Beyond the Blues: Philadelphia Police Get New Uniforms

Philadelphia Police Department officers will soon be trading in their powder blues for midnight navy blue shirts in an upcoming uniform change.

Sgt. Eric Gripp confirmed the decision with The Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported that the new uniform shirts and other upcoming uniform changes will cost city taxpayers approximately $1.3 million. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration is paying for the updated uniforms with unused funds from last year's police department budget. 

The police department budget for the fiscal year that begins in July is more than $870 million.

According to Gripp, the change in uniform colors comes from research conducted on the public's perceptions of uniform color as it relates to members of the police force.

“While lighter colors can project approachability, darker uniforms tend to convey professionalism, confidence, and stability,” he told the Inquirer. “We believe our officers already demonstrate approachability every day through their words, actions, and relationships in the community.”

Not everyone is on board with the changes to the police department's uniforms. Philadelphia's firefighters and paramedics already wear navy blue uniforms.

“We have a little concern with civilians mixing up our members with cops on scenes because we wear navy blue shirts,” said Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

In response, Gripp said that both the police and fire departments already issue dark blue jackets for the winter months. He also noted that police officers and firefighters have distinct gear — “duty belts that have a holstered firearm” for police officers and “bright yellow helmets” for firefighters.

In addition to the uniform shirt changes, all officers will be issued blouse coats for formal and ceremonial occasions. It is the first time in more than 25 years that officers will receive these coats, which previously had been reserved for lieutenants and higher-ranking officials.