This month the D.C. Metropolitan Police unveiled a new strategy for fighting crime-going commando. D.C. police officers now have the option to hang up their traditional blue uniforms for new military-style battle fatigues.
The new dark blue uniform is officially referred to as the patrol service uniform and resembles those used by SWAT teams and military troops, minus the camouflage print. The U.S. Marine-style hat and combat boots are optional. (www.harveymaria.com)
Police officials cite lower costs associated with the “battle dress uniform,” as officers refer to them, along with increased durability. However, the look and feel of the uniform may create costs that have not been included in the official analysis. Shedding the more professional polyester uniform for the commando look could further alienate members of the community.
Admittedly, reducing cost and hassle while improving durability sounds appealing. Former D.C. Police Chief Isaac Fulwood Jr. told the Washington Post that he feels the fatigues are too informal, but MPD Spokesperson Sgt. Joe Gentile offered several reasons that the new uniforms are superior.
They can be machine washed, while the older ones must be dry-cleaned. They are also more comfortable and hold up better while chasing down suspects.
Moreover, Gentile suggested that the benefits might not be all practical. “Officers’ morale has gone up a lot,” he said.
However, relations between MPD and residents are known to be tenuous at best, and sending officers out on the beat dressed like Army Rangers is not the way to establish a better rapport with the citizenry. Few other police agencies have allowed all of their officers to wear battle-style uniforms. New York City has introduced a new, more comfortable cargo pant, but they still reserve full military fatigues for SWAT teams or canine units.
Despite these concerns, MPD expects to make the current six-month trial phase permanent. Gentile said there have been no complaints from the public about the fatigues so far.
It’s almost always a good thing to think outside the box and develop new solutions to old problems. However, in this case, it seems that MPD might be too eager to adopt a new and rather intimidating look.
There must be a happy medium between the full-out battle dress uniform and the older and stiffer garb. Washington already feels like a police state; bringing a greater military-style presence onto the streets could be a public image nightmare.
