SALINAS, Calif. (AP) — The police department in a largely Latino Northern California city is reaching out to the community in a new way— police uniforms that resemble the traditional Mexican charro suit.
The Salinas Californian reports two Salinas police officers wore blue suede charro suits embellished with silver embroidery, and topped by a white sombrero to the city’s annual rodeo, drawing lines of men, women and children who wanted a photo with them.
Salinas Police Chief Adele Fresé says that by wearing the charro suit, the department is validating the heritage and culture of the community, where more than three-quarters of residents are Latino.
This is the second year two officers in charro suits helped patrol the rodeo last week. Fellow officers wore American garb of Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and Stetson hats.
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Information from: The Salinas Californian, http://www.californianonline.com
