“We just make do”: the use, comfort and functionality of personal protective equipment in the UK mounted police

Police officers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce their risk of injury while on duty. Despite the unique policing activity of riding a horse, little is known about the PPE used by mounted officers. The aim of this research was to assess the use, comfort, and functionality of mounted police PPE. Twenty officers from three UK Mounted Sections were recruited. Semi-structured interviews and range of movement assessments were conducted. Interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were generated: Functional requirements, Issues, and Areas for improvement. Much of the PPE worn by mounted officers is not designed for the risks associated with horse riding. There was a sense that officers “make do” with their current PPE provision, but increased protection from falls and mounted specific public order protection were identified as particular areas for improvement.