Employees may have noticed Officers wearing a new "soft" uniform. This uniform is the result of the work done by the Uniform Committee in 2003. Regulation 6 states that the soft uniform is intended for situations where identification as a Department member is desired, but the official uniform is not necessary or practical. This may include neighborhood clean ups, in-service training, block parties or school field trips. Division Commanders are tasked with authorizing when Officers may wear the soft uniform.
With the soft uniform, Officers may wear either the regular duty belt or the nylon duty belt. The hidden agenda jacket is recommended with this uniform because the green colored shirt does not match well with the standard duty jacket.
The Uniform Committee reviewed all of the Department’s uniforms, did extensive research, and made recommendations to Executive Staff. No changes were recommended in the Standard Police Uniform because the Committee was not able to identify any pants that fit the needs of the Department. None of the pants that were wear-tested were durable enough. The decision on pants was deferred until a more durable product becomes available.
The Mounted Unit requested the addition of knee high boots and riding breeches. Both of these items would be ideal for members of the Mounted Unit, but both products were cost prohibitive based on the current budget.
The Honor Guard Uniform headwear will change from the helmet to the campaign-style hat with an appropriate hat piece.
Staff is very appreciative of all the time and effort that Lt. Joe Dessenberger and the other members of the Uniform Committee devoted to this project.
As a result of the uniform changes, WPD Regulation 6 was updated. For more information please see the Regulation or feel free to contact Capt. Darren Moore at the Wichita/Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Center.
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