Why does Deputy Chief Noland always wear a uniform?

After watching millions of TV-shows and movies I always thought that detectives and higher ranking officers of the U.S. police force don't usually wear uniforms during their normal work (apart from special official events), in contrast to normal officers patroling the streets. Therefore I always wondered why Deputy Chief Noland always keeps wearing his uniform during the whole runtime of The District.

Is it ever explained why he does this? Is there a special rule for the police of Washington D.C., or does he do this out of his own impulse, maybe to show a special commitment to his job or pride in it (yet what would this say about Chief Mannion not doing so)? Is there any further meaning to this? Or maybe it isn't as uncommon as I think it to be and there isn't much more to it.

character the-district

Best Answer

There could be two reasons that people do this in the real life too -

Since they are the section chief and deputy section chief, they are an authority figure and hence always don the uniform. They are supposed to look after other ranking officers and also are a public figure. Hence the uniform.
Some people are very passionate about their work, and always like to wear their uniforms even if they do have the option not to. An officer who can wear plainclothes might often be seen in uniforms. Such people tend to wear their uniforms as a symbol of pride and duty.

In The District, Chief Mannion is a strict abider and believer in the laws and his duty. Yet you always see him in blazers. While Deputy Chief Noland is always in uniform. There are some official functions that require everyone to don their uniforms. Otherwise, It comes down to personal choices and preferences.