Metro Police has been pushing for the approval of new uniforms for a while has finally got the nod.
The new uniforms and accessories for the Metro Police Department will be provided by Summit Uniforms, who sell everything from belts and footwear, to hats and beanies.
“They’ve never been able to wear a polo for a uniform,” Sue Johnson, who works at Summit Uniforms, said.
The latest uniforms consist of pants with more pockets, and cooler, lighter and more flexible fabrics.
“And if you get something on it, you just dust it off. Seriously, I kid you not. You get something on it. You get a little damp rag dust it off. You can wear it for two or three days instead of just one,” said Johnson.
That being said, the new uniforms aren’t solely designed for comfort, but also for functionality.
“Certainly, the level of comfort you have while you’re working helps boost your spirits, and it’s definitely going to boost morale in the department,” James Smallwood, the president of the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police, said.
“I think it’s a positive step in the right direction,” Smallwood said. “I think we’re seeing a lot of police departments across the country shift to this because it is a benefit for long-term health and makes our officers more comfortable on the job.”
“It’s time for a change. You know it’s a whole new world out there,” Johnson said. “So now, if we get our officers caught up with the other departments or surrounding counties, they’re going to feel like they are new.”
The department is also considering to allow the officers to wear load-bearing vests and fashion closely-trimmed beards and goatees.
