SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department is about to undergo an extreme makeover that will change what people see on the streets.
The department is rolling out a new patch, new uniforms, and new patrol cars.
The uniform change, from two-tone light and dark blue to solid navy, has been discussed seriously for about a year and talked about for much longer. However, the new patch, officers told KIRO 7, was Chief Kathleen O’Toole’s idea. Seattle police confirmed the upcoming uniform changes but have not revealed the design of the new patch, only hinting at it with a post on Twitter.
Some officers said it looks very “East Coast.”
The uniform change would make officers look like those in cities such as San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. They would also be able to wear their bulletproof vests over the top of the uniforms.
Officers will be required to switch to the new uniforms by March 1st. O’Toole attended the Seattle Police Guild meeting Wednesday night to speak to dozens of officers about the changes.
There is currently a proposal to give each officer $300 to pay for the new uniforms in addition to their annual $550 uniform stipend, which officers told KIRO 7 is used to pay for things like holsters, boots, and jackets.
KIRO
