The classic Sam Browne, according to many, is the 2 ¼-inch black leather belt with a rectangular adjustable nickel or brass buckle that is backed by two hooks and a tab.

Nonetheless, stability is still critical and weight distribution more important than ever. That was a different time and sabers have been replaced by smaller but exponentially more lethal weapons. The original strap is said to have helped to stabilize the belt for the one-handed drawing of a saber and also may have helped to take weight off the hips.

It is described by Webster's as 'a belt with a shoulder strap running diagonally across the chest, worn as part of a military or police uniform.' Common legend has it that the belt was designed by Browne after his left arm was severed during battle in India. Who was Sam Browne? As many law enforcement professionals probably know, the belt worn by so many officers is named after British General Sir Samuel Browne (1824-1901). 'The name has become synonymous with the duty belt.' But one thing has stayed the same for many officers: They still call their belts 'Sam Brownes.' 'It's like Kleenex,' said Scott Carnahan, of Armor Holdings' Safariland. Over time, like most things, the duty belt has undergone changes. A belt that is too stiff or that is ill-fitting can be not only an officer safety issue but a health hazard as well, in the form of fatigue, pinched nerves, sore backs and bruises. In short, duty belts must be strong and have a stiff enough edge to support all the poundage. In the past, it may have held only a holster, gun and some bullets, but today's hard-working belts must carry an average of 8 to 10 and sometimes up to 15 pounds of equipment, ranging from flashlights, keys and handcuffs to OC spray, batons and duty weapons.

Police uniform shoulder patch placement