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Best dressed award cited for Public Safety by Cindy A. Abole Public Relations From left to right, Sgt. Larry Cummings; Public Safety Officer (PSO) David Wagner, Lt. Ron Capps and State Security Officer Laura Sloane. The next time you see an MUSC public safety officer around campus, take a moment to notice the uniform. It's one of the best in the nation, according to the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors. The New York-based trade group has given the department an honorable mention in its 1999 Best Dressed Police Department competition.  “The real credit for our uniform appearance goes to the men and women of the Department of Public Safety,” said Charles Wiley, chief and director of public safety. “The selection committee of officers decided on the choices about color, material, insignia and accessories.” Awards for the contest are given in five categories: state, county, city with more than 200 officers, city with less than 200 officers and a specialized agency. One winner is chosen from each category and a number of honorable mentions are awarded at the judges' discretion. MUSC Department of Public Safety received an honorable mention in the specialized agency category. Now in its 22nd year, the contest is open to any law enforcement agency in the United States. Departments submit a completed entry blank and photographs and are then placed in the appropriate category. Top winners receive plaques, honorable mentions and a certificate. “Police officers take a tremendous amount of pride in their work,” said Bernard J. Lepper, the association's executive director. “This pride is, in part, reflected through a department's uniform program. This year's fierce competition exemplifies this pride and underscores the link between a professional appearance and effective police work.” “Receiving this honor has been outstanding for all of us,” said public safety's C. Cooper, a bicycle patrol officer. “Our public image has really changed the attitude of the campus from that of indifference to respect. We've really come a long way.” Public Safety's new uniforms were part of several recent changes to help define and strengthen the department's community-oriented image on campus.  In January, the department also unveiled the use of new vehicles, added staff and additional improvements. “Traditionally, law enforcement uniforms identify the agency, sets the tone for service delivery and are unique to that agency in one regard or another,” Wiley said. “We believed our distinctive selection would serve us and our customers well and it seems we were right.”