Swedish police ban officers from wearing uniforms during off-duty hours

Swedish police officers will no longer be allowed to wear their uniforms outside working hours, following a new decision by the Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police Authority), reports public broadcaster SVT Nyheter. The ban covers activities ranging from social media posts and dating profiles to participation in Pride parades and commercial collaborations.

Viktor Adolphson, a police inspector and neighbourhood officer in Stockholm’s Södermalm district, welcomed the stricter rules, calling them broader than expected. “This puts an end to stylish uniform photos,” he told SVT. Adolphson, who has run the official Twitter account YB Södermalm for over a decade, criticised colleagues for misusing uniforms in private contexts.

“The uniform has been used in political campaigns, on dating sites, and in advertising deals. Some did it out of habit or carelessness, others for personal gain. I think it’s good that this is now stopping,” he said. Adolphson stressed that officers in uniform are always seen as representatives of the entire force, regardless of intent. “A uniform symbolises the exercise of authority,” he added.

The new guidelines, effective 13 April, permit uniforms only in limited off-duty situations: commuting to work “with good judgement,” sports competitions, official duties, holidays, and funerals. Private use—including on social media, in political settings, or during demonstrations—will be prohibited.

No uniforms at Pride parades

The ban extends to public events like Pride, despite arguments from the Police Union that participation should be viewed as supporting human rights rather than politics. Rebecka Landberg, a press secretary for the Police Authority, confirmed that officers may instead wear a provided T-shirt during the parade.

“When off-duty uniform use is restricted, it covers all activities, including opinion-forming events like public gatherings, demonstrations, or parades,” Landberg said. Adolphson acknowledged criticism of the Pride decision but insisted on consistency: “The uniform represents official duty.”

Officers wishing to discuss their work on personal social media accounts must convert them into official channels, Landberg added.