The police uniform is one of society’s most recognizable symbols; it can build confidence and discipline in the officer’s position, while also signifying authority and protection. The uniform can even help to build trust between law enforcement and the community.

From hats and gloves to duty belts and boots, uniform accessories bind the law enforcement outfit together. These accessories, however, can inhibit officers from properly performing their duties if the items are unwieldy or uncomfortable. Several companies have worked diligently to invest in advanced technology that ensures officers are not sacrificing their comfort for safety.

Material

Equipment is only as effective as the material it is made from. Material is the name of the game for Dyneema. Part of the Avient family, Dyneema has valued innovation, collaboration, and sustainability for more than 30 years.¹

Dyneema boasts that their fibers are “born from science.”² A result of years of innovation from molecular engineers, the third-generation fiber begins as a gas called ethylene. It is processed in a plant to make polyethylene, which is a common building block used to make various everyday items. As the only backward integrated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) manufacturer, Dyneema’s engineers are able to manipulate the molecular structure to increase the strength of the fiber. This high-strength polyethylene variant typically contains about 100,000 individual carbon atoms. The UHMWPE powder is then dissolved and heated in an extruder. The heated substance is forced through a plate with tiny holes, resulting in elongated molecules that begin to resemble a fiber. These fibers create an extremely strong yarn that is wound onto spools for several end-use applications, including law enforcement protective equipment. The third-generation fiber enables body armor manufacturers to design soft armor vests that are 10 to 20 percent lighter than previous protective solutions.

Transforming the Dyneema fiber into a new form factor is one of the most important steps. Fibers are laid parallel to each other and impregnated with a water-based resin. Once dry, the plate is cross-plied in 0- to 90-degree sheets. This process creates the manufacturer’s unique unidirectional material. This material can be further processed by being bonded with cotton or wool to create the high-strength fabrics that make up police accessories.³ The first material available through this process—Dyneema SB301—was unveiled to ballistic vest manufacturers in September 2023. More innovations are anticipated throughout 2024.

The U.S.-made fiber and material were invented in 1963, but they were not made commercially available until the 1990s. “Since then, it has earned the reputation of the world’s strongest fiber,” said Marcelo Van de Kamp, global business director of personal protection for Dyneema. “On a weight-per-weight basis, the material is 15 times stronger than steel.”⁴ The air-permeable, water-repelling material is comfortable and offers officers the mobility to perform their duties while reaping the safety benefits of body armor.

Duty Gear

5.11 is another company that does not require law enforcement to sacrifice comfort and durability for functionality. Featuring a dual belt configuration and durable hardware, four individual belt keepers with hook and loop snaps ensure the outer and inner belt of the Sierra Bravo Duty Belt remain secure. The snaps also keep gear firmly in place throughout a workday. Constructed with 1680-denier ballistic nylon and waterproof finish, the belt is designed to withstand harsh conditions and daily wear. The outer belt maintains a traditional appearance while allowing ease for cleaning and maintenance.

In recent years, police officers have been asked to carry more equipment and technology. The duty belt gives wearers the adaptability and customizability needed to create the appropriate foundation for loadout. Integrated with MOLLE web gear and the 5.11 SlickStick System, the Sierra Bravo gives users flexibility when choosing tools. Because it is equipped with a patented slim lock vertical slide buckle, the belt offers increased space for tool and pouch attachment. The buckle also allows greater ease for donning and doffing.

The Sierra Bravo duty belt ranges in sizes—from extra-small to 4X-large. It is available in 2-inch or 2.25-inch belt widths.⁵

Footwear

At the expressed interest of the U.S. special forces, Garmont entered the world of military footwear for professional use in 2008. Using the company’s heritage and knowledge—dating back to 1964—the research and development team created the T8 BIFIDA and T8 NFS 670 models. These flagship models have since expanded to create the Garmont Tactical Collection, which includes models that can also apply to law enforcement use cases.

“One of the most important tools for military and law enforcement is their feet,” said Kyle Ferdyn, sales manager at Garmont.⁶ From running to crawling to exercising, police officers are constantly on the move and need to feel confident that their footwear will hold up. This idea brought about the 9.81 Alert, a model that was specially designed to check off the important needs of the users: lightweight, stable, responsive, and durable.

Garmont has included polyester mesh to the upper section, keeping the shoe abrasion-resistant, breathable, and lightweight. The 4-inch cut provides ankle protection without compromising freedom of movement. The boots also feature increased traction and multidirectional lugs for a propulsion and braking effect. An agile, mid-cut boot, combined with an exclusive Vibram Megagrip Durmast Outsole, the 9.81 Alert works well in most day-to-day activities of law enforcement.

Conclusion

A police officer without their duty belt or appropriate boots would be rendered nearly useless when trying to apprehend a suspect. Although the police officer uniform is easily recognizable, many agencies are aiming to make the uniform more approachable as well. So, it begs the question: what must be sacrificed?

The compromise officers make when donning equipment is an important aspect agency leaders should consider when selecting the accessories and tools for their personnel. Often, an officer’s job is made harder by putting on lifesaving equipment. Luckily, companies recognize this and continue to develop uniform accessories that afford officers comfort and durability without sacrificing functionality and effectiveness.d

Notes:

¹Dyneema, “About Us” (web page).

²Dyneema, “The Science of Dyneema” (web page).

³Dyneema, “The Science of Dyneema.”

⁴Marcelo Van de Kamp (global business director, personal protection, Dyneema) email interview, December 19, 2023.

⁵5.11 (marketing team) email interview, January 5, 2024.

⁶Kyle Ferdyn (sales manager, Garmont) email interview, December 19, 2023.

Please cite as

“Considering the Wearer,” Product Feature, Police Chief 91, no. 2 (February 2024): 56–58.