Tucson Police Department: A Classic Uniform Program For A Changing Region

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Consistency. That is what Andy Kunsberg credits, in part, to the success of the Tucson, Ariz., Police Departments uniform program. They have maintained that similar classic appearance for years, and I believe that had something to do with their selection as best dressed this year, says Kunsberg, general manager for Pima Uniforms, the local retailer that supplies the Tucson Police Department with much of its garments.

Kunsberg is referring to the departments first-place finish in the 2005 Best Dressed Police Department Competition, sponsored annually by the uniform industrys trade group, the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD). Tucson bested others in its category to be named the best-dressed municipality with over 200 officers.

It was a win highly coveted by the department. They entered last year, but didnt win, and later contacted us to find out what we look for, says Donna Pierson, director of marketing and communications for NAUMD. They really made an effort this time around, and it clearly shows.

Like many regions of the country where the weather is good and the housing plentiful, the city of Tucson has experienced significant growth in recent years. Its metropolitan area supports over 750,000 residents, and it adds nearly 2,000 new residents each month.

Most people coming here are escaping the cold of the Midwest, but we also have many retirees from California who are attracted by weather conditions, affordable housing and the overall beauty of the city, says Kunsberg. The weather is pleasant enough for golf or tennis in the winter, but if you prefer to ski, the mountains are a mere 40 minutes away.

The increase in population has also spurred growth at the Tucson Police Department. With over 1,200 uniformed personnel today, the department is projected to experience unprecedented growth in the latter part of this decade. We have plans to hire an additional 400 officers within the next four to five years, says Capt. Brett Klein. Theres no question that this has been fueled by population shifts, as well as other factors unique to the region.

Those factors include Tucsons proximity to the Mexican border and the rise in the use of the drug methamphetamine.

We are a gateway for drug trafficking since we are only 70 miles from the border. Unfortunately where there are drugs, theres also an increase in violent crime. That makes the need for a strong, professional police force even more important, says Klein.

What is also important is the image the department projects to the community. The police chief is a consummate professional, and as such, he expects his officers to look sharp at all times, says Kunsberg.
That attention to the smallest detail is clearly evident from the first look at the departments uniform program. In an era when casual clothing is accepted business attire, the Tucson Police Departments appearance seems a throwback to a bygone time. While some departments have shunned their Class-A outfits in favor of the more relaxed Class B, the trend is one that the Tucson P.D. has yet to embrace.

Klein says, The nature of police work has changed over the years, and clearly this is true since 9/11. What youre seeing in some departments is a response to this. Sure, the uniform needs to have flexibility because the work is more complex. We carry around a lot more equipment nowadays, too, items that cant fit on the traditional Sam Brown belt.

That doesnt mean, however, that the department will be altering its award-winning look any time soon. As far as our department is concerned, we are looking at some of the options that are more utility based, but these garments must add to, not detract from, our overall image, continues Klein. A well-dressed officer will facilitate public confidence, and while we might modify our appearance in the future, well always maintain a traditional look at community functions and events.

You may see a more modified look in other parts of the state, but southern Arizona has always been more conservative, says Kunsberg. Hopefully, that wont change. Its very sharp.

Pierson observed that, while traditional, the program is by no means militaristic. It projects authority without some of the negative elements associated with a harsh, military-style appearance, she says. The area is very diverse, with many different ethnic backgrounds. Some of these groups have had bad experiences with law enforcement.

Tuscan Police Departments everyday look consists of a blue trouser in the Los Angeles Police Department style made of a 75/25 poly/wool fabric manufactured by Raeford. Its a washable wool that is perfect for the Arizona climate, notes Kunsberg.

Officers are given two options for shirts, but most wear a Dacron/rayon blend in a tropical weave. Colored in blue, the shirts have double-breasted pockets with pleats and military pleats built in to the front and back. The Tucson police patch is on both shoulders. Their traditional appearance is further enhanced with an eight-point dress hat. A baseball cap can also be worn if the assignment warrants.

The look is reinforced through the use of written uniform specifications. The standards are a reference point, says Pierson. They let the officer know what is accepted and whats not.

Officers are permitted to stray from the overall look in one area footwear. It is very difficult to have consistency here given the various sizes and widths of the officers, says Kunsberg. In this one area, comfort reigns supreme.

Though blue may not come to mind when thinking of law enforcement departments out West, it is the preferred choice in Arizona. It is a bit odd given the climate and the fact that darker colors attract heat, says Pierson.
But others disagree. Everybody in the state wears a dark navy uniform of some kind, says Kunsberg. One of the last holdouts was the University of Arizona, but it, too, has recently made the switch.

Blue is also a practical choice, according to Klein. Its a durable color that holds up well for the type of work we do, he says. And it also provides us with better security at night.

Those officers who have achieved the rank of lieutenant or higher wear a white dress shirt of the same poly/rayon blend in a tropical weave, as well as an optional long- or short-sleeved shirt for administrative dress and a long- or short-sleeved shirt in dark blue for field dress. Commanders have the option of wearing a blue blazer and tie for a more tailored appearance.

The department also has created several specialized units, each distinguished by a unique look. With 120 parks, hiking trails and small neighborhoods to patrol, a bike unit is a must-have for the Tucson P.D. Thanks to advances in technology, todays bike patrols now can perform their duties while maintaining a fresh, stylish appearance. Dark navy BDU-style shorts provide each officer with flexibility and comfort and offer the utility needed by this detail. A long-sleeved white polo-styled shirt serves several functions: it makes the bike patrol officer easy to spot while keeping him cool in a fabric designed to wick away moisture. And of course, the long sleeves work to prevent sunburn. The officers name, shield and department patch are embroidered into the shirt for the officers safety.

A more utility-based uniform was selected for officers assigned to the K-9 unit or Swat Team. The garments, patterned after BDU uniforms, allow ease of movement and are designed with practicality in mind.

Theyre very functional for the type of work being done, says Klein. The K-9 patrol officers carry around many items, including things for the dogs, so its important that they have an ample number of pockets as well as the proper utility belt.

For more information visit the Tuscan Police site at www.ci.tucson.az.us/police.

Above story first appeared in MADE TO MEASURE Magazine, Spring & Summer 2006 issue. All rights reserved. Photos appear by special permission.
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