 Truncheons themselves had been introduced as early as 1764, however it was not until 1994 that police forces in the UK started to nationally standardise their uniform prompting the introduction of the duty belt to contain such equipment, instead of previously having their staff carry equipment in their handbags or adapted pockets.In the case of the earliest equipment carrying, a cutlass or firearm was usually clipped to the belt of the frock coat.In fact pockets themselves were not introduced until the early 1900s in some cases.