Currently our department has multiple colored uniforms which not only confuses the public and creates an identity crisis amongst deputies but it also causes the following problems;

1.  It is creating a visual devide between field services and custody devision.  

2.  It creates two officer satey issues.

One of which in custody, inmates already identify a difference between deputies wearing the tan and green uniforms and deputies wearing the black uniforms. They believe the deputies in tan and green have more power than the deputies wearing black uniforms.  Since there are mulitple color uniforms for the deputies the inmates precieve that the minority of tan and green wearing deputies have more power.  The inmates preception of the minority of deputies that wear the tan and green either work on the streets or in the courts and have more authority.

This can cause increased verbal and physical challenges and attacks on deputies in the custody devision due to the percieved authority difference of deputies due to multiple colors of uniforms being worn.

Two concealment, tan and green provides no advantage for concealment in San Francisco. During low light or dark conditions tan and green is more visible.  Black uniforms provide the most advantage for conealment which is the best for officer safety.

3.  Multiple color uniforms present an unprofessional image to the public and to staff.  It promotes confusion and a lack of organization.

4. We are one of the few or may be the only Sheriffs Department that has multiple color uniforms for the deputy sheriff position.  The majority of law enforcement agencies identify with one color for their uniforms.  Example: Dark Blue - Police Officers, Black - Deputy Sheriffs, Tan - California Highway Patrol, Tan and Green - Department of Corrections.

5.  In 2000 Sheriff Hennessy approved all Black Uniforms - Class A, B and C.  At that time, black Ike jackets were not available. Since then, black Ike jackets are now readily available. Since the majority of Sheriff's Departments are changing to all Black Uniforms, now it's time to complete the transition, and implement Black Class A and B uniforms for the San Francisco Sheriff's Department.

Please take action in this matter.