The challenges confronting the police have been on the rise for decades, particularly in large cities. Above all else, the increase in the number of petty crimes calls for higher standards around safety and responsiveness. Officers also often encounter extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, or heavy rain. Whether their missions involve rescue operations in response to flooding incidents or helping motorists stuck in snow, police officers need garments that provide them with protection and freedom of movement in a diverse range of situations.

GORE-TEX jackets built around the innovative Smart Garment Concept and featuring Gore stretch technology successfully fulfil these performance requirements. The fabric is durably waterproof, windproof and breathable. Incorporating extremely elastic features, it also offers high levels of comfort and freedom of movement, further enhanced by stretch panels in the areas of the elbows, hips and knees.

Within ten years I.P.T.S., an international police training association, has trained over 7,000 officers from 80 police force areas. For a period of two years, the association's instructors wore GORE-TEX and WINDSTOPPER® jackets by GORE-TEX LABS with stretch technology under real-life conditions: indoors and outdoors, in high temperatures and heavy rain, and also in stressful situations such as when arresting a suspect.

We all agree that the Gore jackets with stretch technology meet the needs of the job and the demands it places on us.

(Christiano Curti Giardiana, president of I.P.T.S.)

ALSO SUITABLE FOR EXTREME WEATHER

Gore's innovative Smart Garment Concept meets the key requirements of a modern functional garment. The jackets provide durable protection in different weather conditions and can easily be worn with other layers underneath, for instance an inner liner for added warmth.

We sometimes stand outside in the cold for hours on end, often in the rain. That's why we need garments that will withstand bad weather.

(William Albano, instructor).

COMFORT AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Stretch panels relieve the parts of the body that come under strain when you make certain movements or adopt a particular posture. The stretch panels at the sides of the jacket allow for the natural extension motions of the upper body and sideways movements of the wearer.

A police uniform jacket has to offer ultimate ease of movement in all situations, whatever shift the officer is working and whatever the policing task.

(William Albano, I.P.T.S. instructor).