Tulsa Police Department

The uniform program of the Tulsa Police Department is a model for others. The uniform is exactly specified and controlled to maintain consistency. Officer Will Dalsing, then appointed to be the Uniform Coordinator, developed a "Uniform Specifications Manual" to replace the former policy. The Manual stands alone as a resource to officers and vendors to answer all questions about the uniforms of the Department, how and when they are to be worn, the exact tailoring details, and even the Department's approval process for authorized vendors. The dark blue uniform allows the addition of options such as the staff uniform and a few specialty uniforms for specific units of the Department that have difficult apparel requirements. The program is controlled from the top. The Chief of Police has made it clear that it is his priority to have officers represent the City of Tulsa with distinction. Chief Dave Been states, "Tulsa's police officers are the front-line ambassadors of the city and often the only contact citizens have with their government. Our officers wear distinguished uniforms every day." Though many police departments are choosing different and cheaper fabric blends for their uniforms, Tulsa has always determined to maintain the excellent look provided only by wool. Officer Dalsing said, "Our wool uniforms provide the crisp look we require. The fact is all the other blends and uniforms out there are just attempting to match this traditional look." Wool maintains it's pressed look longer and provides the breathability and durability that is so valuable to officers in the field. When it is time to go to court, to a funeral or function, officers can easily add the tie, the traditional "Ike" jacket or staff blouse jacket, and the "Modified-Pershing" hat to their Class-A uniform and be prepared. "We want it to be easy for officers to be prepared for formal functions. We proudly wear a Class-A uniform in the field and supervisors conduct inspections monthly" said Captain Travis Yates. The Tulsa Police Department entered in the "Best Dressed Law Enforcement" contest sponsored by the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD). Officer Dalsing knew it was an important undertaking, "We took the contest very seriously. In Tulsa, we have always taken pride in our uniforms and it was important to get the opinion of an outside organization." In September of 2006, Dalsing was finally notified of the results: the Tulsa Police Department had been named the national "Best Dressed Law Enforcement Agency" in the category "Municipal Agencies Over 200."