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A makeover for the national police
(Updated 6:00 p.m., 30 July 2013) We all need a wardrobe update every once in a while, even the Philippine National Police. Or perhaps especially the police, since their uniforms have not changed in 17 years.
A recent “Copwalk” held at Camp Crame showcased over 20 proposed new designs for outfitting law enforcers. These were produced by the PNP Directorate for Research and Development.
And you thought police R and D was just for crime-fighting. But how cops look is part of crime prevention, according PNP Director for R&D Gil Hitosis.
A recent “Copwalk” held at Camp Crame showcased over 20 proposed new designs for outfitting law enforcers. These were produced by the PNP Directorate for Research and Development.
And you thought police R and D was just for crime-fighting. But how cops look is part of crime prevention, according PNP Director for R&D Gil Hitosis.
The audience's choice at Copwalk.
The judges' choice.
Along with other government agencies, the PNP is undergoing a major overhaul as part of the Performance Governance System transformation plan. And since they’re changing a lot of things at the PNP, Hitosis says, “We might as well include how we look… bale pinapaganda natin at inaalagaan ang ating mga officers.”
Comfort and practicality
But why change the design? For one thing, the current uniform is pretty hot. Made of 100 percent polyester and addled with numerous metal pins and badges that need to be applied and removed with each wear, it becomes quite a nuisance when you’re on the job. The uniform’s various accoutrements (such as the ornamental lanyard worn on the left sleeve) can get caught on doors and other objects, a potentially embarrassing and even dangerous situation when running down criminals.
Comfort and practicality
But why change the design? For one thing, the current uniform is pretty hot. Made of 100 percent polyester and addled with numerous metal pins and badges that need to be applied and removed with each wear, it becomes quite a nuisance when you’re on the job. The uniform’s various accoutrements (such as the ornamental lanyard worn on the left sleeve) can get caught on doors and other objects, a potentially embarrassing and even dangerous situation when running down criminals.
The current uniforms. Photos by Jica Lapeña
“Ang important sa akin ay… ang taong susuot… comfortable siya. Pangalawa, the uniform should give him protection… Pangatlo dapat functional at magandang tignan,” said Hitosis when asked what the panel is looking for in the new designs.
The first order of business is changing the polyester, which is not as absorbent or cool as natural fabrics. Pure cotton, on the other hand, is expensive and wears easily. The DRD is looking into cotton-polyester mixes for a lighter, more breathable material.
Other suggestions include embroidering all badges and signs of rank instead of having to pin them on and take them off with every wear. In the similar spirit of ease, Hitosis suggests the use of Velcro or zippers instead of buttons.
Although many would think that keeping short sleeves is a must for tropical weather, the director indicates that long-sleeved shirts would be better for protecting police personnel from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats, such as those already used by police highway patrol, are also set to replace the caps that are currently in use.
The first order of business is changing the polyester, which is not as absorbent or cool as natural fabrics. Pure cotton, on the other hand, is expensive and wears easily. The DRD is looking into cotton-polyester mixes for a lighter, more breathable material.
Other suggestions include embroidering all badges and signs of rank instead of having to pin them on and take them off with every wear. In the similar spirit of ease, Hitosis suggests the use of Velcro or zippers instead of buttons.
Although many would think that keeping short sleeves is a must for tropical weather, the director indicates that long-sleeved shirts would be better for protecting police personnel from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats, such as those already used by police highway patrol, are also set to replace the caps that are currently in use.
A suggested wide-brim hat provides better protection against the sun. Photo by Jica Lapeña
Color is important. “Midnight blue is very persuasive,” said Hitosis as he cited color research from the project. Worldwide, 49 percent of police forces use dark blue for their uniforms, 22 percent use lighter shades of blue, and the remainder use other colors such as white, variants of khaki and even green.
Director Hitosis notes that during international conventions, he has observed that the Filipino policeman looks “kawawa” in his current uniform. He looks forward to improvements in the uniform that will create the image of a more respectable policeman. Of course, that isn’t to say that the clothes create the wearer, but if you like what you’re wearing, it gives you confidence, and self-confidence goes a long way, especially when dealing with bad people.
Model behavior
Copwalk was the first of its kind—a fashion show with actual policemen and women walking down the ramp, a showcase of the proposed designs from teams within the DRD as well as from several civilian designers who were selected by invitation.
Director Hitosis notes that during international conventions, he has observed that the Filipino policeman looks “kawawa” in his current uniform. He looks forward to improvements in the uniform that will create the image of a more respectable policeman. Of course, that isn’t to say that the clothes create the wearer, but if you like what you’re wearing, it gives you confidence, and self-confidence goes a long way, especially when dealing with bad people.
Model behavior
Copwalk was the first of its kind—a fashion show with actual policemen and women walking down the ramp, a showcase of the proposed designs from teams within the DRD as well as from several civilian designers who were selected by invitation.
Other proposed uniform designs showcased at Copwalk.
The show featured a timeline of existing police uniforms from past to present to the visions of the future, which explains the all-black shorts and leg holster ensemble reminiscent of Lara Croft displayed via a curvy policewoman at the end.
A "Lara Croft" design walking the runway at Copwalk. Photo from the PNP's Facebook
More accustomed to facing down street bullies, a policeman who modeled for the show described his nerve-wracking turn on the runway. “Lahat ng kaba ko sa katawan talagang lumabas noong araw na yun,” he said.
Fashion designer Renee Salud, chairman of the board of judges, assures us that there will be a next Copwalk with tweaked designs before they are finalized and released by this December.
They will be test-run in batches before all cops wear the new look. Those hoping for the Lara Croft outfit will just have to wait and see. – HS, GMA News
Photos courtesy of the PNP
Fashion designer Renee Salud, chairman of the board of judges, assures us that there will be a next Copwalk with tweaked designs before they are finalized and released by this December.
They will be test-run in batches before all cops wear the new look. Those hoping for the Lara Croft outfit will just have to wait and see. – HS, GMA News
Photos courtesy of the PNP
