scare tenants from their homes. And in some wealthy areas of England, residents have gone one step further, hiring private security guards to patrol their streets.
A company called My Local Bobby, founded by two ex-police officers, can be employed by individuals to cover the beat surrounding their properties. Again, their uniforms are similar to those of state-funded police officers, but they have no more powers than the general population.
How long before My Local Bobby and similar private enforcement companies reach Wales, mainly in wealthier areas along the coastline? Or until they are used by local businesses in North Wales and other parts of the country, which want to remove PERS from shop entrances and other public places?
Recommendations for change
To alleviate some of these issues, changes need to be implemented. For instance:
- Agencies could redesign uniforms to make functional roles more distinguishable, including changing colour schemes and having clearly labelled vests indicating the type of enforcement being conducted.
- Provide PERS and other marginalised communities with information that distinguishes different enforcement agencies, their uniforms, and the powers they possess (or not), perhaps in the form of a small card.
- Local authorities and private companies should include PERS in designing policies related to uniform use and enforcement strategies, which could improve trust and effectiveness.
The similarities between various enforcement uniforms are often overlooked by the housed public. However, identifying and perhaps increasing differences could be life-changing for PERS and other marginalised groups. And by equipping them with informational materials, including examples of various uniforms and associated powers, society can empower and protect PERS on a more equal basis.
The consequences of enforcement for people experiencing rough sleeping, when uniforms are so similar and associated powers so wide-ranging, underscores the urgent need for review and reform. A society that’s serious about fairness, justice, and equality must take more thoughtful and practical approaches to enforcement uniform design. This isn’t about changing aesthetics but transforming the message these uniforms send to PERS – and to everyone – in Wales and the rest of the UK.
