Reckless elegance

Let me say this up front — this article will pinch a few nerves. I can already picture the expressions on some folks from my old agency reading this … because I know they’re subscribers to this outstanding magazine. And yes, I’m looking at you, Sheriff. It’s no secret that during public events — memorials, parades, National Night Out — the entire command staff often shows up in polished Class A uniforms … minus one key component: their body armor. Ironically, that’s a clear violation of a policy they wrote themselves.

We talk a lot about professionalism, optics and leadership. But the sharpest uniforms are often worn at the most vulnerable of times — where visibility is high, threats are unpredictable and protection is abandoned in the name of “comfort” and appearance.

That, my brothers and sisters, is what I call reckless elegance.

The same leaders who sign the policy mandating body armor are the ones disregarding it when the cameras roll.

The illusion of safety

Class A uniforms reflect tradition and discipline. But looking sharp should never come at the cost of survival. Not wearing body armor — regardless of uniform class — isn’t a small oversight; it’s a dangerous habit.

Excuses like “It’s uncomfortable,” or “This is a safe event,” fall flat. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed safe environment in our line of work. Comfort is meaningless in a casket.

Body armor isn’t just gear — it’s a lifeline. Studies from the National Institute of Justice show that officers wearing armor are 76% less likely to be killed in the line of duty. That’s not a footnote. That’s a fact that saves lives.

When tragedy proves the point

Consider the 2016 Dallas police ambush. Officers were advised not to wear tactical vests to avoid a militarized appearance. During a peaceful protest, they were ambushed. Five were killed. Their visibility made them targets; their lack of armor made them vulnerable.

High-visibility events are not low risk. In fact, they’re often ideal for those intent on harming police. Public events offer known times, open spaces and uniformed targets. That’s not paranoia — that’s pattern recognition.

Leadership’s silent sabotage

This issue isn’t just individual neglect — it’s cultural, and it starts at the top. Too often, the first ones to skip the vest are command staff. The same leaders who sign the policy mandating body armor are the ones disregarding it when the cameras roll.

And I’ve asked this question all over the country while teaching officer safety courses: “Does your department’s policy make any specific exemption for not wearing body armor with Class A uniforms?” The answer is always no. Most policies are blunt: “Body armor must be worn while in uniform.” No exceptions. No footnotes.

Yet time and again, the ones most frequently out of compliance are the very people meant to lead by example.

Excuses don’t equal safety

Let’s address the common excuses:

• “It’s uncomfortable.” So is a bullet.
• “It doesn’t fit.” Modern concealable vests are made for this exact purpose.
• “It’s too hot.” Try explaining that to a grieving spouse.
• “It’s just a community event.” That’s what they said in Dallas.

Complacency kills. Comfort should never outweigh readiness. If you’re in uniform, you’re a target — whether you’re behind a desk or behind a booth at a city park.

My role in this fight

As a core instructor with the Below 100 training initiative, I’ve had the honor of spreading a message we believe in deeply: When we address the things we can control, we can dramatically reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths. Wearing your body armor is the epitome of that control.

We teach: Discipline + Consistency = Officer Survival. There’s nothing honorable about half-stepping into a uniform and leaving your armor behind. That’s not tradition — that’s recklessness.

Captain Travis Yates, one of the leading voices behind Below 100, puts it best: “If these were easy conversations, we wouldn’t call them courageous.” Well, here we are — having the hard one.

Redefining professionalism

Professionalism isn’t about looking sharp — it’s about being ready. Body armor should be as automatic as your duty belt. If the policy says, “in uniform, wear the vest,” then wear the vest. No one is above the standard — especially those enforcing it.

So here’s my challenge to trainers, FTOs and brass alike: If you expect it from your people, you must model it yourself. If you care about your team, lead from the front — vest on.

Not today

We love our slogans: “Better judged by 12 than carried by six.” “Train like your life depends on it.” But how many of us live by them? How many of us suit up for community events with a badge, a gun and no ballistic protection?

We quote warrior mantras by day and show up like soft targets by night.

That’s not warrior culture. That’s hypocrisy.

Let me leave you with a quote from Winston Churchill: “To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”

If your finest hour comes while you’re dressed to represent the badge — make sure you’re dressed to prevail, not just to survive.

And when evil shows its face, make sure you can say: not today.