Most cops have some kind of tactical gear kept in the trunk of their car. They don't mess with it for each call they grab and go.
I'd rather have them wear night vision for nothing than spend an extra 10 minutes fucking around in the parking lot to not.
But I do agree with the main point of the post. Clothing plays a part in our psyche. If you dress sharp you'll act sharp. If you dress slopply you'll act sloppy. If you dress like a soldier you'll act like one, and that usually isn't what cops should be doing. Hammers seeing nails and all that.