Uniforms have a hot and cold
history
by Kirby Beck, PCI#002T/EMSCI#017
Coon Rapids PD (MN)
IPMBA Past President
Near the end of the 19th century, many large police departments used bicycle
patrols as a regular part of their police function. An 1896 study by the
Pittsburgh Police Department reported, "after preliminary testing, it is
apparent that one cycle-mounted policeman is worth two on foot." These early
bike squads rode heavy, one-speed bikes with simple brakes. They wore heavy
wool uniforms with long trousers and topcoats. Some wore canvas leggings
to keep their trousers free of chain grease and prevent their pant cuffs
from becoming entangled in the chain. At that time, the use of bikes was
a sign of a progressive police department. However, with the advent of the
automobile and the radio-equipped patrol car, police bicycling faded into
obscurity.
In 1987, Seattle became the first city in the United States to put a full-time
squad of police officers back on bikes. Many departments around the country
soon followed Seattle's lead, and a resurgence of the bicycle patrol began.
Police officers in shorts and bike helmets soon became a common sight around
the country.
Bike patrols today are more popular and effective than ever, and appear to
be here to stay. The reasons for the increasing use include the community
oriented policing movement, the availability of specialized bike patrol training,
and the flexibility and comfort of the mountain bike, uniforms, and related
equipment.
Since the revival of policing by bike, several uniform manufacturers have
partnered with police agencies and IPMBA to develop products which meet the
expanding needs of bike officers. These specialized products are designed
to increase the effectiveness of the bike-mounted officer. Some innovations
have been so successful that they are working their way into mainstream
policewear. For instance, a knowledgeable observer can easily spot bike patrol
jackets on non-bike officers in agencies around the country. Some were even
seen at "Ground Zero" in New York City.
Patrolling by bike is a physical, and often harsh, outdoor activity. As a
result, uniforms must be constructed to block the wind and protect against
the rain and cold, yet provide ventilation to a perspiring officer's body.
Jackets and pants must be designed and sized to be comfortable and effective
while the officer is bent forward, gripping a handlebar and pedaling. But
bike-specific clothing is not just about comfort. In extreme heat and cold,
proper bike uniforms can prevent heat or cold-related illness or injury.
Cyclists can generate an extra 10 to 15 degrees of body heat while riding.
In hot weather, an improperly hydrated or ventilated cyclist can easily fall
victim to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. An officer wearing body armor may
be especially susceptible, a factor that must be taken into account when
establishing a uniform standard. Wearing shorts instead of long pants in
hot weather is imperative. Being permitted to use a water filled backpack
- like those made by Camelbak and Blackhawk - may be an important health
consideration for bike patrol officers.
In cold weather, the heat generated by cyclists is a mixed blessing. On one
hand, it can allow the cyclist to stay warmer while wearing less insulated
clothing. On the other hand, perspiration dampens clothing and causes the
body to lose heat faster and feel chilled sooner. Some items, such as cotton
turtlenecks, may seem warm, but once sweaty, will work against the officer.
Synthetic fabrics such as CoolmaxTM, polypropylene and polar fleece,
which will not hold moisture from perspiration, are a better choice for bike
officers. If the fabric next to the skin is dry, the officer will stay warmer
in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Specialized bike patrol uniforms are made of high-tech fabrics intended to
both transport perspiration away from the body and protect the wearer from
the environment. They are often made of specially engineered fabrics such
as CoolmaxTM, SupplexTM, and stretch knits. About eight
companies produce high quality uniforms designed with input from bike officers
to make them functional, fashionable, and comfortable.
Bike jackets, shirts and pants are designed differently than their standard
uniform counterparts. Sitting on seams is uncomfortable, so bike pants and
shorts minimize seams and place them in areas that do not have direct contact
with the saddle. Bike pants hug the leg at the bottom to prevent entanglement
in the chain, and often have a built-in chamois pad. The uninitiated believe
that the chamois is there to provide padding between rider and saddle. Its
real job is to absorb moisture and reduce chafing and saddle sores.
Bike uniform pants and shorts should be made of a material that dries quickly
after getting wet from rain or sweat. Most pants and shorts are made from
materials such as SupplexTM and other stretch knits. Some pant
fabrics are lined with a hydrophilic film like GortexTM or
UltrexTM, which makes them waterproof and wind resistant. Several
companies use imported stretch knits of varying weights that are water resistant
and windproof without laminates. Some bike pants are available with zip-off
legs to double as shorts.
Jackets can be purchased with or without insulated liners. Nearly all jackets
are lined with wickable, breathable material to help them stay dry inside.
Jackets are typically available in materials like treated
SupplexTM, or a SupplexTM-like material laminated with
a breathable, waterproof film like GortexTM. The former is less
expensive; the latter is more versatile and effective. Some jackets feature
removable sleeves which can be easily stowed in a rack bag.
The standard riding position requires that bike patrol jackets and shirts
be cut and sized so they are roomy across the shoulders, with slightly longer
sleeves and back. Jackets should be ordered large enough to accommodate multiple
layers.
While bike uniforms have to be comfortable and breathable, they must also
be readily identifiable as police uniforms. Many bike officers wear colors
not worn by regular patrol officers, such as yellow or white shirts that
make them more visible in congested traffic. Bike patrol jackets are the
most dramatically different from standard uniforms, with color combinations
such as yellow or royal blue over navy blue. These brighter, contrasting
colors enable motorists to see bike officers sooner. Non-traditional shirts
and jackets should use shoulder emblems and POLICE stencils both front and
back, to clearly identify the wearer as a police officer.
Another consideration in uniform selection is appearance. Specialized bike
patrol shirts come in polo-like pullovers and traditional button-up styles,
in both long and short sleeve. Polo shirts have proven to be popular among
bike officers, who like the comfort and the "softer," more approachable look.
Polos made by uniform companies usually use CoolmaxTM or other
wicking fabrics similar to those used for cycling jerseys. For those who
want a more traditional look, several manufacturers provide shirts with a
Class A design. Made of lightweight CoolmaxTM or other fast
wick-and-dry fabrics, these shirts have epaulets, pockets with flaps, traditional
collars and sewn-in creases. They come in both high visibility and traditional
uniform colors.
Several uniform shoe manufacturers make cycling shoes designed for bike officers.
They have narrower soles than athletic shoes, so they slide easily into toe
clips. Most are compatible with clipless pedal systems. Bike shoes have stiff
soles to keep the foot from bending during hours of pedaling. Injuries such
as Plantar Fascitis can occur if proper shoes is not used. Cycling shoes
should be a mandatory uniform item for bike officers, especially those who
operate full-time. The proper footwear is an important occupational safety
and health issue.
Uniforms for bike patrol have come a long way since bikes were first used
for policing in the 1890's. And today's technological advances will continue
to make bike patrol an even more practical and effective tool for law enforcement
into the new millennium.
Kirby can be reached at
kirbyp42@aol.com.
The full text of this article originally appeared in the April 2002 issue
of Law & Order magazine
(www.lawandordermag.com). Reprinted
with permission. |
