Navy Adds Color Coding to Prisoner Uniforms to Avoid Brig Mix-Ups

Navy Personnel Command has a new uniform for prisoners at all ashore correctional facilities, and it's uni-service.

Wearing of the new uniform will be mandatory starting May 1 for all prisoners in pre-trial and post-trial confinement at Military Correctional Facilities (MCFs) run by the Navy, regardless of the prisoner's service affiliation, the Navy said in a news release last week.

The new standardized prison uniform (SPU) also will likely save the Navy money, the release states. The costs associated with buying and maintaining service uniforms for a prisoner become a tremendous and unnecessary fiscal burden to the Navy and the taxpayer, the service said.

The new uniform will come in two colors, dependent on the prisoner's legal status, the release states. Those in pre-trial confinement will get a chocolate-brown uniform, and those in post-trial confinement will get a tan uniform.

Currently, prisoners at Navy MCFs wear their service utility uniforms, in line with the Navy's theory that doing so helps maintain discipline and aids in rehabilitation.

"However, having prisoners wear their service uniform creates security and public safety challenges, such as difficulty in distinguishing staff from prisoners," Jonathan Godwin, senior corrections program specialist with the Corrections and Programs Office of the Navy Personnel Command, said in a statement.

In addition, sentences often also involve total forfeiture of all pay and allowance, "and it is rare for a prisoner to return to active duty," Godwin said.

The new standardized prison uniform (SPU) also will likely save the Navy money, the release states. The costs associated with buying and maintaining service uniforms for a prisoner become a tremendous and unnecessary fiscal burden to the Navy and the taxpayer, the service said.

According to the release, the cost for a service-specific military utility uniform with one pair of trousers and a top is about $95. Add a fleece jacket, and the cost exceeds $150.

The new SPU top and trousers will cost approximately $18.50, the release states. Add a belt, buckle, ball cap and watch cap, and the price is about $22. With a jacket, the complete price to clothe a prisoner will be about $45.

"In addition to the enhancement of correctional security, improved public safety and significant fiscal savings, the wearing of the new SPU will produce numerous benefits across a wide range of Navy corrections operations," Godwin said. "These include an SPU with a neat and professional look, an easier-to-maintain and care-for uniform, and less wear and tear on equipment, i.e. washing machines and dryers, and less cleaning supplies, i.e. laundry detergent."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.