After decades, Fort Myers police officers will get a new look.
Lt. Jason Pate says it's about time. He has been wearing the same uniform since 1995.
"The belt weighs 15-20 pounds, and it is all on your hips," Pate said.
After many complaints about how stuffy the uniforms are and heavy, the department decided to make a change.
Lt. James Langton was in charge of this operation.
"We have multiple different units in the agency that have different types of uniforms. When this is completely rolled out, every unit will look the same," Langton said.
After a year of research and trying out different styles, they came up with a new zip-up vest, a dry-fit polo and more comfortable pants.
The biggest difference is the vest carrier, it has pockets and velcro. Instead of having to take of the belt and then shirt and then vest, now officers can unzip the vest with the gear on it and cool off.
Not only is it more comfortable and moveable, but the uniform is a lot cheaper, too.
The old uniform is about $1,000, this one is about $650. The new velcro badges are around $20 dollars when the plated ones used to be around $100 and $50.
"We had metal all over our uniforms, now everything is velcro it feels a lot lighter," said Officer Michael Thompson.
Besides the cost of the actual uniform being cheaper, all officers in all units will wear the same uniform. Everyone should be suited up in the new uniform by the end of the year.