Work it copper, work it

Paul says:

06:13am | 24/03/10

Gawd, it’s a fashion disaster!  Looks like a hybrid breeding cross between a goofy English bobbie and a Canadian mountie. Did Cheech or Chong design this? And those police look to happy - must have been Cheech. Don’t the police watch Hollywood / sci fi movies anymore.

bella starkey says:

07:25am | 24/03/10

When the NSW police changed from plain leather shoes to combat pants tucked into jack boots they became far more sinister.

Maybe they should go that way.

tony says:

09:15am | 24/03/10

I disagree DG, police ARE meant to be tough! maybe this is why the crims are running rampant. The uniform needs to be less about looking tough and more about being functional and practical for the duties that police are required to perform. The NSW police are getting closer to the mark with the cargo pants and GP boots which are far more functional than the old suit pants and hobnail boots, although the big silver buttons on the shirts have passed their use by date.

blue says:

09:28am | 24/03/10

take a leaf from the WA police book - darker blue (but not navy shirts) and baseball caps. few tiny changes that do make a difference

H of SA says:

09:43am | 24/03/10

Haha, I like the idea of the Grim Reaper police, it would make me feel like I was living in some sci-fi movie where people are grabbed by the police and killed once they reach the age of forty or something…..

On the flip side, it would inspire great efforts to evade capture. I mean how much freaking harder would you run if it was the reaper after you? Also how much more justified would you feel in running? We know its wrong to run from the dutiful copper with a heart for public service – most of us would feel we must be the goodies and the cops the baddies if it’s the reaper on our tail….

miffy says:

09:51am | 24/03/10

Why do the police need to look tougher on the street? Surely it’s the system of laws that makes life hard on criminals, not the fashion sense of the people policing them….unless of course you’re aiming for a police state and repression of the masses. In which case there is a definite argument in favour of scary looking police. Though surely people would be more afraid of the secret police, like the Gestapo….bugger. I’ve gone and given them a new idea

WKBent says:

11:02am | 24/03/10

What’s the point in having a tough police force when you have a weak judiciary? A change of wardrobe isn’t going to make anyone respect the law.

AdamC says:

12:19pm | 24/03/10

Normally I would dismiss this sort of discussion as silly and trivial. However, looking at those ridiculous VicPol uniforms, I am struck by one thing in particular: they are designed for a form of policing that no longer exists.

The airy ensemble of light blue shirt, modest skirt (or daggy slacks) and sun-protecting school-boy bowler hat is just perfect for a copper ambling along a suburban beat, helping lost children and keeping an eye out for mischief. Do we have any cops that do that anymore?

When the role of police has changed as it has (for better or worse) shouldn’t the uniform change too?

Terry Wright says:

12:47pm | 24/03/10

What happened to the image of the friendly, helpful police officer who is willing to walk Grandma across the road? And where’s the picture of a smiling friendly officer with the slogan, “we’re here to serve and protect”? Would anyone these days walk up to the military style police with jack-boots, cargo pants and cannabis canines to ask for help with directions?

miffy (10:51am) hit it on the head - “...unless of course you’re aiming for a police state and repression of the masses”.

Employing police officers for the beat who can’t handle themselves in a fight is plainly illogical. Surely we haven’t gone that PC that we are willing to send unsuitable officers into dangerous situations? Why can’t we just have special squads for those who are suitable? They don’t put 6 foot brutes into their legal department or IT division without suitable qualifications so why put a Kylie Minogue look-alike on the street dressed to appear intimidating?

And while I’m at it, why do we send in military style cops to bust drug users or addicts? I’m not talking big nasty drug dealers here but teens going to a music festival, patrons of a nightclub or people sitting at home not bothering anyone. Last year, a couple I know were awoken at 6am to their house door being smashed in by 8-10 burly coppers in military outfits and plain clothes. They were arrested for 3 small cannabis plants. After being handcuffed and forced to lie on the floor, face down, they were screamed at and pushed around for an hour before being charged. These were 2 professionals with no criminal history who smoked a bit of pot. How about the military looking cops with their marijuana mutts in Kings Cross intimidating everyone at the local train station while looking for small fry drug addicts on their way to the safe injection clinic? Then, there’s WA that is soon to introduce stop and search powers that doesn’t require a reason from the cops. The aim is to cut down on violence in troubled areas by searching for dangerous weapons ... oh, and drugs. Because we all know those dangerous ecstasy users are responsible for a lot of street violence.

Policing may be complex but surely we are smart enough to use suitable police officers for appropriate situations. That should exclude using scary, intimidating military style police on our streets unless there’s a situation where they’re needed.

stephen says:

02:44pm | 24/03/10

They’re all tough outside the RG on a saturday night.
I’d like to put’em in pink and high-heels just to tone’em down a bit.

Diane says:

08:41pm | 24/03/10

Changing their uniform won’t make a difference to the way people perceive them. Criminals think they are a joke and law abiding citizens fear their corroupt, immoral, unethical behaviour. Where they cover up the crimes of their colleagues and family members.

My suggestion; change the culture and the types of people they recruit to one that includes integirty.

Henry Akroyd says:

12:04pm | 25/03/10

The worlds first and best police are the English Bobbies.  They are friendly, respectful and very good at their jobs.  Most never wear guns and their helmets stand out like a beacon and make people feel safe.

UK Police >>>>>>>> US Cops

Patrick says:

04:18pm | 12/04/10

Tony says that silver buttons on light blue shirts on the street are quite silly. TBPH I think a dark blue shirt should be worn for street duty and the light blue reserved for ceremonial duty.