(This entry was AI generated)
In the mid-1980s, police in Colorado, particularly members of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), utilized a range of standard and specialized gear. The primary sidearm for many officers was the Smith & Wesson Model 66, a .357 Magnum revolver, which was issued to troopers and became a common duty weapon during that era. Some departments also used the Smith & Wesson Model 27, a .357 Magnum revolver, and the Model 19, a .357 Magnum or .38 Special revolver, which were popular choices for law enforcement. The Model 686, another S&W revolver, was also in use by some state agencies, including Iowa State Patrol, indicating its broader adoption across states during that period.
For patrol vehicles, the CSP was transitioning from older models, though the Ford Crown Victoria was still in use during the early 1980s. The department began introducing Dodge Chargers into its fleet in 2009, but in the mid-1980s, the Crown Victoria remained a staple for patrol duties. The CSP also used Chevrolet Tahoes and Ford Police Interceptors, which were part of their evolving fleet.
In terms of less-lethal equipment, the mid-1980s saw the use of the Electronic Restraint Device (ERD), a stun gun-like tool that delivered a high-voltage shock and was used to subdue suspects. By this time, the use of batons and pepper spray had become standard, while older tools like the sap and brass knuckles had been phased out due to concerns over excessive force. The use of chemical agents like Mace had been replaced by pepper spray in the 1980s, which became a standard non-lethal option.
Officers wore a uniform that had evolved from earlier designs, featuring a sky-blue blouse, silver-gray slacks, gold badges, and black boots, symbolizing Colorado’s natural and industrial heritage. The shoulder patch, designed in 1948 and later adapted to twill material, was worn on the uniform to denote the trooper’s assignment. The uniform also included a "Smokey Bear" type campaign hat, introduced in 1981, which became a recognizable feature of the CSP’s appearance.
For firearms beyond sidearms, patrol rifles were not common in the mid-1980s, but some departments began to explore them. The Remington 870 shotgun was standard for breaching and close-quarters operations, and some departments started issuing AR-platform rifles, such as the Rock River model, with optical sights, though this was more common in specialized units like SWAT. The idea of equipping patrol cars with carbines like the PC9 was also being considered, reflecting a growing interest in long-range firepower.
Overall, mid-1980s Colorado police gear reflected a mix of traditional and emerging technologies, with revolvers as the primary sidearm, the use of pepper spray and ERDs as less-lethal tools, and a gradual shift toward more advanced patrol vehicles and firearms in specialized roles.