What's a state trooper to wear? Ohio officers sweat out early spring heat

(CBS/AP) COLUMBUS, Ohio - Global warming or not, some skiers in Maine have been wearing only boots and bikinis, the cherry blossoms emerged earlier than ever in Wash., D.C., and in Ohio, state troopers asked to switch from long-sleeves to short-sleeves and open collars before their contract actually allows.

Now they're a little hot under the collar.

The Columbus Dispatch newspaper reports record-high spring temperatures prompted the troopers' union to request the change earlier than specified in their agreement. The contract says short-sleeved, open-collared uniforms can be worn starting April 15, until Nov. 1.

Union president Larry Phillips says when the long-sleeved Ohio State Highway Patrol uniform is worn with a tie and a protective vest, a trooper's body temperature rises "significantly," especially in 80-degree weather.

Patrol superintendent Col. John Born told the union on Thursday the troopers could switch to the short-sleeve look early only if management gets to make the call in future years. So, troopers chose to stick with long sleeves and ties for now, rather than give up their future wardrobe rights.

A patrol spokeswoman says the superintendent is following the contract.

And that's the long and the short of it.