Capitol Cops Steaming About Shorts Ban

Officers at the Capitol building say pants hold them back
By Tim Karan,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 13, 2011 4:13 PM CDT
Capitol Cops Steaming About Shorts Ban
Capitol police are upset they can no longer wear shorts on duty.   (Shutterstock)

Apparently, cops aren't above the law when it comes to crimes of fashion. Officers assigned to the Capitol are upset with a top brass decision to ban them from wearing shorts. Union reps say the decision was made because cops carrying automatic rifles don't look imposing in shorts, reports Roll Call.

The ban only affects officers working at the Capitol building, while those on patrol, bike, or guarding other buildings can continue to don shorts. But the union claims soaring summer temperatures can make cops in pants too uncomfortable to work effectively. "As long as the officers are doing their job, it shouldn't matter what uniform they're in," says a union rep. "We want the officers to be able to wear the shorts. An officer who is comfortable is a lot more alert." (More Washington, DC stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X