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By Jackie Rosselli
Eight departments topped the list of the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Best Dressed Law Enforcement Department Competition in 2007. The 30-year-old contest honors those agencies that have exhibited the highest standards in uniform dress and further recognizes the contributions of the many companies that supply the programs.
Expanded coverage on several departments is followed by a summary of the remaining winners. Those interested in learning more about the Best Dressed Competition should contact the NAUMD at (212) 736-3010, or via email at [email protected]
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By any measure, New Hanover County is a region in change. Wilmington, the city within its borders, is considered the fastest-growing city in the United States after Las Vegas. We see people from New York and elsewhere in the Northeast moving down here every day, primarily for the climate, says John Best, whose company, Best Uniforms, supplies the uniforms worn by the sheriffs office. Overall, the county too is growing and is currently the fourth most populous in the state, although it has the smallest land mass. Were land-locked on two sides, explains Best. And, situated 50 miles from Myrtle Beach, the area is also somewhat transient, with visitors on their way to and from the popular tourist destination.
About the only thing unchanged is the look of New Hanover deputies and dentition officers. There is, it turns out, historical precedence for this the North Carolina Sheriffs Association created the uniform standards many years ago, and sheriffs offices throughout the state were encouraged, though not mandated, to adopt the look. Their appearance is heavily influenced by the highway patrol and by command staff that have come up through the ranks with this tradition in place, explains Best.
But there are other reasons for this departments steadfast appearance. For many area natives, the deputies uniforms are a welcome respite from the unfamiliar habits of newcomers and vacationers. When people first move down here, they immediately relax their dress, kick back and act as if theyre on permanent vacation, notes Best. The impeccable appearance of our deputies may seem out of place to some, but in reality, these men and women are role models, they take their job seriously, and they understand how important their uniforms are to their work.
At the center of this impeccable appearance is the Class A uniform worn at all times by both deputies and detention officers. In an era when comfort reigns and dressing down is considered a fashion statement, New Hanover is decidedly quaint, bucking the trend by eschewing the more casual Class B. When I hire someone, Im less concerned with their comfort than I am with ensuring they project the type of image I want, says Best. Besides, numerous studies have shown the link between perception and appearance. If a deputy looks sloppy, the criminal might think hes ineffective, and that can be very dangerous in this line of work.
Although the department wear-tested numerous fabrics throughout the years, theyve settled on a 100 percent polyester pant manufactured by Fechheimer. The pants are permanent press, with a finely creased leg that they havent been able to get anywhere else, says Best. Colored in what is known as North Carolina Sheriffs tan, the shade was initially created by the sheriffs association and perfected by Fechheimer.
The trousers contain a wide waist band with a two-and-a-half-inch gun belt loop to allow for a belt to be threaded through the loop. When an officer gets dressed, he threads the belt through the loop, then threads a piece of equipment, explains Best. Its a process, for certain, but it adds to the overall sharp appearance. It is also a feature exclusive to North and South Carolina departments, according to Best.
Shirts are also 100 percent polyester but have been modified over the years thanks to Elbeco and technology. Currently, the department wears a TexTrop shirt that uses Nano-Dry technology to wick moisture away from the body, keeping deputies cooler and looking their best even in warm weather.
Of course, fabrics alone cant guarantee a first-rate appearance. Equally important is the attention given to the smaller, finer elements of the uniform program. It is in this area where New Hanover County Sheriffs Office truly shines, thanks to the service provided by its uniform supplier.
Take for example, the evolution of the departments brown dress coat. This elegant article of clothing was in development for more than a year, with many meetings taking place at both the department and store. Was it to be a long or short coat? Did they want the gun belt on the inside or outside? There was a great effort on both parties to produce just the right look, says Best.
No item in the program escapes that attention to detail. All patches are hand-sewn and embroidered in-house at Best Uniforms. The USS North Carolina is embroidered onto the shoulder patch, Best notes. Tie tacks are custom, intended to distinguish the wearer as a member of the sheriffs office. Badges were redesigned to better reflect the regions rich history. The badge depicts a star on top of the state seal. Its actually two badges in one, notes Best. And while such hands-on attention comes with a price, Best says that, for this department, cost is secondary. They are unwilling to compromise on their image, and they perceive value in the level of service we provide. They are extremely proud of their look and are aware of the role it plays in the community.
The end result is a look that is classic, sure to outlast the most compelling contemporary trends. Look your best, do your best, the motto of both Best Uniforms and the New Hanover County Sheriffs Office, is a way of life in North Carolina.
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When the Washington State Patrol was formed in 192l, the six patrolmen were issued a badge, cap, emblem and gun. In its first two decades of existence, uniforms were as various and colorful as its members. Looks for this period included grey Norfolk jackets and riding breeches, forest green uniforms with black accents, and maroon outfits trimmed with blue.
Todays patrol is highly polished, coordinated and utterly professional and is distinguished by the campaign hat and bow tie. Worn on and off throughout the years, the campaign or trooper hat was permanently adopted in 1963, setting the patrol apart from other agencies in the state.
The black bow tie has a similar effect. First introduced in 1937, the tie has remained a constant when wearing the winter or formal uniform. It is a bit unusual for a police department, true, but the ties are a mainstay here and are well-received by the community, says Roger Heldman of Blumenthal Uniforms, the departments supplier.
Like New Hanover County, the Washington State Patrol is steeped in tradition, with image playing a prominent role. Comfort, though important, takes a back seat to appearance, reports Heldman, who says the agency has nixed several items that didnt hold to its high standards. This is a very visible department. Image is everything.
But comfort does play a role, and the department has found ways, courtesy of its supplier, to include this consideration in its program without compromising image. For example, Blumenthal incorporates up-to-date pocketing on trousers, stretch collars and a bi-swing back on shirts for ease of movement. They want a traditional appearance, but they are also eager to take advantage of the latest in trimmings and design, says Heldman. As an independent dealer, were able to show them all available options and to provide the customization they seek.
And for this image-conscious department, high-end blends reign supreme, with both the patrol and honor guard outfits using a mix of 55 percent polyester and 45 percent wool. Although more expensive, the department knew these fabrics would hold up over time, actually saving money in the long run, notes Heldman. Wool is also a natural fiber and therefore has the ability to breathe, increasing the comfort of the officer.
The patrols formal uniform consists of a long-sleeve blue shirt with dark blue pocket flaps, French Blue pants striped with dark blue and a felt royal blue campaign hat. This uniform may be worn with the traditional bow tie or open collar with a dark blue dickie.
In summer, troopers dress in short-sleeve, open-neck shirts with a straw hat consisting of the above-mentioned color scheme. Black leather accessories and uniform shoes complement both the winter and summer uniforms. Troopers and sergeants wear a silver badge and hat braid, while lieutenants and above ranks wear a gold badge and hat braid.
Specialized uniforms are issued to motorcycle officers, bicycle and K-9 units. In 1978, a SWAT Team was developed and issued a uniform made of fire-retardant Nomex fabric jumpsuit. Its K-9 uniform, modeled after the bicycle uniform, consists of a black and blue short-sleeve shirt, black pants and baseball cap. Theres even a uniform for mans best friend, coordinated to match the officer.
Of all the specialized wear, however, it is the honor guard that is truly a standout. When the honor guard was created in 1984, the uniform consisted of a long-sleeve shirt and white gloves. It stayed that way until 1987, when the guard adopted the tunic as its uniform. Patterned after the military, the tunic exhibits the traditional colors of the department and includes gold and dark blue accents, white cord, black belt and gloves. While most departments would be satisfied with this look, the Washington State Patrol is forever setting the bar higher plans are currently in the works for an honor guard uniform redesign.
This program keeps Blumenthal Uniforms always on call. We have high standards, but our vendor is always responsive to our needs, says Christine Fox, logistic section manager for the Washington State Patrol. If we alert them to a problem or concern, theyre right on it, providing the level of service weve come to expect. Its a good working relationship.
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The Class A or Class B which is better? The topic evokes strong sentiment on both sides of the debate. Proponents of the Class B note both its comfort and appropriateness to the type of work being performed by todays officer, while opponents equate the Class B with a relaxation of standards that jeopardizes the overall image, and therefore professionalism, of police departments.
But for those departments utilizing both looks and for many providing these uniforms, the point is moot. Anyone can have a sloppy appearance, even if hes wearing a Class A, says Fred Levin, whose store, Siegels Uniforms, supplies the outfits worn by the Vincennes University Police. If the garments are dirty, poorly maintained or fitted improperly, then the image will suffer. However, if the uniforms are well-constructed from the outset and are given enhancements at the local level by the dealer, you can achieve a sharp, consistent look no matter the uniform.
The Vincennes University Police perfectly illustrate this point. The department utilizes both styles, with the Class A worn primarily by the honor guard and for special occasions, and the Class B authorized for daily use. The selection of a quality manufacturer and the customization provided by Siegels, however, has turned this Class B outfit into a Class A look.
Founded in 1801, Vincennes University is Indianas first college and one of the oldest in America. It is also one of only two universities to be founded by a president. William Henry Harrison began the institution in 1801.
VUs Police Department provides comprehensive law enforcement and security services to all components of the university including the academic campus and the area adjacent to the university campus. The department has 31 authorized positions including nine commissioned police officers, two support and 20 part-time personnel. Officers are commissioned under Indiana statue and have the full range of police authorities granted any municipal law enforcement officer on Vincennes University property.
When Chief James M. Jones took command several years ago, he assessed the departments uniform program and made some changes. Were a highly competitive department and are constantly comparing ourselves to others in the area, says Jones. We strive to remain flexible to change and new ideas.
Some of those new ideas included the addition of a Class B uniform. Made of TekTwill fabric from Elbeco, shirts are 65/35 percent poly and combed cotton and feature a two-pocket design with snag proof button flaps, bellowed inverted pleat chest pockets and stain-release fabric protector. The trousers, colored in the same dark navy blue as shirts, boast a six-pocket design with reinforced seat and knee patches.
To achieve a more traditional appearance, Siegels embroiders the badges directly onto the garments, with all work done in house at the Evansville, Ind., store. Were one of the first in the country to have our own digital embroidery system, says Levin. It enables us to at times turn around a project in one day, giving the department the type of service and value theyre looking for.
For the Class A, the dark navy blue outfits are 100 percent polyester. The shirt has pleated pockets and lined scalloped flaps with Velcro closures. Trousers are a 100 percent Dacron polyester, full line twill weave with quarter top pocket styling and rear pockets with button and hole on the left side. The uniform can be worn with an all-weather dark navy jacket.
Like the bow ties of the Washington State Patrol, this department is easily distinguished through the use of a somewhat unorthodox item. I believe our department is one of the first civilian police agencies to use the beret as primary headgear, says Jones. We like the term unique its our trademark. It gets us noticed.
In fact, Vincennes University Police utilizes four different types of hats. The aforementioned beret is standard for daily uniform wear. The beret has a woolen knitted outer shell with a leather sweatband and an adjusting ribbon threaded through the binding. For special duties and activities, a midnight navy air force cap is used, and in cold weather, a dark navy 100 percent wool watch cap with silver embroidery is the more appropriate choice. Finally, a patrol or baseball cap is worn when the uniform calls for a polo shirt and tactical-style pants or shorts.
The departments look also benefits from the use of technology. Trousers for the bike patrol have zip-off lower portions so they can be easily converted to shorts. Constructed with performance fabrics, the outfits are designed to wick away moisture, keeping the wearer both dry and comfortable. Additionally, officers are issued rainwear with an attached button-down elastic-drawn hood that adheres to class 3 ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standards.
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The departments dressed-to-impress look is classic uniforms are blue and ties black in color. Officers have the option of wearing a long-sleeve shirt and tie or turtleneck in winter. A navy blue crew neck T-shirt may be substituted for the turtleneck at the officers expense. Caps are worn at all official functions and are optional at other times. Daily inspections and spot checks by sergeants ensure that each of the departments 250 officers adhere to written uniform specifications.
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In 2000, the department, having color and fit problems with its program, went looking for alternatives. In response, Red the Uniform Tailor now stock dyes materials midnight blue rather than piece dye, allowing for the consistency the department so desires. The department also decided to purchase made-to-measure garments, with fabrics chosen for durability.
A 55/45 percent Dacron poly/wool blend is used for all general issue shirts and pants. Shirts feature sewn-in zippers and decorative metal buttons bearing the Lone Star of the State of Texas. Silver buttons, name tags and collar emblems help to identify line officers; gold accessories are used for supervisors. Trousers are striped in gold for the rank and file, while supervisors are distinguished by a black stripe.
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The Class A uniform is the standard duty uniform and is worn for regular assignments. The look consists of a long- or short-sleeve shirt with metal badge/nameplate and serving since attachment. Ties are worn with either a tie clasp or tack. Headgear is a Lancaster-style Garrison hat. These are worn with issued pants and a military-style low quarter dress shoe or boot.
A Class B is worn by K-9 officers or by personnel during in-service training and includes a fatigue pant, ball cap with department logo and a shirt with cloth badge patch and embroidered name. Ceremonial wear is also provided and worn when appropriate.
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This 47-member department utilizes several different uniforms and has uniforms for its school resource officers, K-9, SWAT and marine units. Colored in classic navy, its distinctive look includes a campaign hat with badge, trouser, shirt and black shoes or boots that are, according to standards, capable of holding a shine. Belts are also black basket weave.
The outfits are completely department-purchased, with replacements provided on an as-needed basis. We began working with Cocoa Police Department a few months ago, providing them with our Flying Cross brand uniforms, explains Marcia McClain, general manager of Harrison Uniform in Orlando.
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The chiefs blouse coat was designed by its local uniform rep, Metropolitan Uniform Co. Other uniform items include forest green trousers and jackets, and shirts colored in a silver-tan. Full-dress specialty wear is available for mounted, motorcycle, bicycle, marine and ATV patrols. The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority logo that depicts the relationship between the people and urban rural environments has been incorporated into the shoulder patch and all vehicles. The breast badge incorporates the seven-point star that is traditional to Western departments. The State of Michigan seal is located in the center of the star.
Uniforms are replaced at department expense without limitation. Metropolitan Uniform keeps a stock of uniforms and equipment on hand to meet the departments needs and handles on-the-spot alterations.
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