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Md. county considers less ‘intimidating’ police uniforms

County officials believe lighter uniforms will make officers look more approachable

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Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering a lighter uniform to make its police officers seem less intimidating, officials said.

Montgomery County Police Department

By Suzie Ziegler

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Is khaki the new black? County officials in Maryland think so.

In an effort to make officers look less “intimidating,” the Montgomery County Police Department could soon be shucking their black uniforms, WTOP reported.

Marc Elrich, a county official, said at a press conference Wednesday that he thinks officers need a new look.

“There’s a pretty broad consensus that the uniforms are intimidating,” Elrich said. “It’s something that we ought to do, and it will help take some of the intimidation out of the appearance of an officer.”

The idea is under discussion with the Fraternal Order of Police and the police department, the report said. The FOP and department will decide on colors for both management and rank-and-file officers. Elrich says they’re considering a lighter uniform, which would have the added benefit of being cooler in the summertime.

“In the summer, [dark uniforms] are just more uncomfortable,” Elrich told WTOP. “[A lighter color] should actually be a more comfortable uniform than the one they’re wearing today.”

Montgomery County officers have previously worn khaki, but it’s unclear if beige will make a comeback.

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