Police to Give Old Gear to Peers Across the Border
Police officers will donate used uniforms and equipment to their peers in Tijuana.
The donation includes 147 handgun holsters, 89 handcuff cases, 105 duty belts, 63 uniform shirts, 215 pairs of trousers and 34 ammunition magazine cases. Most of the gear is made of leather; the Costa Mesa force has switched to lighter nylon products.
“They’re worthless to us,” Costa Mesa Police Lt. Karl Schuler said. “They’re outdated, uniforms that we can’t use. Rather than chuck them into a trash can, this is a good way to dispose of them.”
Costa Mesa police markings will be removed.
The City Council approved the donation Monday.
This is the department’s first gift to Mexican authorities.
A motorcycle officer organization known as the Choir Boys will bring the items, along with goods from other departments, to Mexico in June.
At least one Costa Mesa officer plans to go on the trip.
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