Evening journal., 1914-06-18
Uniformity Of
Police Uniforms
Chief Black Would Have All
Cops Wear Same
Style Garb
TALKS ON SUBJECT
TO NATIONAL CHIEFS

sociation Of Police Chiefs in Grand
Rapids. Mich, this year, read paper
before the convention today, on uni
formity Of Police Uniforms"
Chief Black said:
Pursuant to the request Of the
President of this Association, I have
prepared short paper on the sub
ject of The Uniformity Of Police
Uniforms. This matter is now en-
gaging the very serious attention OF
the Police Commissioners and others
who have charge of the police force
in our different cities. The torma-
tion OF a uniform police force like
that OF a non-partisan police force,
has been Of slow growth and is OF
comparatively recent date.
Prior 20 1928, the duties now i'm
posed upon the police force such as
guarding property, apprehending
criminals, etc, was performed by
hired watchman who were both un-
organized and uniformed. In case
OF a serious outbreak, such as riots,
etc, the soldiers were called upon.
Murder, burglary. robbery and other
high crimes finally became so preva-
lent that a change was deemed both
necessary and advisable, and out Of
the consideration of the matter, the
idea of an organized police system
developed. In 1928 Sir Robert Peel
Home Secretary of England, caused
the passage of what was known as
the Peel Act, which brought into be-
ing the London Police Force, which
has served as a model for police
forces subsequently organized. The
great mass of the people of London
having been oppressed by the power
of the soldiers, opposed the organiza-
ton of the Police Act for fear that
should such power be given TO the
police. they would be further op-
pressed and their liberties further
curtailed. The uniforming Of the
police was also objected to by the
great mass of the people because the
uniforming was symbolic of organi-
zation and authority The police ap-
pointed under the Peel Act Of 1928,
were known as Boobies and
'Peelers,' and they we're ridiculed and
opposed for many years, and il was
only by the exertion of the greatest
efficiency that they finally vindicated
Sir Robert peels judgment. Under
the Peel Act of 1928, the police was
organized into a force Of patrolmen
with their reserves TO be supple
mented by the British Regular Army.
"ln the United States the police re-
serves are first supplemented by the
organized Militia of the State and
only by the Regular Army when a
request Us made for the same by the
Governor of the State.
"ln Paris the police system con
, sists of civil police and militar!
police, or as the latter are calleG
Gendarmes, and these are finally sup.
plemented by the Army.
In Germany the police system and
the Army blend very closely.
1T rs only upon the rarest OF oc-
caslons that the police force in our
different cities Is not abundantly able
10 subdue any violations of the law
"It is necessary that the police
be uniformed not only that they may
be distinguished from the private
citizen, but by the further fact that
the uniform itself clothes the officer
with authority and assists him I'm the
exercise OF his srduous duties.
"The choice of uniform has a two
fold requirement.
First. utility; second, display.
In the United States we lean
strongly toward the utilitarian re.
nuirement, but by no means fail e
recognize the advantage OF a pro.
moter of efficiency of an attractive
uniform. Our Police Commissioner!
and those in authority over the polio,
force, are paying more and more at
tention 20 the selection of attractive
uniforms and are showing great in
terest and pride in the appearance
Of their police, realizing that appear
ance and efficiency are very closel,
allied. In fact, so necessary is
considered that the policemen shoull
present a fine appearance, that il
many cities rewards are offered 70
the policeman who has maintainel
the best and neatest appearance
while on his. duty on the publi
streets.
Il do not think that It should b
necessary or beneficial to make sue
rewards, as in my opinion the Polio
Commissioners or others i'm authOrit,
should adopt such rules and the hea
of the police force should see tina
such rules were properly enforce,
that every member of the force woul
present a fine appearance while o
duty on the public streets.
In Europe the requirements &
display are more generally adopte
than in the United States, an excep
tion 10 this being the London Polic
Force with their severe uniforms an
chin-strap helmets.
"In France we have the polio
somewhat more conspicuously dresse
and the military in bright uniforms.
in Germany the police uniform
correspond closely with that Of tn
German infantry soldier.
In Italy fantastic uniforms ar
seen, while Barcelonian Spain pre-
sents civil guards i'm red coats, whit
trousers and white helmets
"Leggins as part of the police uni
form are extensively used in Europ
as are also their rain capes and lOni
ones for protection from cold.
"A variety of helmets are used. Thl
helmet is generally favored because
II offers protection against stones
thrown by mobs, falling things from
windows, etc. Il is interesting {,
note ,hat the helmet is being gener
ally abandoned in the United states
possibly because our mobs are no
as adept at stone throwing as thos,
IN Europe. Not having any experi
ence With the European mobs I am
not able to speak with authority ol
this subject.
in Brussels can be seen the tram
police with White batons and Whit
gloves. A short sword is also wor
nv the nn--.------- IN