What Do Chilean Police Officers Wear? Uniforms by Division

Chile’s police forces are visually distinct and operationally diverse. For suppliers, collectors, or researchers, understanding what modern officers wear—across divisions like the Carabineros and PDI—is essential. Uniforms are designed not only for public presence, but also for performance, tactical roles, and environmental comfort.

Modern Chilean police officers wear uniforms tailored to their division. Carabineros use military-style green uniforms with caps and ceremonial gear, while PDI officers wear tactical or civilian-style uniforms for investigative work. Uniforms vary by role—patrol, traffic, special forces—and use fabrics like ripstop, poly-cotton, or ballistic mesh. Division-specific insignia and regional adaptation define each uniform’s structure and visual identity.

Let’s explore the two major branches of Chile’s police—Carabineros and PDI—and what sets their uniforms apart in terms of fabric, color, equipment, and rank display.

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Who Are the Carabineros de Chile?

The Carabineros de Chile are Chile’s national uniformed police force, organized under a military structure. They are responsible for:

• Public order
• Traffic control
• Border security
• Riot response
• Rural patrols

Their military-inspired structure means their uniforms are more formal and standardized. Carabineros are instantly recognizable by their olive green color scheme, presence in public life, and ceremonial duties.

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What Uniforms Do the Carabineros Wear Today?

Modern Carabineros wear:

• Olive green shirts and trousers (poly-cotton or polyester)
• Black boots
• Military-style green cap or helmet
• High-visibility vests for traffic officers
• Ceremonial dress uniforms with white gloves, high boots, and Sam Browne belts

Some newer patrol uniforms now include:

• Moisture-wicking shirts
• Lightweight ballistic vests
• Tactical belts with modular attachments

Fabrics are designed for Chile’s varied climate, from cold mountainous patrols to urban heat. Many units also have weather-adapted outerwear.

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Who Are the PDI (Policía de Investigaciones)?

The PDI (Policía de Investigaciones de Chile) is Chile’s civilian investigative police. Their duties include:

• Criminal investigations
• Cybercrime and narcotics enforcement
• Forensics and national intelligence
• Specialized tactical response (BRI units)

The PDI functions similarly to the FBI or CID in other countries, and their uniforms reflect a low-profile, tactical, or civilian-blended appearance.

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What Uniforms Are Used by the PDI?

Unlike the Carabineros, PDI officers often wear:

• Plainclothes during investigations
• Polo shirts or tactical tops with PDI logo patches
• Black or navy trousers
• Tactical vests for raids or field ops
• Ballistic protection gear when needed

PDI’s tactical units wear fully equipped uniforms with:

• Dark-colored camouflage
• Protective helmets
• Gloves, goggles, and ballistic boots

Uniforms prioritize mobility, discretion, and flexibility—especially for surveillance or undercover assignments.

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Common Uniform Features: Fabric, Insignia, and Gear

Across both divisions, modern Chilean police uniforms use high-performance fabrics and standardized markings:

• Fabrics:
• Poly-cotton blends (durability + breathability)
• Ripstop materials for tear resistance
• Mesh-lining for moisture control in tactical vests
• Insignia & Rank:
• Shoulder boards (Carabineros)
• PDI officers use patches or velcro badges
• Metal stars and bars for officer ranks
• Gear & Accessories:
• Modular belts
• Flashlights, batons, radios
• PDI often use sling bags or document pouches

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Where to Find Authentic Chilean Police Uniforms

For collectors or suppliers, authenticity is key. Look for:

✅ Division-specific tags (PDI or Carabineros)
✅ Proper Chilean sizing and Spanish-language labeling
✅ Stitched-on or velcro-backed insignia
✅ Regulation color and cut—avoid overly shiny or off-color replicas
✅ Correct headgear styles: military-style for Carabineros, baseball or tactical caps for PDI

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Conclusion

Chilean police uniforms vary by mission and division—blending tradition with modern materials. Whether you’re sourcing for contracts or collecting for history, knowing the functional and visual differences matters. Visit outdoor3.com to explore uniform guides, fabric comparisons, and gear authenticity tips.