IF THE SUIT FITS...
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 Colonel George Fletcher Chandler, the first New York State Police
Superintendent, designed the Troopers' uniform -- one of the most distinctive and
symbolically meaningful in the world. The Colonel also wrote a book called The Policeman's
Art which was a guide for the Troopers on their duties and responsibilities. That book is
read and cherished by our Troopers to this day.The uniform's gray cloth is woven of equal parts black and white
fibers. Black and white are universal symbols of evil and good. The reason for that is
that all over the world, people have always felt safer during the day in the sunlight.
When the sun goes down and the world turns dark, they are more exposed to danger of every
description.Today, however, people are -- or should be -- sensitive to the fact
that people with dark skin who have endured discrimination throughout our history might
feel offended if the color black is associated with evil.This poem reminds people of another context in which the mingling of
black and white stands for something very positive indeed.It also calls attention to the efforts of police agencies all over
America to recruit and welcome men and women of all races, nationalities and religions
to join in enforcing our laws and strengthening our communities.A NEW TRADITION Colonel Chandler at the start Did author The Policeman's Art. The things that he wrote down inside Would be the new-fledged Troopers' guide. To their appearance, he gave long thought. At last, this inspiration got: "I see them on Inspection Day All clad in cloth of sober gray, Of fibers woven dark and light In equal parts, the black and white Suggesting by a small illusion That fast in all the world's confusion They'd stand between, the Troopers would, The black of evil and white of good." The Troopers whom we see today Are still in uniforms of gray. But changing times update tradition. The Policeperson's Art's in new edition. The black and white that to our eyes Is gray, today does symbolize, Not good 'gainst evil, but something new. You'll hear it if you listen to The song these words are taken from: "Black and White together, we shall overcome." Go To TABLE OF CONTENTS  Questions? E-mail Us! CONSTANTINE'S CIRCUS, INC. PO Box 7223 Capitol Station Albany, NY 12224-0223 518-465-4413 518-465-3200 FAX |
