Hi all,

I was watching the news, when a court sketch came up, and I was wondering if anyone can explain why police officers put their hands in their vests here?

Many thanks,

Sparky

 

For out of condition court officers who rarely wear heavy body armor, that posture changes the way the muscles and skeleton carry the weight and it feels less fatiguing. It also reduces blood pooling and swelling in the hands which preserves their ability to use tools and weapons quickly if necessary.

 

to "Illustrate" they are wearing vest's. I'm sure its artistic license. I'm sure they weren't standing like that. They always just tell you bend you knees when standing a long time so you don't pass out. But really look at it. Without the hands like that they could be tank tops. By having their hands like that it clearly shows their wearing vests. I think its just artistic license. Notice none of the other background guys are doing it?

 

Nope, the reporters even mentioned it.

These sketches are usually very accurate, as we cannot have cameras inside our courtrooms. We actually have very strict rules, as the artist cannot even draw whilst in the court! They take many notes though.

P.S. This isn't one of the better artists - I'll try to find the one we are used to.

 

Here we go.

Much better, imo.

 

Since its in the other pics then I'd agree with you guys.

 

They could be taking advanage of the cool air in the court house,that stuff

is hot,but they have to look macho. I do that to open space for cold air to

get to my under shirt that is sticking to my body with sweat.

 

It's probably done for comfort as they can hardly stick their hands in their pockets. It also means they have one hand very close to their radio should they need to use it (like the urgent assistance needed button).

 

It's a tactically better position to have your hands when so close to a potential attacker.

 

Not an uncommon pose when wearing a heavier vest as it helps redistribute the wieght about the shoulders. I do agree there is an artistic side though. Every officer is looking at the person of interest, while I suspect they are there to protect them, and would be directing thier attention toward the potential source of aggression.

 

Pretty similar to the position you use when walking with a heavy backpack.

The difference is that your arms are crossed on your chest.

From my experience in the hills of Córdoba (Argentina), walking several Km every day.

No way to walk with your arms down (or whatever you call that in English...) if your pace is fast and steady.

 

Yeah, but that's because the backpack is pulling you back and you place your arms in front of your CG to counteract it.
I don't think that vests do the same. I put my money on the blood-pressure thing.

 

I researched it a bit. Seems to be for comfort. Many said they rest their hands either between their armpits, on their gun, or if the vest is heavy they pull on the front like that. All of em when asked why they stand like that said comfort and vests have no pockets so they can't get caught on a door in a warrant or something.

^This info came from some police forums and sites.

 

They are in a court room,they could also be wanna be's for the out door's.

Wouldn't you like to be there, taking the glory.