Calcasieu Parish, LA – Calcasieu Parish deputies are sporting a new look today, but the change in uniform color isn’t a fashion statement—it’s a practical upgrade aimed at improving comfort, safety, and efficiency. The new green uniforms, which replace the department’s traditional blue, are designed to work in tandem with newly issued load-bearing vests.
Sheriff Stitch Guillory, who took office recently, initiated this uniform transition after meeting with deputies and hearing their consistent request for load-bearing vests. These vests are specifically designed to redistribute the weight of equipment from the hips to the upper body, reducing physical strain and providing greater comfort during long shifts.
While the department initially sought to procure the vests in the traditional CPSO blue, the color was unavailable. To keep costs in check, the sheriff made the decision to move forward with a green uniform that complements the new vests.
In an effort to ensure the change would meet the needs of the deputies, Sheriff Guillory established a uniform committee made up of frontline officers. The committee was tasked with evaluating various uniform styles and colors based on functionality, comfort, and appearance. After conducting their research, they recommended adopting the green uniform, which is both practical and compatible with the load-bearing vests.
“This is not just a uniform change, it is an upgrade in comfort, efficiency, and officer safety,” stated Sheriff Guillory in a press release. “Our deputies spoke up about what they wanted and what they need to do a better job, and we listened. It is important to note that this uniform transition is not incurring substantial new costs as uniform purchases are a routine and budgeted expense. Many existing vests and ballistic plates were nearing their scheduled replacement.”
The transition to the green uniform, which was approved after a thorough evaluation process, is a significant move toward a more modern and unified appearance for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. It also reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to serving the citizens of Calcasieu Parish with professionalism and pride.
In the end, the change isn’t just about looking different; it’s about ensuring the deputies are better equipped and more comfortable as they perform their duties. The decision to prioritize the needs of officers in the field shows a progressive approach to law enforcement operations that other agencies may look to emulate in the future.