The Men in Blue

 
Police uniforms are so iconic that we might think that the men in blue were so donned while other humans were still running around in togas. But the reality is that police have been wearing uniforms as we know them for less than 200 years. When you think about it that is hard to believe.
Knights were considered the medieval equivalent of police as they were called upon to keep order and protect women and children. Their suits of armor served as uniforms but as metal gave way woven fabric, the only signifier of a law and order professional was a metal badge until the 19^th century.
The British police were the first to wear uniforms when the London Metropolitan Police dictated a uniform dress code. To distinguish themselves from the military that wore red and white they chose dark blue. The uniform was introduced in 1828 and had long coats and high collars to serve as protection from criminals brandishing chains, knives and other weapons. Eventually, this gave way to a tunic styled jacket.
In the meantime, order was maintained in the United States by a volunteer force until the middle of the 19^th century. As crime continued to rise in cities, organized crime fighting units evolved and copper badges were used as identifiers, hence the term “cop” was created.
The New York Police Department, which was not even established until 1845, adopted uniforms in 1854 and over the next few years other municipal police departments followed suit. After the Civil War, military surplus was often repurposed and made into police garments. The uniforms were similar to the British with dark blue wool coats and pants usually with brass buttons and a wool top hat. Eventually the hat was modified with a visor in the front.
As fashions changed in the beginning of the 20^th century, so did the police uniforms. While dark blue remained the preferred color for most forces, button down collared shirts, neckties and a military style peaked hat became the norm.  Though there have not been drastic changes in the actual style of the uniform, different forces throughout the country have added a little flare, sometimes in response to social changes but also to reflect their individual identity and the communities they serve. More on this in part two.
 
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