Police itching to fight crime in SA

New uniforms have left the long arm of the law itchy in South Australia.

Officers are complaining of allergic reactions including skin rashes to the new dark navy blue uniforms, The Advertiser reports.

Police Association of South Australia president Mark Carroll said on Friday 15 members had made complaints, with at least five officers having experienced a "significant reaction".

Those affected had been given the option of wearing plain clothes or reverting to the old uniform, he said.

Testing was underway to determine the cause of the irritations, Mr Carroll said.

New uniforms were rolled out for SA ambulance officers in 2010 after about 160 paramedics suffered allergic reactions to their previous uniforms.