Dress Uniform

[EdmondExley]

Mike,

As you are well aware one of the current morale issues centers around the uniform change from the traditional powder blue uniform to the new "LAPD" navy uniform. If I understand it correctly the single largest source of contention with regard to the change is the arguement that many a brother has died wearing the traditional uniform (powder blues) and to cast aside that uniform is a sign of disrespect to the sacrifices those officers made in the name of this department, this community, and their brother officers. To that end I would propose that both PANO and FOP meet with Chief Riley and propose the department approve the traditional uniform as our dress uniform, to be worn at inspection mass, funerals, and for awards ceremonies. While I understand the reason the department has for changing the uniform ( getting FEMA to pay new uniforms, and the apparent loss of uniforms during the storm) surely the use of the traditional uniform for "dress only" occasions would be an appropriate way to pay homage to the many officers who made the ultimate sacrifice wearing that uniform.

[Mike Glasser]

We can present that to the Superintendent and see how he feels about it. It would certainly be one way of keeping the tradition alive even if only on ceremonial occasions.

[jack webb]

Mike:

I personally do not agree with the changing of the uniforms from the powder blues. Yes, there were many powder blues "stolen" during the storm. However, many white shirts were probably stolen along with police windbreakers and police jackets and leather jackets.

I proposed that we keet the powder blues and perhaps change the patches and/or design a city of new orleans patch to put on the right sleeve, or even design a small patch to fit over the right pocket on the shirts.

We were told FEMA would only pay for the uniforms if they were changed. We were told the new uniforms would be the LAPD uniforms. (By the way, that is one sharp uniform even without patches!). During the comstat days in the Royal Sonesta, they had an LAPD uniform on hand for all the command staff to inspect. It was impressive and I guess the powers-to-be agreed on the change. However, I gaurantee you the uniform the officers are wearing now is NOT the same uniform that was hanging in the ballrooms.

Let's face it, every chief wants to put their own "stamp" on the department, something to remember them by when they leave. Go back as far as Woodfork with the "blue berets" and leather jackets. Then there was Arnesta Taylor with the black police cars with white markings. Then Pennington came along and, if you remember, in the "Pennington Plan" he originally planned to change the uniform to dark blues but that was squashed due to lack of $$$$. Pennington changed the designs on the police cars and put the command staff in white shirts. Compass came along and let us wear short sleeve shirts year round instead of wearing long sleeves in April when it was in the 90's outside. Then along comes Riley and he changes the department to black (no pun intended) and new designs on the police cars (oh...and love the decal of the peeled banana....oppps...that is a fleur-de-lis, right?)

In conclusion, Riley is putting his "change" on the department so there will be something to remember him by. However, for most of us, we will remember him for us still working in fema trailers 1 year later, no money for supplies, police working in Third World working conditions and his famous "Office of Compliance", and units on the verge of getting evicted out of the buildings they work at due to non-payment of rent. (Perhaps those units can move into Riley's trailer)

Good luck Mike on talking to him about a "dress uniform", but remember who you are dealing with when you enter the arena.

[uptowncop]

Please keep us updated on this.... If this change does happen, it will be a great morale booster!