im no expert on armor and what cant cant work against different types of bullets. Im just saying that the resulting effect of having cops look like militia didn't just get whipped up without a thread of credence. There were situations that led to cops increasing things. The issue is they went way too far on certain aspects and seemed to forget about the innocent until proven guilty concept.
Many changes need to happen in recruiting, training and social interaction with citizens.
But its not like cOps went overboard with no reason at all is all im saying.
oregonlive.com
Portland police consider saying goodbye to two-tone 'Portland Blue' uniforms
By Maxine Bernstein | The Oregonian/OregonLive
6-7 minutes
View full sizeBenjamin Brink/The OregonianPortland Police Chief Mike Reese says he likes the lighter feel of the new, single-tone dark Navy blue uniform that may soon replace the bureau's historical two-tone garb. But the chief, modeling the new uniform in this photo, isn't willing to give up the brass badge for a sewn-on cloth badge that other agencies now have.
The familiar two-tone Portland police uniform, with its unique "Portland Blue" shirts and darker blue trousers, may soon become so last season.
The bureau is considering replacing its nearly five decades-old uniform, and outfitting officers in the single-tone, dark navy blue commonly referred to as
"I think a lot of people will be sad because this is iconic. It's going to be sad to say goodbye to this," said Sgt. Kristy Galvan, her hand running over the current two-tone uniform that has identified Portland cops since 1962.
But the bureau needs to trim costs, and other options provide greater flexibility, not to mention rain resistance.
"For practicality sake, for those police officers running after bad guys, getting in and out of cars making traffic stops, they deserve something better," Galvan argues. "Officers need pockets in different places. They need to have the stretch. They need to have something that water beads off of."
The dark blue uniforms are much lighter, provide more pockets on cargo-type pants, and are easier to obtain as the color has become the standard dye for law enforcement.
"It is very comfortable,"
agreed, modeling his test uniform. "I like the look."
Other agencies around the region, such as Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro and Salem, have gone to the LAPD look, but some larger agencies have been reluctant to change.
shirt and dark trousers.
"I think there was some talk of possibly changing it, but it didn't get much traction," said Seattle Detective Mark Jamieson, department spokesman. "We're certainly identifiable."
Hillsboro police had worn the "Portland Blue" two-tone uniform, but gradually phased it out over two years, moving as well to the darker LAPD blue. Now only four top commanders still wear the old uniform.
The Oregonian/1911Police fashions evolve. Portland patrolman Endicott resembled a British bobby when he marched with President Theodore Roosevelt in 1911.
"From the day I got here, I said, 'Let's go to a dark blue.' I started my career in Los Angeles, so I was biased," Hillsboro Lt. Michael Rouches said. "But I also think it resonates quicker with a lot of people that 'It's the police.' "
Some veteran Portland cops are leery of the change.
"The reality is that policing is kind of traditional," North Precinct Cmdr. Jim Ferraris said. "Our uniform really does set us apart because it's so distinctive."
"I've worn this for 20 years, and I like it," Traffic Capt. Todd Wyatt said. "It's a good-looking uniform, and I think it's what the citizens expect to see of a Portland officer."
Galvan estimates the bureau will save up to $250,000 next year by changing to LAPD blue, phasing in the new uniforms by precinct. The bureau also plans to appoint a quartermaster to inventory the police uniforms for greater accountability, something that's been lacking, considering the pile of discarded uniforms on the 16th floor of the bureau.
A group of Portland officers is trying out uniforms from different manufacturers. The bureau will seek a request for bids, and plans to award a new contract by January.
Because the bureau's "Portland Blue" garb, with a distinctive stripe down the side of the trousers, is custom-made, it's more expensive. Its long-sleeved shirt can run from $58 to $108 depending whether it is pure polyester, polyreon or polywool, while the standard single-tone, dark-blue uniforms, including top and bottom, can run under $100.
The newer uniforms are made of either pure polyester, or a blend of polyester, reyon and lycra, and are wash-and-wear.
"Feel how light," Reese said, offering his sleeve for a touch -- a marked difference from the weightier historic Portland uniform.
Galvan picked officers of all sizes and ranks to wear the different options, and provide feedback. Galvan was surprised to find some brands didn't make separate styles or sizes for women. "Which is silly," Galvan said.
Among the most common complaints about the current uniform is the cost of dry cleaning, and how it performs in rain.
"You'd be a wet dog out there in this one," Galvan says. "I mean, we're Oregon! What, does it rain 200 days out of the year?"
Galvan spilled drops of water on the dark blue uniforms under consideration, and the drops stayed on the surface.
Ferraris, in his 27th year with the bureau, said he hopes whatever is chosen is professional without being too military-looking. "Something that drapes nicely and hangs nicely, and is not this wash-and-wear mess that after a few wears looks like you slept in them."
With a change in uniform color, the police patch will also be altered, from its current bright royal blue background to a more subdued navy blue. Greg Nebeker, manager of Blumenthal Uniforms, said the "Portland Blue" two-tone police uniform is slowly getting phased out.
"As mills go out of business, it's more difficult to obtain," he said. "The dark navy is well-stocked. But you do lose a little identity. It comes down to tradition versus practicality."
And, those short, formal so-called Ike police jackets with clip-on ties?
Aside from command staff, expect them to follow the path of the old police capes, and police skirts.
"When do we wear those? For funerals?" Galvan said. "Why are they necessary? They're $250 apiece!"
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