Posted: 10/26/2025 11:05:54 PM EDT
| I work for the local S.O. but am stationed at the courthouse as a CSO (court security officer). Job duties include working the metal detector at the front door, bailiff in the courtroom and inmate transports (mainly going to other county jails to pick up inmates to bring them to our jail.) We recently switched to the outer, load-bearing vest, which I do prefer but it's got me thinking about a winter/cold weather jacket. Most of my searching so far has yielded results aimed at the beat cop, which state to wear layers and/or a thin fleece or such under the carrier. For me, I put my vest on at home, drive to the courthouse, park in the parking lot (not a lot under the courthouse or a secured environment), walk outside to the front door and go in. Unless I go on a transport or walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch, I'll be inside the entire shift, so I don't see that something under my vest is the best option as I'd have to remove my vest and remove the jacket or whatever as soon as I got there. I'm generally pretty warm as it is and the vest adds plenty of heat as you know. So anyway, I feel I just need something that keeps my arms warm as I walk from my truck to the front door. Should I just wear a jacket and not zip it up or is there any other option? |
As of 08/22/2025 at 2200 hours, EVERYTHING I list in the EE will include a timestamp pic with my username, the date and time the pic was taken. Do not buy anything from my account without the timestamp.
Joined:
Mar 2024
Posts:
193
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OH, USA
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Gortex jacket Consider a Gortex Jacket or parka style Gortex coat (waterproof) for an outer layer. As needed you can add a fleece jacket under it . I was issued the perfect NorthFace Police Coat 25 yrs ago but they no longer make it. 511 makes some and if there is a Galls or other police supply near you it might be worth a look. If you can get away with it a black zip up Carhart would work This could be a good choice also made in a parka and a long coat |
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Want to spend money? Then search for a Belay jacket Want something cheap? Buy an oversized jacket from This thread |
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Originally Posted By Bophades45: There’s not a single month in Kentucky where the average temperatures are below freezing. Your uniform sleeves are more than enough. I only have short sleeve shirts. We wear polo shirts. January and February can be pretty cold though. |
As of 08/22/2025 at 2200 hours, EVERYTHING I list in the EE will include a timestamp pic with my username, the date and time the pic was taken. Do not buy anything from my account without the timestamp.
| I work outdoors in a typical outer vest carrier. My Tuffy knock off from Galls is all I ever use, even in the coldest weather for this part of Ohio. The key is to wear layers. I'm indoors about half the time during a typical shift. It's far better to have those layers and not have to deal with a coat most of the time. |
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Originally Posted By tc556guy: What does your agency specify as outer jackets worn while in uniform It doesn’t specify anything. And the only thing I’ve been issued so far is a rain jacket and a soft shell jacket. It’s a fall weather type jacket. Is been ok so far but I’m thinking ahead to the below-freezing days. |
As of 08/22/2025 at 2200 hours, EVERYTHING I list in the EE will include a timestamp pic with my username, the date and time the pic was taken. Do not buy anything from my account without the timestamp.
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Step 1- go find where all the turned in uniforms and gear are stored. Step 2- find a jacket several sizes larger than you normally wear, and snag it. Works great, I had stuff I wore for patrol (North Face jacket I bought and patched, worn under the vest, better than agency issued) and then oversized jackets for when i was pulling riot duty as I could out them over all the stuff I was wearing. No reason to pay for your own jacket and need to patch it up for just the occasional need. We always had fairly new stuff that were issued and never used, often people washed out and there was just a large amount of uniforms and jackets available. Reality is that the agency should give you some kind of jacket if you are doing transports anyhow, but if not, need something. Not to hard to get a new jacket patched up, so long as it kind of looks correct. Just get one similar to the issued type. I never liked jackets over external vests though, it isn’t a good way to do patrol for sure. Rained a lot where I worked, and I always wore a Seattle Sombrero rain hat if it was pouring, and the jacket under the vest. Vest would get wet, but so it goes… |
a loaded gun won’t set you free, so you say…
| Anything that fits nicely can be made to have side zippers to fit over firearm. Any decent dry cleaners that sews can install a zipper for you. I did this to one of my light buddy jackets with synthetic insulation. Not good to do with down due to thinner materials. But look at the airsoft condor stuff. They make decent quality stuff for the price. 5.11 also does discounts for vets and first responders, 40-50 off usually. Just go up 1 or 2 sizes and you’ll be fine. Otherwise crye makes a half jacket and it might serve your needs too. |
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I wear a cold weather crew neck under my polo. It is from WSI sportswear. Attached File |
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