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NYPD Brass: Dress More Like Hipster Cop
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 5, 2013
Modified May 5, 2013
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 5, 2013
Modified May 5, 2013
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The NYPD's new second-in-command, Chief of Department Philip Banks III, has held the position for just over a month. We know that Banks, a 26-year veteran of the force, didn't enjoy being stopped and frisked back in the 1980s but believes the practice to be "effective." He also opposes the creation of an Inspector General to oversee the department (no surprise there). But now we also know that he despises a sloppy uniform: according to the Post's police sources, Banks recently held a meeting to discuss improving the appearance of the roughly 34,500 officers in uniform. “[Banks] wants to set a tone,” one source said. “Image is 90 percent of our job."
The source continued, “If you respond to a vehicle accident and you’re disheveled, that goes a long way to how people see your professionalism.” Indeed, proper attire might lead people to believe that the police are actually investigating the vehicle accident.
A document distributed at the meeting, held on April 16, stated that Banks' goal was to "improve overall uniform appearance without having to resort to discipline." Some ideas that were tossed around include a "marketing campaign," producing "a video that would show a good-looking uniform," and instructing officers to shop online instead of at uniform stores in parking-starved Lower Manhattan.
Or maybe just promote Detective Rick Lee to Assistant Chief of Sartorial Affairs?
This "Fashion Police" joke-free post was brought to you by Uncle Donnie's Downtown Uniform Store. Uncle Donnie's: Because who wants to buy pants on the Internet?™
Tagged
chief of department
fashion
nypd
philip banks III
police
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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