Prison guards fume at new 'Teletubbies' uniform to keep younger inmates calm

10 February 2024 , 17:11

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Mick Pimlett of the Prison Officers Association said scarce resources would best be allocated to dealing with violence (Image: Andy Gardner/grab)

Prison officers aren't happy with their new "Teletubbie" style uniforms - which are designed to be less frightening to young offenders.

According to the Prison Service, the new, brightly coloured uniforms aim to calm kids under the Youth Custody Service. However, officers are less than keen to wear the brightly coloured blue and green outfits.

A source said: “They intend to introduce a ‘softer uniform’ in the belief that the black and white outfit is too intimidating for the little darlings.” Under the proposal, officers choose between an all blue or an emerald green polo shirt, fleece and jacket." The proposals have been outlined in a questionnaire to staff, with the aim that the new uniforms go on top of their classic, black trousers. And it hasn't gone down well.

One serving officer said: “I’m all for modernisation, but I felt like Dipsy when I saw the green uniform. Colleagues were laughing and telling each other they would be dubbed Tinky-Winky if they wore the blue outfit inside the jail. It just feels a bit woke for all the wrong reasons and I believe sends out the wrong message to our inmates. First and foremost, it’s secure accommodation and the young people are there for a reason.”

The uniform aims to make younger inmate calm (Getty Images)

The Daily Star reported that a photo of the planned outfits shows staff posing against a background wall painted with a cartoon figure mural. The questionnaire asks YCS workers to rate each garment. For the polo shirt it says: “Is the fabric fit for purpose?”

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Assessing the ‘softshell fleece’, it asks: “Does the product integrate properly with the layers and the other uniform items?” While for the jacket, it states: “Does the product hinder movement or cause discomfort when walking and running? Do you like the Royal Blue? Do you like the Kelly Green? Which colour do you think would work best within the YCS estate?”

Mick Pimlett of the Prison Officers Association said scarce resources would best be allocated to dealing with violence. He said: “We believe that it is a disciplined service and YCS should be concentrating on reducing violence in that estate. This is purely cosmetic and it is unlikely the cost will result in any noticeable improvement for staff or young children under their care.

The YCS deals with children under 18. Those aged up to 15 would be sent to a secure home with older youths held in a young offenders institute.

Andy Gardner