Taxpayers off the hook for NHP uniforms

Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 | 10:58 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Highway Patrol chief says taxpayers won't have to pay for a new look for about 400 troopers, but the officers' association may not support the uniform change proposal.

The color of the everyday uniform would be switched from a light blue to dark blue, similar to the ones of the Los Angeles Police Department, David Hosmer, the highway patrol chief, said last week. A uniform committee in the agency chose the new colors, and a survey of the troopers showed more than 50 percent favored the change, he said.

But Gary Wolff, spokesman for the Nevada Highway Patrol Association, said some association members complained that they were never asked for their opinions.

"We're putting out a survey," the results of the which should be ready in a few weeks, Wolff said.

The real issue is who will foot the bill for the changes, the troopers or taxpayers. The law says the state must pay for the new uniforms, he said. And, he asked: If a new director comes in next year, will there be another change in uniform?

Hosmer said the change should not be billed to the state.

"Even though the highway fund has money, I don't want (this) to cost the taxpayers. It has got to be funding-neutral," especially because of the state's tight financial condition, he said.

The veteran troopers can use their uniform allowance during the year to purchase the new clothing, and it will save money on the issuance of uniforms to new troopers, Hosmer said.

The present wool pants cost $140 and are uncomfortable for those working in Las Vegas during the hot summer months. The short sleeve shirts cost $60 apiece. A new set of the uniforms would cost $110 to $120.

The uniforms probably would be phased in over the next year, Hosmer said.

Troopers, when hired, receive three pairs of pants and three shirts.

Once on the force, they receive a yearly uniform allowance of $656 to replace worn-out uniforms. The uniform allowance is given during each quarter of the year, Hosmer said. Troopers get their first uniform allowance check in the first three months they are on the job, he said.

Hosmer complained that the present uniform "looks like old military fatigues." The new dark blue uniform will be for all agencies in the state Department of Public Safety, Hosmer said. Capitol Police already have the dark uniforms. When money becomes available, the divisions of investigations and parole and probation will sport the new look as well, he said.

The patrol also will change the striping on its vehicles. The present striping costs $350 to paint on a car. A new type of striping will cost $100 per vehicle, officials said.

"Last year we bought 70 cars and they sat around collecting dust because nobody could put the radio and the lights on," Hosmer said. He said he urged the shop crews to get the vehicles on the street but was then told by the fleet manager the striping costs $350.

He said it will take three to four years to phase out the old cars and put the 3M striping on the new vehicles that is guaranteed to last for seven years.