We used to have to wear the strap with out dress uniform jacket. Back in those days ( 1970's ) we didn't carry as much equipment, no flashlight, mace, no portable radio, but we did carry blackjacks. In those days I was a lot younger and lighter in weight. I was happy wher we discontinued wearing the dress coat, because it was much faster to get dressed and hit the street in an emergency. The dress coats did look nice though.