Spokane police getting new uniforms

Spokane police officers will soon dress more casually.

Unless they appear in court or march in a parade, Spokane patrol officers will no longer wear ties or turtlenecks in the winter. The change is being implemented as the force switches from wool uniforms to one-piece jumpsuits.

The move is popular on the force, said Maj. Gill Moberly. Although jumpsuits cost almost twice as much as wool uniforms, the change is expected to save the city money over the long term because of a reduction in dry cleaning bills, and because they’re more durable.

Wool uniforms are sent out by the city to be cleaned. Jumpsuits are maintained by individual officers.

“With a jumpsuit, if I get in a fight, I could take it home and throw it in the laundry,” said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, who already wears a jumpsuit in the winter, purchased at her own expense. “Once you have one, then you swear by them.”

The city’s K-9 officers already made the switch to jumpsuits because they’re more durable, said Sgt. Joe Walker. He added that the summer suits are cooler than the wool uniforms, and the winter ones are wind resistant and allow officers to layer clothing.

Earlier this month, Spokane City Council approved $90,000 this year and $200,000 next year for the new uniforms. The city will start with 185 new suits that cost $400 each. Every patrol officer will be fitted for four jumpsuits; two for summer and two for winter. They also will maintain one wool uniform for dressy occasions.

At the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies gave up their ties several years ago.

The county gives its commissioned deputies $900 for uniform expenses every year. Deputies can choose to buy the traditional green-and-beige wool uniforms or black jumpsuits. The stipend is meant to cover purchases as well as any dry cleaning expenses, said Sgt. Dave Reagan. He said it has been several years since deputies have been required to wear ties with the wool uniform.

Moberly said he likes the look of the Spokane Police Department’s standard wool uniform and won’t bother getting a jumpsuit. But he said his preference is shared by few patrol officers. The difference likely will go unnoticed by many citizens, he said.

City Councilwoman Mary Verner, who serves on the Public Safety Committee, agreed.

“I still think they look pretty darn official with their jumpsuits on,” Verner said. “If they can be more effective and more comfortable during their entire shift, I think that’s a good thing,”