MOUNT VERNON — Beginning Nov. 1, Mount Vernon Police will take a new look onto the streets as they switch from gray to navy blue uniforms.
The current uniforms use a light gray shirt and charcoal gray slacks, but the color is not the biggest difference between the two uniforms. The old uniform pants are wool and need to be dry cleaned. The new uniforms are a poly-rayon blend and permanent press, water repellent, reinforced in key stress areas and have a slight stretch factor so they move with the officer.
Cpl. Robert Morgan showed off the new uniform to city council Monday and talked about the details Thursday.
He said the uniform change has been something Chief Mike Merrilees has wanted to do for some time.
“We’ve used the same basic gray uniform for at least 40 years,” Morgan said, “And the pants are getting hard to come by.
“Our supplier tells us only two agencies still use them and the one company that still makes them will not do a run without a minimum order.”
Morgan said the new uniforms are more comfortable, have more features and are easier to get when they hire a new officer or need to replace a damaged uniform.
The officers will also be receiving new nylon equipment belts and holsters, but they are not in yet. The nylon will cost about half as much as the old leather belts, wear better and are lighter.
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