Suspenders?

[lonesrch13]

I have read numerous times about patrol officers having problems over time with knees, backs, etc. What about the suspenders I have seen ocassionally? They connect to the duty belt. What are peoples thoughts on them? I have not worn them myself, but am looking into it. Thanks in advance

Lonesrch13

[CanineCop]

Some people like them. Be sure to check with your job before you spend money. I was going to get a set and my shift commander shot it down, he said they were unproffessional looking and posed a grabbing hazard.
I believe the uncle mike's variety are break away but I'm not sure. That would be a concern though you wouldn't want to be slung around by your suspenders.
Having worn load bearing equipment (military web belt with suspenders) I thought they would help with back and hip fatigue after wearing a duty belt with to much stuff on it for 12-16 hours.

[nsedet]

The only place I have personally seen the use of suspenders on a widespread basis was up in WA...many of the local cops I worked with swore by them, and at least some departments there actually issued them to officers. No one ever expressed concerns about any safety concerns caused by wearing them.

As mentioned above, check with your department before spending the money. If need be, you could actually try contacting some of the departments up in WA, as I am sure somebody there actually studied the relevant safety and health issues.

[Bow-n-Arrow]

As nsedet stated, they are big in Wa. Try contacting the Pierce County Sheriff, Snohomish County Sheriff or Olympia Pd. I have seen officers from these depts wearing them. I have even worn them myself with Customs and had no problems with them. I thought they made the belt more comfortable to wear for extended times.

[lonesrch13]

Thanks for the replies! I'll look into it some more with the depts in my area and see if they are even allowed here. Thanks again.

[Rodeojones]

They are made by a company called K & W out of Renton Wa. They can be purchased from Blumenthals in Seattle, 206-527-5277

[CO911]

I would wear them under the uniform shirt if possible. A company in Canada makes excellent suspenders.

[copboy]

I did not know you can wear them under the shirt. If I get a job that might be a good idea. Who makes some good under the shirt pairs?

[JimSpoor]

I don't see how a "under the shirt" suspenders could help support a duty belt. I do know that most depts. got away from the Sam Browne shoulder strap because of the "grab" factor. Of course they don't have a "break away" option. Although it is probably a good idea I just have a hunch they won't catch on. After all what is a definition of uniform?

[Bow-n-Arrow]

Jim,

These are "over the shirt" suspenders and they are God sends for a sore back!

[lonesrch13]

Does anyone have any info on the "break away" factor? How reliable are they for that? Or could someone describe the system itself? Thanks

[bjl1313]

I worked with a guy who had them. The Dept did not approve them until he got a Dr.'s note that said he was required to wear them to help his back problems out. They had to approve it for him or put him out on disability.

I think if you got a Dr.'s note, no supervisor would shoot it down because then they could be liable later.