Unused police equipment from Thames Valley Police is being repurposed to help emergency responders working in war zones, the force has said.
The initiative, which began as what the force described as a “simple, practical idea”, aims to reduce waste, save public money and provide protective equipment to responders operating in conflict-affected areas.
Equipment that no longer meets current UK policing requirements, including some items that are no longer in service, is being passed on through what the force called a “trusted humanitarian process” rather than being destroyed or sent to landfill.
Police said the scheme had already saved thousands of pounds in disposal costs while ensuring equipment with “protective and operational value” could continue to be used.
Among the items donated are used body armour, thermal clothing, boots, first aid kits and CBRN equipment designed to protect against chemical irritants.
The force said some body armour had been fitted into lightly protected evacuation vehicles used to transport casualties and supplies. In one recent incident, the armour absorbed the impact of a drone blast, allowing two casualties and two crew members to survive.
Other equipment has also been used to support emergency responders, with thermal clothing helping prevent cold-related injuries and boots reducing cases of trench foot, according to the force.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg said he was “incredibly proud” of the colleagues behind the project.
“What started as a simple, practical idea has made a real difference to people working in some of the most challenging and dangerous conditions imaginable,” he said.
“By thinking differently, we’re reducing waste, saving public money and ensuring equipment that still has value continues to protect lives rather than being destroyed.”
For security reasons, the force said it would not identify the locations or partner organisations involved in distributing the equipment.
