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Civilian police at gates to wear new uniforms

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Civilian air provost officers have been at Scott since October 2008. Soon they will be sporting a new look--in the form of a different uniform. 

"The new uniforms have two purposes," said Ken Hagood, 375th Security Forces Squadron Plans and Programs chief. "First, the uniforms are more distinguishable so the officers will not be confused with active duty members, but will be instantly recognizable as a police person. Second, the uniforms are another option for the officers to increase their duty flexibility." 

"The BDUs will still be worn as a utility uniform when the officers are on the flightline or in search areas," Mr. Hagood continued. 

The new uniforms were approved at the Air Force Security Forces Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and are already being worn at other Air Force bases, but Scott will be the first base in Air Mobility Command. 

The uniforms are dark navy blue and have standards similar to the dress and appearance regulations of the Air Force. 

"We currently have an officer testing the uniform," said Mr. Hagood. "Feedback so far has been positive--they like the different look, the fit and the style." 

Mr. Hagood explained that sometimes at the gate there was confusion when the civilian officers did not render a salute, but were wearing BDUs. 

Currently there are 19 air provost officers and all of them have prior military or law enforcement experience. Although they are familiar with military customs and courtesies, it is not appropriate for them to render salutes. 

The hiring of civilian officers has helped the 375th Security Forces Squadron with training and consistency issues. "We have flight leaders who are civilians and flight chiefs who are master and technical sergeants," said Mr. Hagood. "The flight leaders handle all the day-to-day police matters so there is continuity and the flight chiefs are able to devote more focus on the military personnel matters, training, and expeditionary preparedness."
"The air provost officers also serve as trainers," continued Mr. Hagood. "They receive a lot of respect because of their knowledge, especially from the younger Airmen. They are a valuable addition to our team." 

Although they are transitioning to a different uniform, the officers will continue to serve and perform the same duties they assumed a year ago.