Victoria Police has been forced to review the design of the uniform worn by its frontline officers after discovering the pants it issues them are leaving some female police with painful infections.

The revelation is a blow for Victoria Police, whose uniform is required to meet strict performance specifications to ensure it keeps officers safe.

The new police uniform was introduced in 2013 and caused problems soon afterwards. Credit:Paul Rovere

Some female officers have complained for a number of years that the tactical trousers they wear on the beat have been cut to fit men. Now The Age has confirmed the organisation has been forced to source alternative trousers for some of its employees in the hope of avoiding any further occupational health and safety problems.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the comfort and safety of its staff was paramount and “if an item of uniform causes a medical issue, then an application for an exemption can be made and an alternative item can be made available where possible.