Dubai Debt Issues Push Stocks Down
GMA: Adam Lambert, No; Chris Brown, Yes
Report: Wife Scratched Tiger Woods' Face, Chased His SUV; Update: Police Unable To Interview Couple Today
Family Gets Early Christmas Gift From Ellen DeGeneres
Street Artist Proposes on Subway Signage
In a lightweight story about the NYPD, the Post reports that a uniform trade organization says the NYPD has "superior uniform standards and programs," with clothing that is "highly functional, comfortable and manufactured to the highest standards." Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, who is a natty dresser himself, French cuffs and all, had his press department whip up a statement, saying, "From the earliest days of the New York City Police Department, the uniform has functioned as one of the most vital tools an officer possesses. As a symbol of law enforcement and a clear form of identification, the uniform is unambiguous and indisputable." The Post describes the NYPD's recent cargo pants as being "Rambo-esque" and "perfect for carrying diaries, latex frisking gloves, and other essentials — or just looking cool on the streets of Brooklyn." The NYPD lost the powder blue uniform in 1995, when Police Commissioner Bill Bratton thought they looked like janitors; now the police wearing navy blue uniforms made from DuPont Coomax fiber.
Some Critical Mass bike riders might see some of these police fashions up close and personal as the police say they will arrest riders who disobey traffic laws. Gothamist on the popularity of NYPD products.
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
From the earliest days the uniform has been unambiguous? Let's take a trip back to the days of Fernando Wood and cop-on-cop violence over, among other things, differing uniforms…
Do we want our cops to be more Rambo-esque in any way? This trend toward a paramilitary look is a bit scary, and suggests a change in the perception of the role of police in society, from a protective authority figure who keeps us safe by observing and knowing, to an automatic-weapon toting commando who will kick down doors and run through a hail of gunfire to terminate the enemy.
I read in the Post yesterday that the officer pictured in the Wednesday article describing NYPD uniforms was injured in the West Side manhole explosions. He was briefly hospitalized with burns and hearing damage but is expected to make a full recovery. This must be the first time a cop's been in the Post two days in a row without doing something heinous or particularly heroic.
good point, jim. it is a subtle shift in image but it makes a real impact. although a little dorky-looking, the old cops were approachable, this new look make them scary. i wonder if it's intentional.
The new pants are hideously ugly!! Talk about dorky looking. Bring back the old pants! They should have been voted the worst dressed.