Wearable QR codes improve public engagement

The wearable print problem

North Yorkshire Police officers in Harrogate understand the value of public engagement and outreach in their area. Effective communication is a key factor in reducing crime. Officers wanted a simple way for people to go from a chat on the street to receiving relevant updates about crime and policing in their area.

The team came up with the idea of a QR code which links to a community messaging platform, connecting the public to live information or two-way messaging. Business cards were generic, got lost and needed constant replacement, but what about a wearable option?

Colin MacKenzie, Senior Design & Print Officer at North Yorkshire Police turned to PSL Print Management for help.

Hague and PSL’s approach

The client had a strong initial concept, but needed a safe, durable and practical solution way to make it work on the uniform.
At PSL we pride ourselves on the depth and breadth of our print knowledge to deliver exceptional projects that delight customers. Our team researched materials and construction with trusted suppliers, advising on a flexible printed face for the QR and a quick release attachment that would sit securely on stab vests yet detach under strain for officer safety.

We supplied working samples, talked through the trade offs, and refined the design with the user environment in mind. This was consultative print and product engineering from first call to field ready item, not a catalogue pick.

The solution

A compact, wearable QR badge that officers can place on their vest. Members of the public scan it with their phone while talking to an officer and can sign up to North Yorkshire Community Messaging for local alerts, security advice and updates from neighbourhood teams. The pilot began in the Harrogate district with a view to wider rollout across the force.

Safety and practicality were designed in from the start

• Flexible, durable print face to protect the QR while remaining comfortable on the move.
• Hook and loop backing selected to grip vest fabric and release cleanly if snagged during a struggle.
• Clear, high contrast artwork for fast scanning in varied light conditions.
• Simple officer fit and replace process to reduce downtime.

“We turned to PSL with a print challenge and with their help and guidance we created a solution that not only met our needs but could be developed across many departments within our organisation.”
Colin Mackenzie, Senior Design & Print Officer, North Yorkshire Police

The outcome

The initiative launched publicly and has helped North Yorkshire Police connect people to targeted, local information. Around 26,500 residents had already joined Community Messaging by July 2025, with almost ninety nine percent of respondents finding the updates useful. The pilot is designed for expansion across frontline teams and the scheme has also attracted broadcast and social coverage from BBC regional outlets.
North Yorkshire’s ‘Scan a PC’ scheme helps force connect to public – BBC News

Why Hague and PSL

This project shows how physical print can unlock digital services in the real world. Hague and PSL bring materials knowledge, supplier access and prototyping to turn a smart idea into a safe, robust and field tested product. That mix is our difference. We blend print craft with practical product design to connect people to the information they need, when they need it. It is a small step toward a broader future where print and wearables act as trusted triggers for richer digital layers in public services, retail and events.

What comes next

We can apply the same approach to other forces and public service teams. From officer engagement to event stewarding, from venue staff to council services, our team can research, prototype and supply wearable or site based scan points that are safe, durable and simple to deploy.
Do you have a print problem? Complete our simple form and a member of the team will be in touch.