The Alpena County Sheriff's Office has officially switched to new black uniforms, ditching the traditional browns. Over the last several years, Sheriff's Offices across the State started switching to alternative uniforms, making long wait times and increasing prices for the traditional brown uniform. The brown uniforms were only used in Michigan and marketed as PINK TAN, decreasing supplies. The Sheriff 's Office made the decision to make the transition in 2022 and first switched Corrections Deputies to the new uniform in 2023. Road patrol deputies went without purchasing uniforms over the last two years, to stay within budget. The cost of the new black uniform is significantly less than the traditional brown.
Deputies also transitioned to a new exterior vest carrier which allows them to carry equipment on the weight of their shoulders and off their hips. Studies have shown that this set up has reduced back, hip, and medical issues throughout an officer's career.
