Warriors in the field wear their gear every day. They learn quickly what they need and what isn’t essential. So, yes, they would travel lighter. But I agree with your point.
The govt makes it easy by selling equip to PDs at 10cents on the dollar, or less. Military-outfitted/looking cops project an image of a ‘standing domestic army’ which many people find objectionable. If it’s true that ‘the uniform makes the man’ I would personally prefer the blue shirts of regular PD folks over camo because I think those uniforms are less inflamatory and less triggering of PTSD hostility in former warriors now serving as cops.
When did we accept the idea that “Peace officers” were warriors?
Is ‘warrior cop’ now what it means to have a badge? When did this mindset happen?
I guess it must have been when so many decided that living in a police state was okay and for our own protection.