HPD's uniforms, cars will get makeovers

Like those of the past, the current uniform can be seen at the police headquarters museum in Houston. See other police uniforms through the years. Like those of the past, the current uniform can be seen at the police headquarters museum in Houston. See other police uniforms through the years. Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle Photo: Nick De La Torre, Chronicle Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close HPD's uniforms, cars will get makeovers 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

HOUSTON - Houston police officers will soon be sporting a new look.

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. said on Thursday that officers' uniforms will change from the current light-blue shirt and dark pants to an all dark-blue ensemble.

McClelland said the new shirts officers wear will feature breathable panels on the sides that will offer ventilation and relief from the often brutal and humid heat of Houston summers.

It will be between 12 and 18 months before all of the police department's nearly 5,400 officers get the new uniform.

The department's more than 1,600 marked cars are also getting a makeover. The vehicles' paint scheme is changing from light blue and white to black and white. It might take three to four years before all vehicles get the new look.