British constables told to mind knickers

BIRMINGHAM, England, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Officers in an English police department have accused their superiors of wasting time and treating them like children with new rules on appropriate underwear.

The guidelines issued by the West Midlands police say underwear for both male and female officers must be of an "appropriate color" and "inconspicuous," The Guardian reports. That apparently means no panty lines, glimpses of brassieres or boxers creeping above uniform pants.

Officers were urged to maintain a "professional and corporate appearance."

Anonymous officers have been pushing back in online responses in Police Review. Some had questions, like whether the brass plans spot checks or if there will be guidance on how to tie shoelaces. Another suggested reading "pointless messages" leaves less time to fight crime.

"We are not a scouting organization made up of young children who need nannying," a constable huffed.

The department's officers work in an area that includes the cities of Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton