Pocatello police save money with new teflon-coated look

The Pocatello Police Department is getting a brand new look and saving some money at the same time.

For years, Pocatello officers have been trying to get an update to their wool uniform, that has been the same since the 1940s.

Now the police are getting new navy blue, teflon coated uniform.

For the senior staff who have to stress about budgets, the new get-up could help save them some headaches. It’s a whole lot less expensive.

“We’re always struggling to find extra money for this that and the other. And it just makes sense when we can get a whole uniform for the cost of the pants,” Cpt. Nick Capell said.

Also the new uniform has the badge already embroidered on, so no need to buy a metal one that can snag.

For the average patrolman, the cost isn’t much of a concern, it’s all about how well it helps them do their jobs.

They said it’s lightweight, easier to move around in and more versatile.

“The thing I like the most is the pockets. There’s times that you have cameras or other items you’d need in your hands, and in our line of work you want you hand free,” Officer Jared Bowman said.

A super slick teflon coating practically makes the uniform waterproof, water and dirt brush right off.

“If they happen to get out and get them wet they can wipe them off. If they’re dirty they can wipe them off, and they look good. So a much more serviceable uniform,” Capell said.

For now, the public is likely to see police in both versions.

The department is slowly phasing-in the new get-up as needed.

Those at the bottom of the list are the command staff. They don’t do as much leaping over fences so will have to wait to get the new improved outfit.

But, some of them are perfectly happy keeping the old uniform, at least for now.

“I’m good with this uniform. I’ve had this uniform on for more than thirty years now,” Capell said.