Philly’s Department of Licenses and Inspection gets professional makeover

Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspection workers are getting a makeover.

Everyone from those cleaning and sealing homes to code inspectors are receiving uniforms. Those in dirty jobs get coveralls. Inspectors get polo shirts or button-down oxford shirts.

Licenses and Inspections Commissioner Fran Burns says the move adds more professionalism.

“L&I inspectors are public safety officers, and having the inspectors in a uniform, professional look helps the public recognize us and our work,” Burns said.

Mayor Michael Nutter says one of the goals is to make the inspectors and others more recognizable to the public.

“This will help our citizens be better able to identify L&I officers as they conduct their professional services in the field,” Nutter said Thursday. “Citizens should expect an L&I officer to introduce him or herself by name, identify the department where he or she works. And, of course, they will be wearing their professional attire.”

The uniforms cost Philadelphia an initial outlay of $42,000. They’re expected to cost the city about $8,000 a year going forward.