From 1969 through 1977 the police in Menlo Park, Calif., changed their paramilitary uniforms for dress slacks and fraternity style blazers. Contrary to an early report, the blazer did not have a positive effect on citizen behavior. An experimental study was conducted separately, in which six student volunteers viewed police officers wearing either the traditional blue uniform, the traditional khaki uniform worn by sheriff's offices, or a blazer uniform. The same police models were photographed in each type of uniform, and the students viewed sets of three different police officers. The subjects were blind to the study hypothesis. They rated each officer on 12 characteristics reflecting several aspects of the police officer's role. Subjects rated the officers wearing blazers as significantly less competent and active and no more friendly or warm than those in traditional uniforms. Figure and 21 references.