Campaign hats, please!

Sheriff Johnson,

Please consider changing your directives to allow deputies to wear straw campaign hats, instead of the Stetson "sheriff" style. Currently, only felt Stetson hats are issued which cannot be worn in everday situations with short sleeve uniforms (per your directive). If campaign hats were permitted, more deputies would actually wear their hats in every day situations, thereby looking more professional and projecting a positive image to the public (see below).

Straw campaign hats could also be used in formal settings. Felt hats were originally used in colder climates. Many agencies in Florida use straw hats for formal occassions as well. Using one straw hat for wearing all the time makes good fiscal sense too. The straw campaign hat would look great, be less expensive then felt, and would be worn more often by deputies.

Please see the following excerpt from http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/html/story5w.html

In May of 1994, the Florida Highway Patrol was in for a change in hats. Studies showed the Campaign hat provided more protection from Florida's cancerous ultraviolet sun rays than other law enforcement hats. In addition, a 1989 Ball State University study of seven types of police uniform hats rated the Campaign hat #1 for providing officers with the most authoritative and commanding presence, and showed the wearing of uniform hats a positive effect on the public's image of police officers.

Not to make the mother of all mistakes and assume that you are a deputy. But why don't you post this on the rumor answer line so that it can get turned down with all the other ideas (like a five point star badge, quality windbreaker, etc)

Examples of straw campaign hats, some in Florida

Notice not only the sharp looking hats but also the badges. A lot of 5 point Sheriff's office badges. Too bad there cannot be a vote.

Notice not only the sharp looking hats but also the badges. A lot of 5 point Sheriff's office badges. Too bad there cannot be a vote.

I would buy my own five point star badge if needed (shown below - center left). They represent and portray the sheriff’s office much better than what Volusia uses now (shown below - top left).

Notice not only the sharp looking hats but also the badges. A lot of 5 point Sheriff's office badges. Too bad there cannot be a vote.

Vote! yes there can be a vote. Put your name on the ballot and let the people vote. If elected, you can have any hat you like.

Till then, Ben sazs NO HATS FOR YOU......................

Notice not only the sharp looking hats but also the badges. A lot of 5 point Sheriff's office badges. Too bad there cannot be a vote.

Vote! yes there can be a vote. Put your name on the ballot and let the people vote. If elected, you can have any hat you like.

Till then, Ben sazs NO HATS FOR YOU......................

He says "No" to most things.

Judging by the number of different jackets currently being worn (to include gold badge deputies), just pick out whatever hat you like and buy it yourself. If anyone questions it, just say it's a "T and E".

Judging by the number of different jackets currently being worn (to include gold badge deputies), just pick out whatever hat you like and buy it yourself. If anyone questions it, just say it's a "T and E".

T and E ??

Test and evaluation