VIDEO: Ohio Campus Officers Could Get New Student-Designed Uniforms That are Less Tactical

Officers at the University of Cincinnati could soon be wearing new uniforms designed by students in the school's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.

"As we change our vision and our mission for our UCPD officers we're thinking about the image that we want to send and how we want to relate to our community," said Vice President for Safety and Reform Robin Engel, who also modeled down the runway. "We want to provide the officers with the best resources, training equipment and uniforms."

Nearly 50 design students shadowed UC officers last fall, riding along with them during their morning and night shifts to get insight into their jobs. They interviewed cops about their current uniforms, asking about the durability, colors and fabrics. Faculty also surveyed officers about the physical and psychological aspects of their work, analyzed the data and presented the research to inform the designs.

This spring, six design students collaborated with Under Armour and Fechheimer Brothers Co. to develop prototypes that were put on display at the fashion show.

UC design student Christine Hoy, 22, told Cincinnati.com that past police uniform trends in the United States had a bulky, military look, which the students want to change. "A tactical look isn't ideal," she said. "It makes them seem like they aren't part of the community and don't represent the community."

The students designed a variety of uniforms, featuring new colors, logos, patches and hats. No final design has been selected. But the process will likely result in the purchase of new uniforms next January.