HUTCHINSON, Kan. — You will notice some changes with the Hutchinson Police Department. On Tuesday, the officers started wearing their new blue uniforms.

The uniform change comes after a decision by Chief Jeff Hooper to wear a more traditional blue.

The change also includes new outside vests. The change ends the long tradition of Hutchinson police officers wearing brown shirts and brown or green pants.

At the time of the announcement, Hooper said it was difficult to make the decision, but felt it was a necessary change.

The change cost the department between $29,000 and $36,000 and includes several different versions of the uniform, including formal dress blues for honor guard duty and formal events.