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Toledo police uniforms now have light-blue shirts, but officials are looking at new darker blue shirts for officers to look more professional.
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Police look at change in uniforms

The Blade/Katie Rausch

Police look at change in uniforms

Navy shirts to be ‘morale boost’

Toledo police officials are opting for a darker shade of blue in the newest round of uniform purchases.

Some officers are testing new navy uniforms while on patrol, a shift from the light blue shirts police currently wear, Chief George Kral said.

Police officers with a rank of sergeant and higher now wear white shirts.

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If the department buys the attire, patrolmen, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains all would wear the dark blue uniforms.

The purchase would create a professional, matching outfit for officers, the chief said. In spring and summer, officers’ light blue sleeves contrast with their navy vests, he said.

These new uniforms also would match the navy jackets and sweaters officers wear during winter. Chief Kral said the department is assessing vendors and expects the first wave of officers to be wearing the new uniforms by spring.

“This is going to be a big morale boost for the officers,” Chief Kral said.

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Presentation while on patrol matters, the chief said. Officers are quickly judged by their professional appearance, he said. The new uniforms are described as more comfortable, and they’re able to keep officers warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Each long and short-sleeved shirt costs $38.50, a savings of $14.25 and $13 per shirt respectively over the current uniforms. Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson said uniforms would be provided to about 625 members, but the total number has not yet been determined.

City spokesman Stacy Weber estimated about $25,000 in annual savings because promoted officers won’t have to buy new, differently colored uniform shirts.

Though firefighters wear similar dark blue shirts, Chief Kral said he does not expect problems. Civilians will note the first responders' different vehicles, patches, and equipment.

“I don’t think there’s going to be an issue of confusion as to who’s a firefighter and who’s a police officer,” Chief Kral said.

But Jeff Romstadt, the president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92, said he considers the new uniforms to be a significant safety concern.

Residents will struggle to discern police from members of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, Mr. Romstadt said. This could be problematic for those expecting police or wondering why firefighters are not conducting law enforcement work, he said.

“The patch is going to be about the only difference,” he said.

Mr. Romstadt suggested the fire department consider switching to the light blue uniforms if police change their uniform colors.

Firefighters switched from their light blue shirts to dark blue in 1992. The goal was to differentiate firefighters from police and to more easily keep the uniforms clean. Toledo police in 2013 intended to switch to dark blue shirts, but then-Mayor Mike Bell rejected the idea.

Fire Chief Luis Santiago was aware of the uniform change and said other departments can make these decisions for their members. He said the fire department is unlikely to revert to using light blue uniforms.

Contact Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @rdunnblade.

First Published November 17, 2015, 5:16 a.m.

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Toledo police uniforms now have light-blue shirts, but officials are looking at new darker blue shirts for officers to look more professional.  (The Blade/Katie Rausch)  Buy Image
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