Early 1970s

Allen County Police Department Hat & Purse

Though women have long served in law enforcement they were not always uniformed the same as men. This Allen County Police Department uniform was worn by donor Jeanette Gies in the 1970s. At that time the women's uniform consisted of a blouse and skirt worn with this hat and purse. The purse has special pockets designed to hold handcuffs and a pistol.