Color of the day (police) facts for kids
The color of the day is a special secret signal used by police officers who work undercover in some big cities in the USA. It helps uniformed police officers recognize undercover officers they don't know. This system is mostly known to be used by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). It's also used by the NYPD Transit Bureau and the NYPD Housing Bureau, and other police groups in New York City. An undercover officer wears a headband, wristband, or other piece of clothing in a specific color. This color is the "color of the day" and is told to officers before they start work. This system helps keep officers safe. It started during a time of high crime in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. Most people don't know about the color of the day system. However, it is sometimes mentioned in news stories, books, and even on TV shows like NYPD Blue and Law and Order: SVU.
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Why Police Use the Color of the Day
New York City is a very large city with millions of people. Many different police and law enforcement groups work there. These include the NYPD, the (MTA) Police, the Port Authority Police, and federal agencies like the FBI.
With so many armed officers in the city, undercover police officers need a simple way to be recognized. This system helps prevent uniformed officers from accidentally thinking an undercover officer is a criminal. It makes sure officers know who is who, especially when guns are involved. The color of the day also helps uniformed officers avoid bothering an undercover officer. For example, an undercover officer might be pretending to be a homeless person to catch criminals. The color of the day helps other officers know not to disturb them.
How the Color of the Day Started
The NYPD Street Crimes Unit began in 1971. In the late 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, New York City had much more crime than it does today. Undercover officers often worked in the subways. They would dress in regular clothes or even pretend to be homeless. This helped them blend in and catch criminals.
Many of these officers were Black. They worried that uniformed officers might mistake them for criminals if they had to use their weapons. This was especially true if they looked like regular people or homeless individuals. The color of the day system was created to help these officers feel safer. It was used by all undercover police officers.
At first, headbands in the "color of the day" were given to each Street Crimes Unit member. This was the start of the system. Later, wristbands were also used. Today, officers might even wear clothing like T-shirts, shoes, or hats in the special color.
How Others Know About It
The color of the day system is not widely known by most people in New York. However, authors and people who study police work sometimes write about it. Books that mention it include Roger Abell's The Black Shields and Greg Faliis' Just the Facts Ma'am. It also appears in Leslie Glass' novel, A Killing Gift.
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