The 1980s

The uniform statute of 1971 remained in force with minor modifications until a new statute was enacted in 1983. The grey summer coat of 1953 and the thick winter greatcoat were discontinued, and the baggy trousers would from now on only be worn by mounted officers. The dark blue uniform coat was not changed, but the bottom colour of the collar straps was changed from black to light blue. A new kind of field coat for winter use was introduced along with the new statute.

The special suit of 1970 remained in use after 1983, but it was to be made of dark blue mixed fabric. The riding suit of motorcycle officers was to be made of leather. One of the new items was a dark blue riding suit for snowmobile officers, worn with protective gear and additional warm clothing if necessary. Other kinds of special equipment were also permitted by the uniform statute as long as they featured the police emblem.

The field jacket of 1968 remained in use. It was permitted to use leather as the main material, and the light overcoat could also be made of leather. There were four kinds of headwear: a fur cap for winter use, a peaked cap, the field cap of 1944, and a side cap. In 1984, the Police Department of the Ministry of the Interior issued a circular with more detailed instructions regarding the uniform and which items could be combined on different occasions. There were five sets in total: a duty set for daily use and four sets for festive occasions. The sets corresponded to those of the 1970s.

Officers in the field were dissatisfied with the new statute’s almost exclusive emphasis on appearance and on the details of what to wear on festive occasions; many felt that there were far more important issues to address, namely those relating to comfort, safety and practice.

In 1985, the Ministry of the Interior formed the second Police Uniform Committee, the task of which was to, during a specified period, identify how existing uniform items should be developed and make suggestions for future items. The work of the committee was put on a permanent basis in 1987. The committee was to be actively involved in designing new uniform items, have them tested in the field, and make suggestions to the Ministry of the Interior regarding future uniform items and equipment. From now on, the committee was assisted by a professional clothes designer from outside the police force.

The bottom colour of the collar straps had been black on the uniform coat of 1951, but was changed to light blue in 1983. Light blue collar straps were also added to the field jacket of 1968. Constable of the Kuopio Police Department tests a driver for intoxication.

The special suit of 1970 was used by certain units, including police dog handlers. Dog police officers in the spring of 1982.

The field jacket of 1983 was made of dark blue water-resistant material. The jacket included a warm lining and a knit collar. This was the first police coat to be opened on the front side with a zipper instead of buttons. Photographer: Heikki Ikonen.

The uniform statute of 1983 permitted female officers to wear long trousers, but they were still required to have a skirt in their wardrobe for certain occasions. The statute thereby gave female officers more freedom to choose between trousers and the skirt, and it was permitted to deviate from the general regulations if need be. Security measures at an international conference held at the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, 1980s.

The leather riding suit of motorcycle officers was developed further, and rank insignia were added to the shoulders. Three senior constables on their motorcycles in the 1980s.