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The most common color for duty belts in service with law enforcement personnel and security officers is black however, there is some variation. To combine the best of both materials, companies like Bianchi manufacture nylon duty gear that has the appearance of leather.
#KEY HOLDER DUTY BELT PROFESSIONAL#
However, leather gear is generally regarded as having a more traditional and professional appearance. Nylon duty gear is generally less expensive, lighter, and easier to maintain than leather gear of comparable quality. Older belts used to fail under the weight of whatever was carried recently, manufacturers have introduced double-ply belts which retain their shape and can withstand the weight of the equipment. In Australia, instead of belts the WA Police are trending towards wearing vests with more equipment in them than belts due to back problems, and maneuverability. The Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), the second largest municipal police service in Canada, gave a contract to a consulting firm in order to find more ergonomic solutions. In response, many Canadian departments are now switching to nylon belts because they are considered by some to be more flexible. Many Canadian police departments have had officers complain of having back pain due to their supposedly rigid leather belts. Most duty belts have a width of 2-1/4 inches and are either made of ballistic nylon or leather. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Sam Browne belt was in popular use by police officers in the USA. Male officers carried handcuffs, whereas female officers were not permitted to without special permission. īefore duty belts, British female officers carried their truncheons, which were shorter than the male version, in their handbags along with their police notebook as a matter of routine. In fact pockets themselves were not introduced until the early 1900s in some cases. In the case of the earliest equipment carrying, a cutlass or firearm was usually clipped to the belt of the frock coat. Truncheons themselves had been introduced as early as 1764, however it was not until 1994 that police forces in the UK started to nationally standardize their uniform prompting the introduction of the duty belt to contain such equipment, instead of previously having their staff carry equipment in their handbags or adapted pockets. A pillbox or kepi hat along with a frock coat were introduced in the 1860s, along with helmets designed especially for protection against attack and the weather. Many police forces in the United Kingdom began with a uniform consisting of a swallow-tail coat and top hat. ( October 2016) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) You may improve this section, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as appropriate. The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.
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