Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office are sporting different uniforms, just part of a “new look” for the law enforcement officers.

“It’s not uncommon to see a new sheriff come into office and put his personal touch,” said Lt. Kelly Cox, referring to Sheriff Ernie Coleman, who was sworn in December 2014. “And this didn’t cost taxpayers any additional money, since we get new uniforms annually.”

In fact, Cox added, the old uniform pants have been recycled for use by detention center officers.

“Sometimes a new look is all it takes to jump start an organization’s morale,” Coleman said. “The men and women look and feel more professional, which in turn gives them a sense of ‘command presence’ to the people of Beaufort County they serve and to other organizations when the deputies are out of the county representing the office of the sheriff.”

Black and gray make up the new color scheme for the BCSO. The uniforms are appealing and functional, Cox added.

“I like the change,” said First Sgt. Leonard Hudson. “The pants are a lot more comfortable, and the uniforms don’t show as much dirt as that lighter tan would.”

Officers are allotted four new uniforms each year, Cox noted. Deputies may wear one of three choices, depending on their duty assignments. Class A uniforms, generally worn by court bailiffs and officers taking part in ceremonial events and speaking engagements, are the dressiest option. Class B uniforms consist of cargo-style pants and more functional shirts and are favored by deputies on patrol. Officers with the criminal investigation and narcotics divisions are usually outfitted in Class C uniforms, which feature a black polo shirt and gray cargo pants.

Uniforms aren’t the only changes, according to Cox. BCSO cars are undergoing a facelift, as well.

“We kind of went with a ‘less is more’ look,” Cox said. “Stripes were taken off and the cars now have a more streamlined look. And we’ve added ‘In God We Trust’ to the cars, but that hasn’t cost taxpayers any money, either.”

The new look helps deputies put their best foot forward.

“When we show up, the sheriff wants us to look as professional as we can,” Cox said. “We want to still be professional, but we need to be practical, too.”