Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office to Change Uniforms

After a year-long search process, Contra Costa County Sheriff David O. Livingston has approved a change in uniform for the sheriff's office, spokesman Jimmy Lee said Tuesday.

The office is transitioning from traditional tan-colored uniforms to a more contemporary black color.  

Lee said one reason for the change is cost-savings for staff. The tan uniform is a specific dye color that is unique and difficult to obtain, according to Lee.

By comparison, the black uniform will be more widely available and less expensive in the long run, he said.

“We asked the uniformed personnel for feedback on the new uniform,” Livingston said. “Nearly 70 percent of them approved of the change. And after a year long process of searching for a new uniform, and then testing it in the field, we’ve come up with a uniform that is high quality, professional in appearance, and easy to obtain.”

The uniform change "will be accomplished with no impact on the taxpayers," Lee said. Sheriff's deputies and other uniformed personnel receive a monthly uniform allowance and are required to pay for their own uniforms.  

Staff will begin to wear the new uniforms on Jan. 1, 2014, and the transition will take several months.

All uniformed personnel will be required to transition into the new uniforms by July 1, 2014.