The next time you see a Long Hill Township police officer, take a moment to notice the uniform. It's one of the best in the nation, according to the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD). The New York-based trade group has named the Long Hill Township Police Department best dressed in the United States in 1987, 1999, and 2000, every year the department entered the contest.

Awards for the Best Dressed Police Department contest are given in five categories: state; county; city with over 200 officers; city with less than 200 officers; and specialized agency. One winner is chosen from each category and a number of honorable mentions are awarded at the judges' discretion. Now in its 25th year, the contest is open to any law enforcement agency in the United States. Departments submit a completed entry blank and photographs, and are then placed in the appropriate category. Top winners receive award plaques; honorable mentions, a certificate suitable for framing.

"Police officers take a tremendous amount of pride in their ,work," notes NAUMD Executive Director Bernard J. Lepper. "This pride is, in part, reflected through a department's uniform program. Every year's fierce competition exemplifies this pride and underscores the link between a professional appearance and effective police work."