Wearing the right clothes can be the difference between life and death for plainclothes and off-duty law enforcement officers.

That’s why security and terrorism expert Aaron Cohen launched Cherries Covert Ops Apparel in Beverly Hills last month.

Cherries clothing looks like civilian apparel but has special features built in to help officers not in uniform quickly access their firearm and identify themselves.

“The biggest concern that police have is friendly fire,” Cohen said. “If they’re in another city or even off-duty, how do they identify themselves if they have to take out their weapon? I realized that no one was addressing that market.”

Its first product is an active-shooter tactical response covert shirt that comes in a flannel print, as well as neutral tones, for about $70.

The patent-pending design features snap buttons that can break away quickly and a front pocket that pulls away to reveal a highly reflective patch illuminating law enforcement identification.

Cohen said he is already speaking with two different police agencies interested in his product and working with major distributors of law enforcement uniforms.

Cherries will be launching a women’s line next fall and there are plans to manufacture jackets, pants and additional accessories, such as gun holsters.

Cohen said he’s had the idea for some time but the rise in mass shootings prompted him to finally develop his product.

“I know that it will save lives,” he said. “There’s over a million sworn officers across the U.S. and most carry (a firearm) off-duty. No one has ever addressed friendly fire avoidance and being able to identify yourself in mass shootings, (but) this shirt is specifically designed for (that).”

– Subrina Hudson