Battle over Phoenix Police uniforms continues

The new dress code for Phoenix police officers goes into effect Monday and not everyone is happy about it.  The police union has spoken out against the policy and a grievance was denied.

So what's behind the controversy?

Police Chief Daniel Garcia made the change -- he wants officers to wear their Standard C uniform and no longer be allowed to choose between the Standard C and Class D.

What's the difference between these two uniforms?

The C issue is a dark blue polyester long-sleeve button-up shirt and pants, along with a metal badge and name plate -- Garcia wants officers to be instantly recognizable in the community.

Up until now, officers had a choice of wearing the C or the more casual D, which is a black polo shirt and black cargo pants.

So the argument from officers is the D uniform is much cooler and drier -- helping them on hot summer days.

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association filed a grievance with Garcia's decision to stop the change and it was denied.

PLEA issued a statement:
"This is a slap in the face to the hard working patrol officers of Phoenix....Chief Danny Garcia thinks the citizens of Phoenix and his own Officers are too stupid to tell who is a Police Officer and who is a home invader."

PLEA says they'll continue to fight and they've filed an unfair labor practice complaint.

Follow this story:

• Many Phoenix Police officers aren't fans of new uniform policy
• Phoenix Police get uniform makeover