NCJ Number
162931
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 25 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1995) Pages: 26-28
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A bicycle patrol program was initiated at Texas Tech University's Lubbock campus in 1993, and campus police officer satisfaction with their uniforms during the first year of program operation was assessed.
Abstract
Uniforms consisted of a shirt, shorts, pants, gloves, helmet, and occasionally a jacket. Campus police officers were allocated three summer uniforms and one winter uniform. Questionnaires were administered to six police patrol officers at 3-month, 6-month, and 9-month intervals to obtain data on satisfaction with uniforms. After 12 months, a followup interview was conducted with a captain in the Department of Police Services Bicycle Program. Campus police officers found the bicycle uniforms comfortable, wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable, practical, and functional but identified problems related to absorbency and durability. Although garment design was rated high overall, specific fit problems were cited. A particular concern was the need for uniforms that were flexible enough to accommodate temperature differences between early morning and afternoon. The department captain indicated that a uniform was most important in maintaining a good self-image and in eliciting an appropriate public reaction to bicycle officers. The need to balance comfort and functionality with visibility and professionalism is emphasized. 4 references, 1 table, and 2 photographs