“Every law enforcement officer across the country when they signed up for the job was asked the same question, no matter what department they work for: Why do you want to be a police officer?” said Shannon, who works in the administration division.

“And each one of them, I guarantee, said they want to help people. Essentially, the uniform we wear is what conveys that.”

For a patrol officer on the street, who wears a bullet resistant vest and carries a Taser, that uniform could cost as much as $4,260.

The majority of the cost associated with outfitting an officer come from the items they carry on their belts: a $2,700 radio, a $435 Glock in a $90 holster and $1,000 Taser.

Body armor costs about $500 and the shirt and pants come in around $100 total.

The city of Corpus Christi issues each new officer four uniforms as well as 21 other items from a $319 winter jacket to a $4 whistle.

Corpus Christi police officers out-of-pocket expenses are limited to dry cleaning bills and the cost of their shoes, which are the only item the department doesn’t provide, Capt. Todd Green said. They do not receive a stipend for other associated costs, unlike officers in some larger cities such as Houston and San Antonio.

When a uniform is damaged or worn, the department replaces the item out of its $132,149 uniform budget, Green said.

“We want to present a good image to the public, so if they’re worn out we want it replaced,” Green said. “They represent the department and there is a need to keep them looking sharp.”

The badge officers wear costs $80.25, but Shannon says that single item represents so much that it’s priceless.

Cadets in the police academy for Corpus Christi are issued a badge when they are accepted and begin training, Shannon said. They aren’t awarded the badge until graduation, but they can see it hanging on a wall throughout their classes.

Being able to set your sights on the emblem that represents your goal makes officers understand the responsibility and power that comes with wearing a badge, he said.

“When they give you this badge, no matter how much it costs, it gives an individual the authority to make some pretty serious decisions,” Shannon said. “It’s an honor to wear it and to know that people think that highly of you to bestow that responsibility on you.”

Source: The Caller.com, Corpus Christi, TX, February 28, 2010