OLYMPIA — The bow tie worn by State Patrol officers has a practical purpose. It easily comes off.

Sgt. Freddy Williams told The Olympian the clip-on tie is safer when dealing with drunks because they don’t have something to grab.

The Washington patrol recently won a best-dressed award, in a tie with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, from the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors.

The heavy-weave wool uniforms are made by the Blumenthal Uniform Co. of Seattle. The company’s Rich Amble says the fashion statement made by the uniform is one of authority — “I’m with the police.”