Police Uniforms

[Jamesy D]

This stems from a discussion that was started at the dinner table today.

My father is a serving police officer, my mother retired, both in the metropolitan police. Following Obama's visit and the discussions surrounding that, I asked the question as to why the Met haven't gone the same way as many other forces and taken the functional and more comfortable polo shirt and combats uniform, and are retaining the older shirt-and-tie.

They both countered with the fact that it's public perception of them, and they have an image to maintain, whereas I think they should have a uniform that is more comfortable and allows them to do their jobs more effectively.

So really - what do you think? Do you reckon we should have police who are smart (IE collar and tie) at the expense of a certain amount of comfort, or the more 'relaxed' look (Polo shirt and 'combat' trousers) that isn't as smart, but is more functional?
I'd just be interested to hear opinions, and also as I know we have a number of the boys and girls in blue on here, if they have personal experiences from either side of the fence?

EDIT: Added some example pictures:
Polo shirt example (http://www.rnli.org.uk/assets/media/photos/PBarker_Media_LPO/2010/33a0fc8b-bf95-4628-8a19-4e85c2bea68f_425_335.jpg)
Collar and tie example (http://www.lcc.org.uk/images//Russell%20Square%20372.JPG)

[Bluepete]

We are in combats and sh1tty thermal black Lycra type tops. They are more comfy, but look like cack.

I don't think, with the state of the country and the way people are, that the uniform makes any difference to the way we are perceived.

As an aside, we had to have new pics taken for new warrant cards wearing a shirt and tie!

Pete ;)

[G]

Standing on a roadside doesn't require a polo shirt. Shirt and tie required in my opinion, especially in those circumstances. I've seen met armed response in polo shirts and combats. Most police I see in London come from no where and are plain clothed everytime to be fair.

I think it very much depends on the role your doing at any specific time, that seems to be the policy in Nottinghamshire anyway.

[punyXpress]

" As an aside, we had to have new pics taken for new avatars & warrant cards wearing a shirt and tie! "
Oh really, Pete ? ;)

[Dave Mac]

we wear shirts with our uniform, (army) and we manage to do what is required so if the police like the current shirt and tie why change it

[Bluepete]

why change it

because promotion in the cops is achieved in the following manner.

1; I want promoting

2; what can I change that doesn't need changing and works perfectly well?

3; I've identified something I can change, I've changed it, not necessarily for the better and I've been promoted.

4; new promotion prospect comes along and... Guess what? It all gets changed back!

Pete ;)

[Dave Mac]

lol, pretty much like our lot

[Bri w]

Wrapping a package in pretty bows and ribbons doesn't make it a better package.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Wrapping a package in pretty bows and ribbons doesn't make it a better package.
http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/Kevin%20Goldsmith%20Judge%20Dredd.jpg

The PCSOs round our way have really pushed the boat out.


I have to wear the support staff garb and think the uniform I wear is uncomfortable.
Then I see the firearms staff & thank my lucky stars I don't have to wear all that kit.

Not seen anyone yet wearing either style who doesn't look smart enough for job imo.

[Bibio]

i think that they are looking more and more like soldiers than police officers. PO's used to look like people you could approach now they look like people who would shoot you. mind you that's even if you do ever see them out on the streets which is never unless there is an event on.

[peterco]

This is taking it a bit far,collar and tie job
http://www.shrani.si/f/p/7Z/1xcE4xy2/2/funny-police.jpg

[markmoto]

always remember these are just people like you and me who go to work and wear a costume, we percieve this costume as giving police power over us and alot of people are intimidated by this but they are just normal people wearing a costume so it doesnt realy matter what they wear :-).
As in any job there are good and bad and some let there imaginary powers go to there head bless them...

[yorkie_chris]

This thread held so much promise too

[metalangel]

I think the shirt and tie is an outdated, impractical, uncomfortable thing in most situations anyway. I spend all day sitting at a desk in an office, I'd hate to be leaping over fences and kneeing chavs in the face while wearing one. Better to have a comfortable, practical uniform that gives you the best performance than 'looking good'. Heck, you can have both:

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/forensics/images/training.jpg

I hate having a collar done up all the way, and what's the point of the tie? It's a clip-on so you can't be strangled!

[Quedos]

It depends on the body underneath it. Some of our boys in blue look mighty fit in it = one happy Q
i think as long they are doing their job who really minds what they wear

[Owenski]

This thread held so much promise too
I admit, this isnt where I thought this thread was going.


i think that they are looking more and more like soldiers than police officers. PO's used to look like people you could approach now they look like people who would shoot you.

I dont think this is perticularly a bad thing, not the looking like they'd shoot you bit but suited and booted I think they look more like desk jockies and therefore get the same respect as teachers from the "yoofs" so to make police look more combat ready I think maybe makes people think twice.
I for one think the combats and flak vest looks pretty intimidating (on the right frame) where as comopeared to traditional police uniforms which are no more intimidating than the palace guards (about as practical too).

[BernardBikerchick]

I don't have a lot of time for many police officers, not all of course there are some good guys and gals out there in the force but mainly they just irritate me !!!!! all for polo shirts or anything that makes some of them more human instead of being like robots !!!!!

[BernardBikerchick]

and the PCSO that turned up at our place their trousers didn't fit right either !!! too short for the tall bloke !! lol

[husky03]

mine-bmw rallye 3 suit.

[-Ralph-]

Polo shirts, though I do agree with Bibio, some foreign countries the police do look just like soldiers, which is not a good thing. Agree with Metalangel too, a nicely pressed open collar shirt look smart too. In France police look like solidiers, including the high laced boots and firearms, and they stand around in groups looking intimidating, they don't tend to speak to the public, the public don't speak to them, and they socialise mainly with other police. There's a copper that lives in my wifes village and he is basically shunned by the rest of the village population and people in the queue in the bakers shop stop talking when he walks in and start again when he walks out. Because he's a copper they don't want him hearing anything, in case they say anything that could get them or whoever they are talking about into trouble. Complete mistrust.

[markmoto]

I dont think this is perticularly a bad thing, not the looking like they'd shoot you bit but suited and booted I think they look more like desk jockies and therefore get the same respect as teachers from the "yoofs" so to make police look more combat ready I think maybe makes people think twice.
I for one think the combats and flak vest looks pretty intimidating (on the right frame) where as comopeared to traditional police uniforms which are no more intimidating than the palace guards (about as practical too).

Its so not a good thing, the more they look intimidating the more the people will feel separated from them which is already happening, also the more the bad ones are likely to feel they have a false power over you, they need to be approachable and to win hearts and minds.

[metalangel]

http://qubahq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/hl2-3.jpg

[-Ralph-]

http://qubahq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/hl2-3.jpg

Ha, ha! That mad Irish vicar was cool!

[metalangel]

Eh? Are you referring to the extremely Russian Orthodox monk, Father Grigori, pastor to a town of headcrab zombies?

[Jamesy D]

Interesting to read all your comments so far

just throwing another one into the mix - the Met (don't know about other forces) has had a 'working' uniform for a long time that they give to specialists, ie search officers, firearms, dog handlers etc

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/apr2009/7/1/pc-katie-johnson-707145106.jpg

What about something like that accross the board? Smart but comfortable enough to 'knee chavs in the face' ;)

PS: I had to include it for ULTIMATE CUTENESS (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/ffximage/2007/08/21/police22807_wideweb__470x312,0.jpg)


EDIT: can we also please avoid this turning into a 'THE POLICE ARE HORRIBLE PEOPLE' thread...

[markmoto]

EDIT: can we also please avoid this turning into a 'THE POLICE ARE HORRIBLE PEOPLE' thread...

I dont recall this being mentioned? just that there are good and bad which is fact.

[husky03]

I dont recall this being mentioned? just that there are good and bad which is fact.

yep your right -good and bad as in all walks of life-but imaginary powers??-whether you like it or not all coppers have the power to control you and effect your life-its just a case of using them when needed and not abusing them.

[Shellywoozle]

I don't have a lot of time for many police officers, not all of course there are some good guys and gals out there in the force but mainly they just irritate me !!!!! all for polo shirts or anything that makes some of them more human instead of being like robots !!!!!

I hope I am not one else I may annoy you on that camping w/e in July :smt019:mrgreen:

Practical side of the new uniform is great, apart from the lycra t-shirts that absorb and KEEP the sweat close to you so by the end of a shift you STINK. Staffs have the stupid trousers for women that sit half way up ya stomach and don't fit, so give you stomach ache if you dare to fasten the button up.

The white shirts always looked good at the start of a shift when they were clean and not creased, by the end of the shift after a roll around it showed up all marks and ripped easily.... yes they looked smarter but were not comfortable with a cravat/tie and a stabbie over the top.

All I say is I think the white shirts should be worn in court, not the street uniform.

And some of my male counterparts look exceptionally nice in the lycra shirt :cheers: and others not so LOL.

[markmoto]

but imaginary powers??-whether you like it or not all coppers have the power to control you and effect your life-its just a case of using them when needed and not abusing them.

Your so wrong read up about freeman rights you have more power over yourself than you could ever imagine, the police/authoritys only have power over your legal fiction i,e MR THOMAS JONES this legal fiction was created when your birth was registered by your parents, if your interested in reclaiming your rights then research it there is a growing number of people waking to this. the police have no power over you unless you have broken the only LAW there is i,e we must not infringe upon the rights, life, liberty or property of another living soul...

Dont take my word for it research it put it this way this freeman aint paying anymore road traffic ACT fines ;)

[husky03]

Your so wrong read up about freeman rights you have more power over yourself than you could ever imagine, the police/authoritys only have power over your legal fiction i,e MR THOMAS JONES this legal fiction was created when your birth was registered by your parents, if your interested in reclaiming your rights then research it there is a growing number of people waking to this. the police have no power over you unless you have broken the only LAW there is i,e we must not infringe upon the rights, life, liberty or property of another living soul...

Dont take my word for it research it put it this way this freeman aint paying anymore road traffic ACT fines ;)


aye i'm wrong-not!-a tube tried the freeman stuff a few weeks ago, ended up doing a fri-tues in the cells then court on tuesday resulted in a heavy fine.Came out with his free man of the land crap in court,was put in his place by the judge and promptly shut up.
Your saying then that you only recognise common law, sound, go you walk down the street with a knife or a pick axe handle and when you get lifted come out with your free man pi$h -we'll soon see how long you remain a "free man".

[markmoto]

Lol he obviously did it wrong the judge cannot put anyone in their place if you know the correct way to handle this puppet of the system, look Husky i know your a policeman and as such are probably ignorant to these facts you are part of their system and have only been programmed with the relevant information i,e your on a need to know basis. But people are doing it and its is workling i have no need to carry a knife or pick axe handle around because i am a peacefull person but if i did it in the correct way there would be nothing any police person or otherwise could do about it.
You sound like you are angry that i brought this matter up? i have no conflict with you personaly and i was just suggesting that if people wanted too that they could look it up for themselves, you will be hearing alot more about the freeman movement as time goes on and people will get better at the process...
Sorry but just because you are a Policy enforcement officer doesnt make you an authority on this matter.

Peace

[-Ralph-]

Eh? Are you referring to the extremely Russian Orthodox monk, Father Grigori, pastor to a town of headcrab zombies?

Yes, I am. HL2 was a long time ago. You sure he was Russian? ;)

[Messie]

How's the tinhat making workshop going Markmoto? Not finished yet I see ....

[markmoto]

How's the tinhat making workshop going Markmoto? Not finished yet I see ....

Funny guy ;), always been full of comedians this place.

[Bibio]

BTW this freeman crap works both ways. if you dont want to recognised as a citizen then you are not entitled to the benefits. e.g. someone brakes into your home and you call the plod who then turn round and ask if your a freeman to which you reply yes to which they reply well sod off and deal with it yourself. or if your house is on fire and you call the fire brigade same thing. if your not willing to be part of the society then you should not benefit from it.

me i'll sign my right away for the benifit of what society brings us.

[markmoto]

p.s just because you dont know about something or it is different to what you have been programmed to beleive doesnt make it not real or a conspiracy, i have no desire to argue with anyone choice is wake up or stay asleep.

peace

[Messie]

I haven't been programmed. I am not a computing device. I am a thinking sentient human being (of the female type btw) and I can use rational thought to work out many things for myself.

Thank you ;)

[markmoto]

BTW this freeman crap works both ways. if you dont want to recognised as a citizen then you are not entitled to the benefits. e.g. someone brakes into your home and you call the plod who then turn round and ask if your a freeman to which you reply yes to which they reply well sod off and deal with it yourself. or if your house is on fire and you call the fire brigade same thing. if your not willing to be part of the society then you should not benefit from it.

me i'll sign my right away for the benifit of what society brings us.

You are totaly missing the point, freemen can/do work and pay taxes, if someone breaks into your home they have broken a common law not an act of parliament, you just know how the game works and can play to your advantage rather than theirs, use your noggin what do you think the government uses as collateral to loan money off the central banks? us/we are the only thing of value they have left :p, dont shoot me down because you dont know the facts.:rolleyes:

peace

[husky03]

Lol he obviously did it wrong the judge cannot put anyone in their place if you know the correct way to handle this puppet of the system, look Husky i know your a policeman and as such are probably ignorant to these facts you are part of their system and have only been programmed with the relevant information i,e your on a need to know basis. But people are doing it and its is workling i have no need to carry a knife or pick axe handle around because i am a peacefull person but if i did it in the correct way there would be nothing any police person or otherwise could do about it.
You sound like you are angry that i brought this matter up? i have no conflict with you personaly and i was just suggesting that if people wanted too that they could look it up for themselves, you will be hearing alot more about the freeman movement as time goes on and people will get better at the process...
Sorry but just because you are a Policy enforcement officer doesnt make you an authority on this matter.

Peace

lol-you came out with exactly the same pi$h he did-as for being programmed, there's a thing called discretion, you'll find that coppers who are good at their job listen to the facts and implement their discretion to resolve situations without any action being required-remember that in the uk we police by public consent.
As for sounding angry that you brought this up, couldn't be further from the truth, there's nowt funnier than someone who "thinks" they know the laws and the way of the judicial system, representing themselves and ending up looking like a complete prat-you enjoy being a freeman and i'll go and speak to the powers that be about getting a wage rise as i think an enforcement officer sounds like they should be getting more money than a servant of the public.

h-soon to be a "Policy enforcement officer "

[markmoto]

I haven't been programmed. I am not a computing device. I am a thinking sentient human being (of the female type btw) and I can use rational thought to work out many things for myself.

Thank you ;)

I wasnt saying that you arnt of course you are indeed a sentient human being, but you have been programmed even if you dont know it..

[markmoto]

Bored with the discussion now so am ducking out now ;)

peace

[-Ralph-]

lotsa huggin' stuff

http://www.portalversus.com.br/wp-content/uploads/michael-jackson-popcorn.gif

[-Ralph-]

Bored with the discussion now so am ducking out now ;)

peace

damn

[husky03]

Bored with the discussion now so am ducking out now ;)

peace


http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/hiwaytahell/simpsons_nelson_haha2uwr.jpg

[markmoto]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r290/hiwaytahell/simpsons_nelson_haha2uwr.jpg

Just about sums up your level of maturity bud :rolleyes:

[Jamesy D]

foil-lined tin hats all 'round ladies and gents, keep them to hand. Now, moving on...

*gently pushes thread back to its rails*

[husky03]

Just about sums up your level of maturity bud :rolleyes:

that your best come back? man you must have been an only child;) bittie

[markmoto]

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsley believe they are free..

[Seandesy1]

And back on topic...

I prefer the white shirt and tie, looks more professional and in terms of longevity, mates in other forces have said those wicking tops and polo shirts become grubby very quickly, whereas I have 3 shirts that i got issued last March that still look new. Prefer the 'combat' style trousers we've been issued as well, many more pockets makes carrying all those tickets/pens/chewing gum so much easier. :p

[Messie]

I wasnt saying that you arnt of course you are indeed a sentient human being, but you have been programmed even if you dont know it..


I have not been programmed. I have had a fair number of years of experience which, coupled with my genetic inheritance, has combined to make me the person I am today. As a psychologist I'm pretty certain of this.

I'd be very interested in hearing an example of how this so-called 'common law' has actually been put into practice and resulted in someone successfully defending themselves with it. Actually, I really would be interested in an actual real life example of this

[Bibio]

Messie there has been a few number of cases that have been won on the grounds of the magna charta. but they have mostly been vehicle related.

[markmoto]

I have not been programmed. I have had a fair number of years of experience which, coupled with my genetic inheritance, has combined to make me the person I am today. As a psychologist I'm pretty certain of this.

I'd be very interested in hearing an example of how this so-called 'common law' has actually been put into practice and resulted in someone successfully defending themselves with it. Actually, I really would be interested in an actual real life example of this

Pm,d

[-Ralph-]

More lotsa huggin' stuff

Thought you were ducking out now?

[yorkie_chris]

It seems these days the police are more drifting towards the french style "big hammer" force, fear and intimidation approach. Doubtless due to there not being enough coppers to have the "ello ello ello what's all this then" type of friendly local policing which doubtless works better.

So on that basis I'd think a shirt and tie. But whatever is smart and human looking. Dressing like you're heading for a bad day in Bosnia doesn't garner respect, it makes people think you're a tw*t. Dress on a more human level and it starts that respect thing off on a good foot.

[Milky Bar Kid]

Biggest issue with shirts these days is that they look like a bag of poo once we put our body armour on.

I personally think we should be issued with a "practical" uniform and a dress uniform. Meh, I will wear what I am told to....

[husky03]

Meh, I will wear what I am told to....

right mrs get these on and show us yer charms

http://gi67.photobucket.com/groups/h282/AZS3YZRARW/0I609890895copy.jpg

[Ch00]

I am quite happy with the white shirts - however our management have gone tie crazy we must wear our ties all year round. I would be happy to keep the uniform but loose the tie except for court and the like.

[Nelson]

If you've spent four hours wearing a damp cheap blended white shirt and tie, which clings to you like paper mache following a brief 5 minutes in the rain, you'd be wanting a nice quick drying black polo shirt too!

The black or white shirt thing means almost nothing nowadays anyway, it's mostly covered by a stab vest or a fleece, or a hidious hi-viz thing. People still approach and talk to you, its all about your presentation, posture, approach, manner, smile etc etc, the uniform doesnt really change that.

Oh and I'm gutted to have missed another 'Freeman' trying to enlighten us with that pish again. I've done a good amount of research into Freemen on the Land, and I've still yet to come across ones that have actually beaten the system. Could you send some success stories my way too?

[rob13]

The freemen stuff is for delusional clowns who think that they can beat the system. There will always be these individuals in society who want to do something, just because they have been told they can't.

On the issue of uniforms, Polo shirts are better than the Lycra rubbish or the white shirts for practical day to day use. White shirt & tie looks **** anyway when you're wearing a yellow high vis vest.

[markmoto]

This freeman stuff certainly rattled a few cages, just because you are enslaved and brain washed to a system dont try to belittle others who choose to think and act differently and are actualy bothered that their rights and liberties are being removed by the day, Robchester your comment say's more about you than the so called clowns you refer to, its ok go back to sleep everything is fine.

Interesting how most of the derogatory comments are from policemen

[Messie]

I accept that I've been as guilty of derailment as others, but now I'd like to suggest that this thread stays on topic of uniforms.

Discussion of any other delusional fantasies probably belong in a new thread

Ta xx

[Milky Bar Kid]

LOL! I love this forum! Well said Messie!

[yorkie_chris]

Interesting how most of the derogatory comments are from policemen

Must be because they don't like people standing up to them, they should dress like extras from starship troopers, then no one would dare... oh wait... :mrgreen:

[markmoto]

but now I'd like to suggest that this thread stays on topic of uniforms.


Who made you sheriff :D

[Bri w]

Who made you sheriff :D

Think you'll find, if you can be bothered to check, Messie is the moderator for Idle Banter. She's asked that everyone stay on topic. If you want to start a topic on Freeman please do so... I'd be interested to see more evidence.

[Bluepete]

I won once against Freeman. He was defending a drink driver.

Pete ;)

[TamSV]

If you want to start a topic on Freeman please do so... I'd be interested to see more evidence.

+1

[husky03]

I won once against Freeman. He was defending a drink driver.

Pete ;)


yeeha:cheers:-another example that the bull$hit IS bull$hit.

[TamSV]

I won once against Freeman. He was defending a drink driver.

Pete ;)

Pete,
To keep on topic, you'd better tell us what you were wearing. ;)

[Bluepete]

Pete,
To keep on topic, you'd better tell us what you were wearing. ;)

I looked very smart. My Mummy dressed me 'cos I was sooooo brainwashed, I couldn't manage myself!

Pete ;)

[husky03]

nobody told the dog he was brainwashed

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o105/AteknoGod/funnies/untitled3.jpg

but i quite like this type of uniform

[-Ralph-]

I accept that I've been as guilty of derailment as others, but now I'd like to suggest that this thread stays on topic of uniforms.

Discussion of any other delusional fantasies probably belong in a new thread

Ta xx

Not guilty of derailment m' lady. But can I carry on **** stirring? :lol:

[phi-dan]

Found this pic online of Met WPC uniforms
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/11/25/article-1230562-0757EC66000005DC-563_468x547.jpg

Mother had to wear the uniform on the far right, but not for long - me coming along put paid to that :)
It's fair to say that todays is an improvement

[husky03]

iranian police women uniform

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/MullahMama/Hijabis%20In%20Action/7872.jpg
i'm scared of them

[Messie]

Who made you sheriff :D

Fizz :)

Think you'll find, if you can be bothered to check, Messie is the moderator for Idle Banter. She's asked that everyone stay on topic. If you want to start a topic on Freeman please do so... I'd be interested to see more evidence.

I am but one of many

Not guilty of derailment m' lady. But can I carry on **** stirring? :lol:

Well yes, up to a point, but can you start a new thread for it please? ;)

[The Idle Biker]

iranian police women uniform

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/MullahMama/Hijabis%20In%20Action/7872.jpg
i'm scared of them

I'm with the Taliban, these women should be covered up fast.

[punyXpress]

So Messie - you're a cross between the Spanish Inquisition and the disher-out of Super Injunctions ? ;)