For Release: Immediate  Date: September 20, 2001

F/Sgt. Jeff Winstead Phone:(919) 733-5027 (ext. 238)

RALEIGH--The National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) has judged the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to be the nation's Best Dressed State Police Agency in the 24th annual competition. The announcement was made on Thursday at the Patrol's Training Academy in Raleigh.

"Our uniforms reflect the Highway Patrol's rich tradition and history of service to the citizens of the great state of North Carolina," said Colonel Richard W. Holden, commander. "We are proud of that tradition and pleased to have it recognized today as we receive this award." NAUMD is a non-profit trade group that has represented the uniform industry since 1933. The 450+ members manufacture or sell fabric, uniforms, career apparel and accessories to law enforcement agencies and businesses worldwide.

The Best Dressed Police Department Competition is open to any law enforcement agency in the United States. Entries are judged on the basis of neatness, projection of authority, practicality and adherence to uniform regulations. One winner is selected from each of five categories: state, county, city with over 200 officers, municipality with under 200 officers, and specialized agency.

"Police officers have a tremendous amount of pride in their appearance," noted NAUMD Executive Director Bernard Lepper. "This pride is reflected through a department's uniform program and underscores the link between appearance, professionalism and effective police work." Judges for the 2001 competition were Patrick DeMare, retired manager of the New York Custom and Uniform Tailors chapter of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union; Peter Dervis, uniform historian and founder, Dervis Historical Resource; and Michael T. Philippello, chief of police, Parsippany, New Jersey, Police Department.

"A trooper's outward appearance is the reflection of an inner sense of pride, purpose, and professionalism," said Captain David Munday who oversees the purchase of Highway Patrol equipment and uniforms. "The North Carolina Highway Patrol's appearance standards are a result of the agency's overall commitment to its mission of providing quality law enforcement services based on high ethical, professional, and legal standards."

The Patrol last won the coveted award in 1989 and received honorable mention in the 2000 competition.

NOTE: For photographs of uniforms, please go here: NCSHP BEST DRESSED PHOTOGRAPHS.

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F/Sgt. Jeff Winstead Public Information Officer State Highway Patrol