Recently I started hearing about major interest in Arc’teryx clothing by Law Enforcement in Norway. Earlier today, Politiforum.no made an announcement about the purchase of a three jacket system for Norway’s Police. Police Director Odd Reidar Humlegård signed the agreement just after the noon hour.
I’d say “congratulations!” to Arc’teryx but the real winners for the Norwegians. These new jackets will replace the old model which is leather and has been in service since 1994. This selection is the culmination of almost three years and the participation of nine different suppliers with 135 officers testing the garments. It also puts all Norwegian Police, Corrections and Customs in a common uniform.
Although the deal is more expensive than other options (50-60 million Kroner), the General Police Services chose the system the Police liked best. Specifically, Norwegian Police will receive the Alpha Jacket, Drac and Atom LT and fielding will begin in 2017.
Screen caps all from Politiforum.no.
Lucky bastards. Solid gear! It’s good to hear they choose it because it fared better, rather than because it’s the lowest bidder.
The Norwegian article says that they’ll actually start to refine/develop the jackets now, so I’ll assume that these won’t be pure COTS products.
I understand there will be some changes but I don’t know what those are yet.
My guess would be reflective parts (checkers, POLITI text), rank tab and some. Wouldn’t expect any changes other than cosmetic stuff.
Are they modded to accommodate holsters (side zipper and snap at waist), or is this for plain clothes only?
Meanwhile, we keep getting issued the worst option, and the one nobody wanted, because reasons. I couldn’t even pay for it myself and wear it.
Dang.. jaw on the floor right now. Makes our issue stuff look like the cheapest of cheap junk.
My ATOM LT (non-LEAF in Wolf) came via the ‘closeout’ section at SKD for a steal of a price and it’s seen more wear than any other item of clothing I own. The biggest plus point has to be the packability; you can almost fill a 2-3 day pack with a lined canvas jacket of similar warmth, the ATOM goes down to maybe 1/4 the size or less and that’s absolutely bloody golden in a layer you’ll likely want to take on and off as you move.
My LEAF Drac is too tactical looking to have seen much use sadly, but LAV rarely seems to out of his so it can’t be bad.
Maybe one day I’ll hold back enough for an Alpha set..
Grey is cool for LE. But blue guys, blue! Domestic LE needs BLUE!
99% of arc’teryx product is made in 3rd world sweatshops. This used to be a good company 10+ years ago. Not any more.
Except that this isn’t true. Yes, their products are made overseas, but their factories are very modern. You can’t build to their quality in sweat shops.
+1 SSD
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Also most of their LEAF line and government contracts (sometimes not in their LEAF line, especially for rescue teams) is done in Canada or the US (Berry Compliant). Their higher end (not the $150 jackets, the $800 ones) are also still made in Canada.
Nothing like some facts to smack down internet-comment BS’ers.
They’re like ” SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!”
WOW. An LE organization that doesn’t bid lowest price, but actual best value and what the line guys want/need.
Wow, and I spend my shift in low-bid material that feels like a Scotchbrite pad and has all the breathability and insulation of a black plastic garbage bag