ETPD undergoes new uniform change with the addition of outercarriers.

Chief Iacovitti along with our members of ETPD would like to present to you with our newest uniform addition; the outercarriers. The newest addition to our latest uniform change was part of a quest to find something more practical, safer, cost effective, as well as less of a burden to the health of our officers. As time has passed, technology and innovation continues to evolve in the realm of law enforcement and this too is true regarding uniforms and equipment. Extensive research was conducted in which it was found that numerous police departments across the United States have changed to the outercarrier model. This recent trend has transpired due to case studies showing statistics of officers suffering from ailments to their back and hip areas, places that a duty belt carrying approximately 20-30 lbs. of equipment induced pressure on these affected areas. Injuries sustained or long term ailments that could be caused would be lower lumbar issues, spinal misalignment, or muscle strains which were found to be common amongst patrol officers. Our patrol officers which are assigned to work 12 hour shifts often times are in a seated position in a patrol vehicle and the traditional duty belt would increase pressure of their equipment into their backs or hip areas. Tactically speaking, the outercarrier model enables officers to place more items onto the vest which include an area to attach our assigned body worn cameras ensuring stability. Additionally these outercarriers are known to be load-bearing vests which reduce the stress on the lower back area of an officer. Said Cpl. Horton of the change, “Early on Chief Iacovitti was receptive to the idea of something that could help our guys find comfort while working as well as find something that was durable and professional. He allowed us to present the pros and cons for both our past uniforms as well as the outercarrier and after the presentation, Chief along with Township Manager Kim White approved of our proposal. I think that this is a sign of things to come in terms of continuing our great relationship with our town and I couldn’t be more proud of the collaborative effort from all fronts which has created a real working environment that people want to be a part of. Of course the outercarrier model looks sharp but I believe that the stress on our hips and our backs have been lifted so to speak, and you won’t always find that type of relationship in which people are willing to listen to your concerns and address that. It shows that our administration and township care about its employees and if they are willing to listen and improve things that can beneficial to ones health, it’s a great thing to be a part of.” With this new uniform change, officers will have the option to wear the French blue (lighter blue) Class “B” shirt or the navy polo. We hope you like our new uniforms as we look forward to continuing serving our great community!