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Texas Tech Police Bicycle Patrol: Encounter With a Uniform

NCJ Number
163558
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 25 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1995) Pages: 26-28
Author(s)
C Rutherford-Black; S Khan
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the Texas Tech campus police bicycle patrol's satisfaction with their uniforms during the first year of the program.
Abstract
The uniforms consisted of a shirt, shorts, pants, gloves, helmet, and a jacket occasionally. Officers were allocated three summer uniforms and one winter uniform. During the study period, the officers rode in the cool mornings and evenings, as well as in the heat of the midday (temperatures in June exceeded 90 degrees). A questionnaire was administered to the six patrol officers, both male and female, at 3-month, 6-month, and 9-month intervals. The questionnaire consisted of 27 items. The first five dealt with the logistics of operating on a bicycle; the times, dates, and number of miles a bicycle was ridden; and weather conditions. Two items focused on students' perceptions of officers on a bicycle and wearing a bicycle patrol uniform. Thirteen items elicited a variety of information on the physical aspects of the uniform. The final section, which consisted of seven items, sought demographic information. Uniform design problems disclosed were the inappropriate depth and number of pockets, lack of protective coverings for the legs, and poor fit for women's shorts. Shirts and shorts snagging, inadequate breathability and fabric wicking in the summer, insufficient warmth in cool weather, wrinkling of the shirt collars, abrasiveness of the Velcro in the belt, and lack of visibility were some of the problems identified with textiles. In addition to garment design modifications, designers could also investigate the incorporation of pill-resistant finishes into woven and knitted fabrics in an effort to improve durability. Light- reflecting finishes would increase visibility at night in dimly lit situations. 4 references

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