Why Do Chicago Cops Wear Checkered Hats? A Tale of Tartan and Tradition
You’ve probably seen them: those distinctive checkered bands adorning the hats of Chicago’s finest. It’s a look that’s as iconic as deep-dish pizza and the Sears Tower (or Willis Tower, if you’re being that picky). But have you ever wondered why they wear them? Let’s dive into this checkered mystery.
A Checkered Past
Believe it or not, the checkered hat band trend didn’t originate in the Windy City. Nope, we can thank our friends across the pond for this fashion faux pas. The Scottish police were the original trendsetters, sporting a similar pattern known as the Sillitoe tartan. It was all about visibility, you see. A checkered pattern is easier to spot than a solid color, making it easier to identify officers in a crowd.
Chicago PD, being the forward-thinking department they are, decided to hop on this bandwagon in the 1960s. They tweaked the design a bit, opting for a two-color pattern instead of the Scottish three-color version. And voila! A new Chicago tradition was born.
More Than Just a Fashion Statement
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, so they wanted to be seen. But why the checkered pattern? Couldn’t they have just gone with a solid color or something less... checkered?” Well, dear reader, there’s more to this than meets the eye.
Some say the checkered pattern is a symbol of order and authority. Others believe it’s a subtle way to intimidate criminals (like, “Look at me, I’m a cop with a fancy hat. You better behave!”). But let’s be honest, it probably boils down to the fact that someone in the CPD uniform department really liked the look. And hey, who are we to argue with fashion?
The Checkered Future
So, will Chicago cops be rocking the checkered look forever? It’s hard to say. Fashion trends come and go, but this one seems to have staying power. After all, it’s become such a defining characteristic of the CPD that changing it would probably cause a riot (or at least a very disappointed Benny Goodman impersonator).
How to questions:
- How to become a Chicago police officer? Meet the physical and educational requirements, pass the written and physical exams, and complete police academy training.
- How to report a crime in Chicago? Call 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency number for less urgent matters.
- How to find a Chicago police station? Use the Chicago Police Department's online station locator or call 311.
- How to get a criminal record check in Chicago? Visit the Illinois State Police website or the Chicago Police Department for instructions and forms.
- How to understand Chicago's gang culture? Research local gang histories, demographics, and activities to gain a better understanding.
So there you have it, the checkered tale of the Chicago Police Department. It may not be the most thrilling story ever told, but it's definitely a unique piece of Windy City history.