Police Uniform Tax Rebate

Work uniforms are meant to keep employees looking put together, clean and ready to work, the crisp uniform of the police officer conveys power and authority. When a police officer puts on his or her uniform the officer is perceived in a very different way by the public. He or she is viewed as embodying each person’s stereotypes about all police officers. Research has suggested that clothing has a powerful impact on how people are perceived, and this goes for the police officer as well. The uniform of a police officer has been found to have a profound psychological impact on those who view it. Research has also suggested that even slight alterations to the style of the uniform will change how citizens will perceive the officer.

 the uniform of the police officer helps identifies a law officer as someone you can trust. daily service uniform is subjected to oil, grease, dirt and normal wear and tear. Keeping work uniforms clean can be a challenge, but if you remember a few guidelines you be prepared with clean work clothes every day on the job.

Unless your uniform is heavily soiled try to use cooler temperatures when running water into the washing tub, or when using your washing machine. Cooler temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or less will reduce the amount of color that bleeds from the fabric, helping to keep the uniform looking bright and vibrant for longer. Place mild detergent and half a cup of vinegar in the washing machine with clothes. Vinegar removes odors and acts as a fabric softener. Set the machine to wash with warm or hot water to remove bacteria from the uniform. Let the uniform run through the wash cycle.

Move uniform from the washer into the dryer once the wash cycle is complete. Set the dryer to “tumble dry. Heat from this setting helps remove any remaining bacteria in the clothing.

Remove the uniform from the dryer and lay each clothing item flat. Use an iron and ironing board to remove wrinkles from your uniform. Set the iron to the setting appropriate for the fabric type.

Any professions including the police forces expect the smooth, stiff look of a starched uniform. Before you iron or starch, check your material to make sure the iron won’t scorch or melt it. For instance, many sporting uniforms should not be ironed.

Use starch if your uniform wrinkles easily. Once garments are dry, hold starch about two inches from the material and spray liberally. Make sure the steam setting is off and iron immediately. Note that the more starch you use, the stiffer your uniform will be so unless heavy starch goes with your work territory, apply just enough starch to keep your uniform neat without causing you discomfort.

The biggest issue people run into when it comes to shinning boots is failure to prep the boot. They open them up, grab some kiwi, and start slathering it on… you’ve already set yourself up for failure. The manufacturer puts a protective coating/waterproofing on the boot right from the factory. This keeps the boot from taking a quick easy shine like it should. Depending on how far you’re into shinning and what type of base coat you’ve built up, it might be worth stripping them and starting over. If you don’t want to do that, then you may be okay.

When polishing the police boots try not to use much polish. Put on just a thin haze of polish, so light you can see through it. Let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds. Hold a 100% cotton t-shirt across the boot and rapidly buff by pulling back and forth, using light pressure. You are buffing the polish, not trying to remove the leather.

As a police officer in the UK, you may be entitled to claim a tax deduction for certain work-related expenses, such as cleaning, drying and ironing your uniform, Police Officers qualify for the maximum ‘flat rate’ of £140. Other Police employees who are responsible for cleaning their own uniforms may qualify for the £60 deduction. And you can claim for up to 5 years.

To get a refund from the HMRC you will be asked the following details:

  • Employer’s name and address
  • Your occupation, job title and industry sector
  • Your details, including your National Insurance Number and your PAYE reference
  • Whether you’re claiming flat rate expenses
  • How you want to be paid – into your bank account or by cheque