Chief Cezenquez's Reform Efforts

In 1968, Menlo Park Police Department hired Chief Victor Cezenquez with the goal of reforming the department's image. The department had a rough reputation due to clashes with student-led anti-war demonstrators and activists fighting for African-American rights. Chief Cezenquez implemented various changes, including hiring officers with non-traditional backgrounds and higher education, allowing officers to grow their hair out and have beards, and most notably, changing the police uniform. He introduced a dark green blazer with a black thread, pastel-colored solid shirts with a tie and slacks, and an embroidered patch instead of a metal badge. The new uniform aimed to demilitarize the department's look and attitude.