This past week, President Obama discussed the idea that law enforcement should wear “softer looking” uniforms. While there were plenty of jokes about the comment, we need to understand that the President didn’t just throw that out there for discussion. In recent months he has been engaged on a high level with law enforcement forums, groups and his task force on 21st century policing. Several ideas, including efforts to take away certain military items from law enforcement agencies, have all been presented to the President.
At a recent meeting of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a lengthy discussion revolved around the “soft” uniform idea. Photographs of the traditional “Class A Blue” uniform were shown next to some of the current uniforms of our profession, including external vests, tactical pants, etc. I admit that from a philosophical and academic view, the idea that a non-tactical uniform may make citizens feel more comfortable makes sense. The “Adam 12” look-alike may make someone feel like they can approach law enforcement, but ultimately these thoughts leave out a harsh reality—a reality that law enforcement leaders need to take into account before implementing this particular recommendation.

Functionality
I don’t know of one officer who places their external ballistic vest over their head and their tactical pants on and thinks to themselves, “I’m going to occupy a community.” The idea that citizens are made to believe there is an occupying force in the neighborhood because law enforcement is wearing a uniform that is practical and functional is ridiculous. While great strides have been made in vest technology, ballistic vests under a uniform will never be comfortable, especially level 3 vests that have become increasingly necessary with the violence and firepower that law enforcement is facing today.
Combine the health issues associated with gear on a gun belt, the fact that some of that gear can be placed on an external vest to properly distribute the weight, and these so called “military” vests become even more important to street cops. Tactical pants with pockets have become lighter, cheaper and more effective in storing gear such as tourniquets and med kits. While 17-oz, 100% wool uniform pants keep a crease and look great, they make no sense to a working cop. Try running in the summer or crawling under a car to investigate a scene and you will quickly realize that there must be other options.

When it comes to the uniform options our officers have today, it’s clearly not about a military look or an intimidation factor. It’s simply about outfitting law enforcement with gear that is functional and comfortable to their duties. There is a time and place for the Adam 12 look. In my current position, I have that look most of the time. I attend community meetings and schools. I address officers in squad meetings and visit with politicians and community leaders and, yes, I wear the 17-oz, 100% wool pants, internal vest and creased uniform shirt—without the hat! With that said, I believe it’s my duty as a commander and leader to be on the streets with the men and women in my agency. I was on patrol last week wearing my external vest, pants and boots. I wasn’t there to “occupy,” but rather to do police work or, as some of my officers may say, “act like it.”
This is about functionality and what our officers need to do their job. We don’t need grenade launchers, as the President as stated (were those ever an option for us?), but our officers need to be as comfortable and functional as possible. If politicians are concerned that citizens are scared of that look, then those citizens need to be educated.

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I hate the standard polyester uniform. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter and sticks to you when it catches fire.

The natural fibers pocket pants and polos are great.

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I hate the standard polyester uniform. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter and sticks to you when it catches fire.

The natural fibers pocket pants and polos are great.

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I never understood wearing a ballistic vest under the shirt. Even the British Bobbies wear their vest over their shirts and they don't carry a gun.

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Coming soon:  Barry's Brownshirts

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Eh, I would say I wear "soft" uniforms most of the time. We have the option to wear the 5.11 two tone royal/black bike patrol uniform polo. I wear that sucker most days even when I'm not performing bike duties. I can say that it does give a "softer" look. I've had a couple of people ask me if I can arrest a person when wearing that uniform. No. Freaking. Joke.

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I never understood wearing a ballistic vest under the shirt. Even the British Bobbies wear their vest over their shirts and they don't carry a gun.

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You know what the police could do if they wanted to have better relations with their community?   Be polite and approachable.

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If you are a cop and want the communities support. Work on public relations on the street.  Why would anybody feel good about cops when they here of all the bad cop fiascos on the internet and then find their own local cops to be condescending assholes that will not lower themselves to even acknowledge people in their community. Even law abiding people that they have known and been friends with for years.

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Ties seem an odd anachronism, who wears them outside of bankers and lawyers? Some doctors? Even though I am sure cops wear clip ons, the ties are stupid.

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I loved wearing BDUs (cammies) in USMC..I would think as LEO, this is what they should wear, its comfy, loose fitting and can move without any restrictions, plus has cargo pockets, etc.

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Ties seem an odd anachronism, who wears them outside of bankers and lawyers? Some doctors? Even though I am sure cops wear clip ons, the ties are stupid.

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Ties seem an odd anachronism, who wears them outside of bankers and lawyers? Some doctors? Even though I am sure cops wear clip ons, the ties are stupid.