tradition
Most agencies I know of have had black basketweave gear for years. It began when agencies dropped the cross draw holster which was worn with the below the waist length uniform jacket (you're old if you remember those jackets) and no gun was visible. The uniform shirt came in around the '60s (just like Barney Fife) and an external holster was carried, making the gun visible. At this point, many agencies specified black basketweave (abbreviated BBW) for their officers. Thus, it was what the agencies permitted and not the individual discretion of the officer. Modernly, some agencies allow for nylon gear. This is lighter, doesn't squeak (betraying ones' presence in the dark), is lower maintenance, and best of all, is lighter.
Me, I still have a BBW belt and gear, some old, some new. My trouser belt is the same one I've worn since 1983 and was black at the buckle, but has been worn to its natural color - a true sign of a crusty veteran.
BTW, closing this thread in Handguns and moving it to Gears and Accessories.
[Edited by 4V50 Gary on 02-20-2001 at 11:43 AM]