Question for US citizens? Should all Police in all states where the same uniform ?

Question

European Police in uniform where the same uniform.
In the US there seem to be so many types of uniform.


I get the impression that anyone can walk around in the US with a police jacket on they were given from uncle Bob !!

I know you are going to tell me its illegal to impersonate a Police Officer.

If uniforms were uniformed would it be better for all ?

As you know in Europe, each countries Police generaly have one uniform that everyone recognises where ever you live.

Ps: Your female cops in uniform are babes ! Well the ones I have seen..

Answer 1

I can see why it would be a good idea to have all police in similar uniforms but they can't be the same. There are a few reasons for this.

First, the geographic size of the United States spans the equivalent size of several European countries. Each of those countries have differing uniforms so you end up with the same potential for confusion.

Second, because of it's size there are a lot of different environmental concerns. What works for an officer in the northwest won't for one working in the southeast.

Third, many countries have a national police department so there is no issue of who is responsible for an incident that may have several jurisdictions responding. Because our Constitution articulates a clause for state's rights they are permitted to pass laws governing conduct within the boundaries of that state. Concurrently, most states recognize local government rights as well, there come city and county ordinances. These require law enforcement agents with authority and training to enforce the local laws. Sometimes these overlap with higher levels of government though and there you have a multi-jurisdictional cooperative.

Forth, coinciding with this issue of various jurisdictions there are a wide range of traditions covering many heritages. These are reflected in the local officer's uniforms. The local populace is proud of something and wishes their officers to reflect this. Look at Texas as an example.

Fifth, sometimes the officer's job requires a uniform that is more conducive to the task they are conducting. An example might be a game warden or a U.S. Border Patrol agent (a federal police officer). They will spend a lot of time outside, in brush-covered terrain. Their green uniforms are useful to the task at hand.

Finally, there are a lot of variations to the police uniform in the United States. However, they are all easily recognized. There is a badge in a specific area, the basic colors are blue for local, green for specialty and brown for county and the pistol belt is a major indicator. In short, there is enough that a person has no excuse for not recognizing the officer.

I hope this has helped address your question.

Answer 2

Well the thing in the US is that each state is pretty much like their own country and they value that individuality. That whole independence to do what you want thing that everyone clutches over here in the States. :) I doubt you'd get them all to agree on one uniform.

Plus in my opinion since the laws are different from state to state it makes sense for them to all have slightly different uniforms. This way you know whether or not the cop has the right to pull you over in that jurisdiction.

You definitely can't walk around in the US with a police jacket unless you're a police officer. Lots of people wear articles of clothing nowadays that says NYPD but it's obvious it's an article of clothing to show your respect for them, not a uniform look-alike.

It's a good question. I just don't think it's gonna happen.

Answer 3

I guess it would be a bit confusing to someone who is not from here, but if you live here you get used to what to look for and you can tell if someone is official. Its true, a criminal could get hold of the necessary equipment to impersonate a police officer, but that would be true in Europe also. But to shorten it up, just a jacket wouldn't do it.

Answer 4

I never really thought about it but it sounds like it would make a lot more sense doesn't it??? I think they should too, but then we have state and local police, so I would think maybe some sort of difference is necessary.

Good question!!!!!

Answer 5

why are u asking a us question when this is the uk site? i dont understand how other countries are on here when we all have our own sites?, if this was the case why not just have one