Safety First: NAUMD Aims to Keep Modern Uniform Design Challenging
by Christina Lee on October 22nd, 2008
Perhaps not in every “best dressed” competition do judges evaluate details like a pocket flap. But such a contest held by the North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors may consider it the difference between a right and a wrong look.
“If there is any possibility at all in the duty of an officer that the cover of that pocket can get caught in his or her hand — whether they are reaching for a weapon or doing some other act — then you’re not doing your job,” said Richard Lerman, president and CEO. “They can be hurt, the person they’re trying to assist can be hurt, and they discharge that weapon simply because of a problem that should have never occurred.”
Since 1933, the association has created alliances between companies working in all aspects of outfitting policemen, firefighters and medical staff, among others. Such companies are recognized in the association’s “Best Dressed Public Safety Awards” at its annual convention and expo.
Safety measures only account for part of what judges — ranging from law enforcement members to apparel consultants — evaluate. They also analyze how well a uniform conveys an image and identity, of both the department and the community.
Police officers used to wear solely “navy, navy and more navy,” as Lerman said. But these days, with a number of municipalities popping up in communities, designers have since taken more creative liberty.
Regardless though of whether they are suited in brown, grey or green, judges reward elements that make an officer easily identifiable. An iridescent stripe, for example, can be seen as a life-saving and perhaps winning addition, Lerman said.
While its “Best Dressed Public Safety Awards” rewards a final product, the association has become increasingly concerned with a uniform’s creation. As a result, this year the association deemed its annual convention and expo “Meeting the Challenge of Change.”
One challenge the convention will address is the increase in sourcing abroad over the past 20 years. Due to union and federal regulation, U.S. labor and energy costs can add up, resulting in sourcing from, lately, Vietnam and Africa, Lerman said.
The association works with the Environmental Protection Agency regularly, Lerman said. All parts of a uniform’s life can be made into green initiatives, from its creation — with only approved chemical solutions — to its disposal — possibly grinding it into coat insulation.
“What they use to enhance uniforms — a plastic seam product used on the elbows of jackets, depending on the work environment — those have to be environmentally acceptable now,” Lerman said.
When the association recruited Lerman in 2006, he had to quickly acquaint himself with the industry’s many and growing concerns. But the reward of facing such challenges can be summed up in one moment, he said.
“When a new police officer is able to put on a real uniform and not training for the first time, you see the look in their eyes, and you know that just putting on that uniform is a great achievement, that the honor and dignity they’re seeking as a police officer is there. The challenge for our members is to make sure the uniform they’re putting on is worthy of that respect and dignity and honor, and not in any way taking away from that.”