Santa Ana on Best-Dressed Officers List

Badges and batons aren’t usually considered the stuff of high fashion, but then neither are police officers. But don’t tell that to the Santa Ana police, who Thursday were named one of the nation’s 12 best-dressed law-enforcement departments.

More than 480 departments entered the contest run by a national uniform association, which for the past decade has selected the best-dressed men and women in blue. Santa Ana police, with their dark blue and gold designs, made the short list by winning one of a dozen outstanding achievement awards given to forces with more than 200 officers.

“Santa Ana was selected for the officers’ appearance, the style of their clothing, and the way they are worn,” said Robert Phelps, a board member of the National Assn. of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors. “They look great in them.

“Every segment of that uniform, in my judgment, was just great,” said Phelps, who presented the award to Police Chief Paul M. Walters and three officers modeling the uniforms.

Santa Ana police submitted seven posed photographs to the competition’s judges, pictures displaying the various versions of their outfits, including a regular issue uniform, the warm weather version (short-sleeve shirts and shorts), K-9 officer wear and SWAT team uniforms. Department officials say there is no single unique aspect to their uniforms, but just an overall snappy appearance.

While some may dismiss it as merely an exercise in arrested tastes, Santa Ana police say the award is a tribute to the pride their officers take in their appearance and their job.

“I came from a department that wore tan uniforms, and I like these a whole lot better,” said Officer John Aguilar, formerly of the Orange Police Department. “I’m proud to wear it.”

Aguilar, who modeled for reporters Thursday in a regular longe-sleeve uniform with an optional black tie and dress cap, said he likes the darker look because “I think this represents a traditional law-enforcement uniform.”

Phelps said the uniforms were judged on appearance, style, functional practicality and department pride. Santa Ana officials said their officers have a lot of say in the uniform’s design, with suggestions and revisions being solicited constantly. This was the first year the Santa Ana force, which has more than 600 members, entered the competition, officials said.

Another Orange County department, Newport Beach, also won an outstanding achievement award, its victory coming in the “less-than-200 officers” competition. Newport Beach will probably be presented its award during the next few weeks, Phelps said. The association’s very highest award--the title of the country’s best-dressed officers--went to the Atlanta Police Department.