The Public Safety Council of the North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) is now accepting submissions for its newly named "NAUMD Public Safety Uniform of the Year Awards," a program that recognizes excellence in the design, development and production of public safety and law enforcement uniforms in North America, and the manufacturers and uniform companies who make and sell them.

With the assistance of public safety members of the IACP SafeShield and Uniforms and Footwear Committee, the formerly named "NAUMD Best Dressed Public Safety Awards" was revised to meet the needs of organizations. NAUMD member firms, as well as their department customers, are cordially invited to submit their programs.

For over 30 years, this annual competition has emphasized the importance and value of professional, neat, well fitted, and immediately identifiable uniforms for all concerned in the vitally important role of public safety and law enforcement. The awards acknowledge a dedication of the association's uniformed professionals to meet the exacting needs of today's public safety marketplace and first responders' challenges.

In general, people prefer doing business with companies who attire their employees in uniforms, according to several recent studies. Respondents believed uniform wearers to be more trustworthy and credible, professionals with the ability to get the job done.

"In law enforcement, a visible, impressive uniformed presence on the street, at a mall, or other institution can also work to significantly allay the public's fears, bringing more business to the establishment," according to Richard Lerman, NAUMD president. "Uniforms, therefore, are an integral part of public safety work, and calling attention to the importance of uniforms, and the role our members play in their creation, is the driving force behind this competition."

NAUMD members in good standing may submit one or more customers for consideration of a Public Safety Uniform of the Year award.  Public safety departments may also submit their programs, so long as they secure an NAUMD sponsor. Programs must be in current use within North America, and members or their customers must submit the required photographs and materials in order to be eligible. In addition, members must agree to send a company representative to the winners' awards banquet, should they be selected for an award.

Winners of the 2011 Public Safety Uniform of the Year Awards, presented by the NAUMD Public Safety Council, will be announced Sunday evening, May 1, at a new awards banquet and reception honoring the winners.  The event will be presented during the association's annual convention and exposition, which will be held April 29 to May 2 at the Renaissance, Orlando at Sea World.

Judging Criteria:

Submissions are judged by a set of criteria designed to recognize excellence in the development and design of the multi-faceted programs required by public safety organizations, and include the following:

• Overall design excellence of the uniform program.

• Innovative design for use within the environment and special conditions in which the uniform must be worn; innovation in fabric and style which enhance safety standards implementation.

• Effectiveness in meeting the image goals of the department.

• Use of fabrics, design and accessories to develop a uniform program that meets the department's objectives for image and functionality.

• Overall attractiveness of the entire program.

• Effectiveness in the immediate identification of teams/units by the public and government agencies.

Entries can either be mailed or submitted electronically via the NAUMD Website. Feb. 15 is the deadline postmark for the Public Safety Uniform of the Year Awards.