Why don't cops wear gear?

[BRB96Z34]

Was at a local fair this morning and there's supposed to be a parade.  I was talking to a bike cop and all he had was the uniform, boots and helmet.  Shouldn't they be setting the standard?

[Zarathustra]

they're following the law, that's all you can really ask of them.  It's good they're wearing a helmet, and if i was sitting on a bike all summer in the sun just watching people drive by me, i'd hate to wear leathers too.

[v]

here (in Poland) cops wear full leathers

[SmoothDave]

They've got bullet proof vests on under there, right?  So how much worse can it be come up with some sort of modified mesh, armor, bullet proof jacket?

Of course, maybe if you've got a bullet proof jacket, you don't need much else.  I know that around here the bicycle cops are wearing their bullet proof vests.

:guns:

Smooth Dave

[mwdbruno]

Every motor officer I know wears his vest.  When I was working the road in the USAF I'd have my vest on back and forth to work.  The vest is like a back protector and a chest protector all in one.  CHP here is dictated by SOP and law on what they wear.  It consists of an open face helmet (for better interpersonal relations with the public), full boots and uniform

[Dragonfly]

All the bike cops I see around here wear the full face helmets that the front half flips up on.
I do I have to say I really wouldent want to talk to a cop with a full face helmet on.


Micah

[BRB96Z34]

I guess he was wearing a vest now that I think of it.  He was also in a short sleeved shirt.

[pantablo]

they dont wear proper protective gear for the same reason the harley boys dont. freedom.

they dont wear FF helmets to be able to talk to people...most dont wear flip ups but they should. Aerostitch makes a great oversuit (roadcrafter?) that is in use in europe. The LEO's here should wear those too.

idiots.

[Shadowhawk]

Around here, they wear tall boots, gloves, padded pants(similar to mesh pants), leather(when the weather allows), and a "skull cap" helmet.  There is one who seems to insist on riding year round, and when the weather gets cold, he wears a baclava(sp) in addition to his gear.  Not much is more freaky than coming out of a corner noticeably speeding, and seeing this guy give you a friendly wave.

Don
Shadowhawk

:mrgreen:

The Aussie bike cops dont wear anything but a helmet unless its cold.

The dutch, I am told, wear all the gear - including moulded ear plugs that were designed spercifically for them. I just picked up a set, you have to get them made by the dutch (stuff injected into your ears that sets) - but they are the best!

Stay Safe

[Jared]

Yummmmmm Baclava..... keeps you warm and is a tasty snack while you're riding....



Balacava....close...
They are very nice for cold weather....

[scar_ace]

The dutch, I am told, wear all the gear - including moulded ear plugs that were designed spercifically for them. I just picked up a set, you have to get them made by the dutch (stuff injected into your ears that sets) - but they are the best!

Yeh the Brits do too. I guess it's the European Directives that set all these things as standards, and a UK bike cop wouldn't be allowed to wear anything but full protection. But then I'm sure our max 35 celcius summer weather doesn't even compare to yours lol.

In the lake district and national parks some bike cops even have dirt bikes.

Simon

[richard]

The Aussie bike cops dont wear anything but a helmet unless its cold.

Wow.  isn't that illegal?  Indecent exposure and all that?

j/k

sorry, couldn't resist.

[JLKasper]

Since cycle cops operate in the public domain, their uniforms usually reflect an expected social standard of dress; authoritative without appearing intimidating, like something out of a science fiction movie.  Unfortunately, that means outfits from "CHiPS", instead of full leathers and full face helmets with mirrored visors.  Scooter cops around here ride dresser Harleys and have the standard getup: jodhpurs, tall boots, half helmet, and leather jackets for cooler weather.  When winter arrives, the Harleys are parked in favor of Crown Vics or Impalas.  Local cycle cops operate in parameters outside those of normal cruisers; they often shoot radar for speeders, and cruisers up the road pursue and pull over offenders.  They also convey an authoritative presence and are used in ceremonial and public relations functions.  

I imagine Dutch and English cycle constabulary are mounted on more suitable equipment; BMWs, Concours, and ST1100s.  Wearing a full kit doesn't appear as dorky on a modern bike as the "Ponch and Johnny" getup.

The local funeral escort services have PC800s or new BMW R1200RTs.  They don't have full leathers, but wear full face helmets and more protective gear; including hi-viz vests.

[Flash]

Let's be realistic here.

Bikers in uniform don't generally wear leathers or "protection" because they need to be mobile, they need to have freedom of movement, and no biker cop is crazy enough to chase a vehicle at high speeds (they have cop cars for that).

Besides, the heat factor for wearing all the leathers and protection would probably be unbearable, especially for those living in the south (can anyone say Texas heat?!?). All the biker cops do, as far as I can see in the DFW area, is give out speeding tickets with their radar guns. It makes sense, right? They can easily maneuver and accelerate through traffic and catch up to the speeding vehicle.

Case Closed

[Rema1000]

In the urban snow-belt, motorcycle police are used for ceremony (parades, funerals, festivals) and public relations.  They are used in the same light as mounted officers (on horses, that is).  As such, style (that "CHiPS" look) is more important than actually using a bike or gear suitable for chasing-down motorists, or weaving through traffic.

In other parts of the world, especially countries with lots of 2-wheelers (Japan), they are used more for police action, so the bikes and dress are practical.

[scratch]

Motorcycle mounted police also receive far more extensive and intense training that would invariable reduce crashes and injury. I wish I didn't have to become a policeman to take that course.

[Jeff P]

This has nothing to do with motorcycle cops and their gear, but you guys may get a kick out of it.  

I was in Honduras this past February, and noted that the bike of choice for Honduran cops is the GS500!  Saw a bunch with big ol' highway bars.  Pretty funny.  Also weird is that a GS500 is a pretty big bike down there, most everybody looked to be on tiny bikes and small dual sport/offroad bikes.  

jeff