Hundreds of Ayrshire police officers are to be issued with new boots – which normally retail at around £150 a pair.
The Yorkshire-made footwear, Altberg Peacekeeper P3s, are to be given to officers in the Ayrshire Division in a deal that could cost the taxpayer more than £100,000.
According to figures from December, there are approximately 816 police men and women in Ayrshire.
That means the bill for a pair of new boots for all of them could top £122,000, although that figure does not take into account any potential discount for bulk orders.
Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, divisional commander, said the rollout of the boots would help “enhance” officer safety by “reducing operational injuries.”
He said on Twitter: “Delighted to see that my @AyrshirePolice colleagues will be issued with their operational patrol boots over the next few days.
“These boots will enhance their safety by reducing operational injuries. Thank you to all those involved in the procurement and rollout.”
The chief super also issued a picture of the boots ahead of the new rollout – and the image shows scores of boxes which contain the new footwear.
One Twitter follower described the footwear as ‘guid boots’ adding: “They are a little narrow fitting so don’t be too surprised if there are more than a few who end up needing the wider fit.”
Another said: “Excellent boots, which are extremely comfortable. I’m glad to see officers being issued with quality footwear.”
Another follower replied: “Cracking boots. Still got mine after 30+ years (been retired for 12 of those years!). Looked after them and got them re-soled and waterproofed by Altberg a couple of years ago. 'They will outlast you now', I was told by the cobbler!”
The manufacturers said: “The Peacekeeper P3 Original is supplied to many UK police forces on contract, as their first-choice issue boot.”
According to official figures, police numbers are down 46 in Ayrshire since 2013, when Police Scotland was formed, falling from 862 in 2013 to 816 in December 2021.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
