ANAHEIM : Police Donating Old Uniforms to Mexico

The uniforms that once outfitted the city’s 330-member police force will soon be seen on the streets of Mexico.

Anaheim police changed the color of their uniforms from tan to blue last year, leaving the department with about 2,500 unwanted sets of tan shirts and pants. As a gesture of good will, most of the uniforms will be donated to needy law enforcement agencies in Mexico, Capt. Randy Gaston said.

Local police occasionally work with Mexican authorities to catch suspects who flee the United States, Gaston said, and police officials hope the donation of uniforms will increase cooperation on these cases. Such cooperation must be solicited since there is no legal requirement for Mexican police to assist with investigations of crimes committed in this country, he said.

Previously, the uniforms have been given to charity or destroyed. The uniforms are worth less than $100 each, according to Anaheim police.

Following the City Council’s approval of the donation, the Police Department will decide which Mexican police agencies will receive the uniforms, Gaston said. In addition, some uniforms and other equipment such as batons will be donated to the police academy at Golden West College.