D.C. Police Try a Military Look
Patrol Officers Like New Fatigues, but Some Critics Wary

By David A. Fahrenthold
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 18, 2004; Page B01

The look of the average D.C. police officer has changed sharply in the last month, with many exchanging their usual slacks and light blue shirts for dark blue fatigues resembling those of military commandos.

Police officials said they chose to offer the new style for its comfort and durability. The department is one of only a few in the country that allow officers to patrol in military-style garb, although they can choose to wear the old uniforms. Most departments reserve the style for SWAT teams and special uses -- as the D.C. force used to do.

The new attire is officially known as the patrol service uniform, but officers have been calling it by a military name, the battle dress uniform, or BDU. It comes with a cap that is styled after one used by the U.S. Marine Corps. The shiny black boots are optional.

Some officials within the police department have objected to the style, fearing that it could send the wrong message to neighborhood residents. But the new clothes have been a huge hit with officers, who say they are better designed for the fights and foot chases they face on the streets.

There's "never a time on the street when I would rather have that [old] uniform on," said Officer Kenneth O. Daniels. He was among several officers wearing the new washable fatigues yesterday afternoon during roll call at the 1st Police District station in Southwest Washington. "I think that this is the perfect uniform for us," he said.

Police say the old uniforms, which are made of heavy polyester blends and have to be dry-cleaned, are too hot and restrictive and too prone to damage. Several officers said their slacks had ripped while they struggled with suspects, or even just when they squatted suddenly.

"It's like wearing church attire to do police work," said Officer Rich Khoury, who also was wearing the new fatigues at roll call yesterday.

Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said officers had asked him repeatedly to make the fatigues available to those in patrol.

"They're chasing suspects, going over fences and all that, and the BDUs just wear better for that type of activity," Ramsey said. He authorized officers and sergeants in patrol units to wear the new uniforms for six months beginning Feb. 8.

Ramsey said he believes that use of the fatigues will be extended after the six-month period.

An entire set of the fatigues, including the hat and police patch, can be bought for $75, about $38 less than the old uniform. Officers are required to pay for the new uniforms, which are available in 100 percent cotton and in a cotton/polyester blend.

Some critics, inside and outside the department, said the new uniforms look sloppy. Others said they project a menacing air, more urban warrior than Officer Friendly.

"I guess it can be intimidating to people," said Cmdr. Hilton Burton, who estimated that about 60 percent of the officers in his 4th Police District wear the fatigues. He said he sees both sides of the issue.

Among those who worry that the fatigues are too informal is former D.C. police chief Isaac Fulwood Jr., who said he thinks the old-style uniform looks more professional.

Experts who pay attention to trends in police uniforms said many departments are experimenting with ways to make officers more comfortable and help them carry their heavy gear. The New York Police Department, for instance, introduced a kind of cargo pants in August, to rave reviews from officers.

But few big-city departments seem inclined to go as far as Washington and allow regular officers to wear full fatigues, said Ed Philips, who chairs the public safety committee for the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors.

"Do you want a guy who's dressed like an Army Ranger coming up and asking for your driver's license?" said Philips, who is sales manager for a uniform supply firm. "A lot of people react negatively."

An informal survey of police departments in the Washington area revealed that many still reserve fatigue-style uniforms for their SWAT or canine units, or for officers to wear while they are in training or at the firing range.

The one exception is the Metro Transit Police, which has allowed its rank-and-file officers to wear fatigues since 1999. Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson said officers like the uniforms for the same reason that D.C. officers do: They are durable and comfortable.

But, she said, police did discover one unforeseen disadvantage: Some officers have gained weight and discovered it only when they put on their old, less forgiving uniform pants.

"We tell them, 'That's your problem, not ours,' " Hanson said yesterday. " 'Don't come in here looking for a new pair of pants.' "