Functionality and comfort are what drove this award-winning department to a Class C uniform about 10 years ago. The Naugatuck PD’s street, or patrol, uniform is Blauer Street Gear, a navy rip-stop with all patches, badges, name tags, and rank sewn on. Ball caps are the hat worn with this uniform, or beanies in winter. Officers wear short sleeves or long sleeves as dictated by policy for the seasons, and also have several jacket options. There’s also wear for specialized units, including the Honor Guard, which wears a modified version of the Class A dress uniform, and a K9 Unit, which is dressed in a modified version of the Class C.

There have been a couple of changes to the uniform program in recent years. The move to sewn-on badges, or soft uniforms, was a move to get away from a traditional uniform, and is also the driving force behind other updates under consideration. However, any revisions that may affect the ease with which the public can identify an officer must be carefully weighed before finalized. Additionally, the Naugatuck PD has allowed officers to wear outer carriers for their body armor. In 2021, the department was wear testing outer carriers with M.O.L.L.E. straps and various equipment configurations. This is driven by the amount of equipment officers are currently carrying on their duty belts.

Are you the supplier of an award-winning uniform look? Find out by entering the 2022 Best Dressed Public Safety Department Competition, or any of the other awards programs sponsored by NAUMD. The submission process is now open. You can enter your picks on the awards page, or learn more by visiting www.naumd.com.