Agencies with allotment programs look more professional than agencies with cash allowances. Individual officers are more likely to use the full allotment on uniform upkeep than otherwise. In today’s environment, it’s imperative for law enforcement to look their best. With so much public scrutiny focused on them, the last thing they need is their uniform to become a target for public ridicule.
Uniform allotments benefit officers, allowing them to project a more professional appearance, improving public perception, and ultimately making it easier to carry out their duty. Allotments benefit agencies by providing accountability and trackability, ensuring that their officers are getting the maximum benefit from their allotment. Allotments make agency budget spending more transparent. When it’s time to request additional funding, allotment programs provide solid data.
Problem: An Outdated, Inefficient Procurement System
A large, multi-agency, metro area was experiencing challenges with its uniform procurement. Agencies were utilizing a cash allowance system where officers purchased uniforms and accessories through a small, local supplier. The small, local supplier the agencies were using struggled to serve them. Adding to the frustration, the supplier had promised a web platform for streamlined ordering and service, but failed to deliver.
As commonly seen with uniform cash allowances, not all of the allowance was used for uniform upkeep. This resulted in many officers wearing uniforms past their useful service life and choosing the least expensive option for replacement. This led to many unapproved items being worn, reflecting poorly on the agency.
Solution: A Custom Uniform Program with Allotment Purchasing through Galls’ eQuip™
The retiring Police Chief wanted to help his successor transition to a uniform allotment program, and introduced them to their Galls rep to get the ball rolling. The new leadership quickly realized the benefits of a Galls Uniform Program utilizing an allotment system. With Command staff backing the change, they convinced holdouts in the local union that allotment programs are an investment in officers’ public image and safety.
Galls assisted the Police and Fire Departments in building new uniform programs with allotment purchasing through the exclusive eQuip™ online platform.
Results: Improved Appearance, Easy Ordering and Tracking, Happy Command Staff
The adoption of Galls Uniform Programs now allows easy, online ordering of uniforms and accessories with allotment tracking. Fire Department command staff already have their eQuip site up and running and are benefiting from the efficiencies it provides. The Police Department is in the final stages of completing its uniform program, both command staff and officers are excited about implementing the uniform allotment program on their own eQuip site.