Law Enforcement And Extreme Weather: Uniform Essentials If You Work As A Police Officer
Posted on: 6 March 2018
As a police officer, you have your issued uniform and safety vest, along with department gear and military style boots. However, there are other things you can add to your uniform to make your job easier and more comfortable. If you're just starting out as an officer or if you're considering a career in law enforcement, here are some things to consider.
1. Long sleeve performance shirts.
In your time as an officer, you'll work in all sort of weather. You may need to be on the scene of a car accident for several hours in the chilly autumn or work at an outdoor crime scene in the middle of winter. These times call for extra layers, beyond your usual jacket. Buy a few long sleeve performance shirts to wear under your uniform shirt to give you the extra insulation you need. These shirts wick moisture away from your skin, so you'll stay dry in a humid or moist environment.
These shirts are also great for staying in shape -- they double as workout shirts at the gym during your off hours.
For warmer days, invest in some short sleeve perforated t-shirts that dry very quickly. They will not allow you to get soaked in sweat, and you'll cool off more naturally as the perspiration dries.
2. Warming vest.
On days when the performance shirts won't provide enough extra warmth, you can keep a warming vest in your patrol vehicle as a backup. These work sort of like electric blankets. They use a battery pack to warm the vest, allowing you to raise your core temperature. Since the battery pack won't last forever, depend on your long sleeve layers for warmth and use the vest for the coldest times, or to warm up after you've finished a call.
You can also purchase warming gloves that use a similar technology. These can be perfect for the times when you need the dexterity to takes notes or write citations in bitterly cold weather.
3. Talcum (baby) powder or wicking powder.
These powders can help with very hot days when you're covered with a bullet-proof vest along with your uniform. You'll feel less uncomfortable where the vest lies because the talcum will help to absorb the moisture from perspiration. It can also help to prevent chafing that can occur when you're active in your vest.
4. Cold and hot packs.
For cold days, you can slip some instant hot packs down into your boots to keep your feet warm in the snow. Instant cold packs, like the ones you find in first aid kits, can also help you stay cool on a very hot day. Keep a stash of them in your gear bag and break them out when you really need something cold. Place them between your shirt and vest, or put them in your shirt pockets. If instant cold packs are too pricey for single use, you can freeze gel packs and keep them in a cooler on the back seat of your car. Swap them out over the course of your shift as needed.
5. Grip tracks.
You can purchase tracks with metal grooves that stretch over your boots to provide traction on ice. If you need to chase a suspect on a slippery winter night, these tracks provide the friction you need to run safely. These can also be useful for when you need to provide road assistance or respond to car accident in severely icy weather.
6. Wool accessories.
Finally, when purchasing socks, hats, gloves, and other items for winter weather, you should consider products that at least partially use wool. Wool is unique because it can still warm you even when it gets wet. It also provides more insulation than less expensive products. Some tactical socks and gloves use wool in a combination with synthetic material to provide warmth while also making the clothing easy to clean and maintain.
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