Cold-Weather Gear for Police Officers
Police officers must work in all kinds of weather. Whether it’s rain, snow, wind, hurricanes or other natural disasters, the cold presents a unique problem for those in law enforcement.
Police officers spend a lot of their time in a warm car responding to calls or proactively protecting their community. Wearing a large tactical jacket all the time isn’t always possible. It’s too hot.
But you never know when you’ll be out in the cold weather directing traffic or doing something else. Some officers wear long johns or even pantyhose (because they’re warm) under their uniform to keep warm if they are outside for an extended period of time.
Warm clothing that protects you and your gear is critical to prevent hypothermia and keep your equipment in working order. Here are some of the things police officers wear or keep in their patrol car so they are always warm even in cold, icy weather.
Base Layers
Cold weather can be unpredictable so base layers allow you to add extra ones when you’re cold and take layers off when you get too hot. The base layers are the ones you wear closest to your skin. Base layers need to be moisture-wicking and comfortable so they draw sweat away from your body and don’t irritate or chafe.
Wearing base layers is particularly important if you’re working in weather under 30 degrees or when you’re doing a strenuous activity that makes you sweat. A good base layer is also odor-resistant, quick-drying and soft.
Winter Pants and Shirts
Police departments usually issue long sleeve shirts for winter and sometimes thicker pants as well. Many uniforms are not made for warmth, so you may wear the same pants in the winter and summer unless you work in an extremely cold environment.
Durable tactical pants are often warmer and protect against frigid weather. LA Police Gear carries brands like 5.11 and Tru-Spec and even has its own line of LA Police Gear pants. We also carry a variety of long sleeve shirts made from different materials so you can choose the one that fits your needs.
Winter Coats and Jackets
The right tactical outerwear makes a difference when you’re outside investigating or working an accident in the snow or ice. Times like this make it critical to have the right cold weather gear to protect you.
Keep a heavy coat and lighter jacket in your patrol car so you can easily switch to the one you need depending on the weather. Rugged tactical jackets are perfect coats for cold weather because they weigh less than normal coats and provide excellent protection from cold weather. Many also come with a soft polar fleece liner you can detach if you get too hot.
Here are features to look for in a lightweight tactical jacket:
- Sealed seams
- Water-resistant or waterproof fabric
- Adjustable hem
- Hood that stows away
- Articulated sleeves
Look for these features in a winter coat:
- Adjustable, elastic cuff closures
- Nylon outer shell
- Gusseted seams or bartacking at stress points
- Large pockets
- Weather-resistant zippers
- Removable soft-shell liner
- Water-resistant or waterproof
Cold-Weather Accessories for Police Officers
There are certain cold-weather accessories necessary for law enforcement officers. Here are the most important ones to purchase:
Toboggans and Hats
You lose the most body heat through your head. Wearing a toboggan or beanie helps retain body heat and keep you warmer. You can also wear a hat, although it’s not as effective in extreme cold weather.
Warm Socks
Warm thicker socks are another necessity during the winter because as a police officer you’ll be out in wet and snowy conditions. Buy socks that wick moisture away to keep your feet dry. You can even wear two pairs of socks to keep your feet warmer. The second pair of socks should trap heat in to increase warmth.
Always keep extra socks in your duty bag or patrol car so you can switch out wet ones if necessary.
Gloves
A durable pair of gloves is also important, but they need to be thin so you don’t lose dexterity. It’s hard to write summons or do most activities officers do with bulky gloves on. Gloves with padded knuckles and stretchy wrists and back panels are the best.
Balaclava
Some officers wear a balaclava because it protects your face and keeps your head warm at the same time. Lightweight, rugged ones are the best.
Police officers work in rain, snow, sleet and other harsh weather conditions. There’s nothing that stops them, but keeping warm is vital to their health as hypothermia is deadly. Stock up on some of this cold weather clothing and you’ll be comfortable and warm no matter what the outside temperature is.
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