How To Dress For A Police Force

Transcription

1 1 Proud of our people Dress and Appearance Protocol

2 2 3 Contents Dress code Dress code Introduction 4 Dress code policy 4 Uniform ordering, disposal and replacement 7 Returning Uniform and Equipment 7 Care and maintenance of Uniform 8 Police staff protective footwear 8 Choosing your uniform for the occasion 9 Corporate Wear Non Uniform officers and staff 10 Uniform and equipment Personal Protective Equipment 15 Hat and Helmets 17 Operational: Police Officer Uniform 18 Operational: Police Community Support Officer Uniform (PSCO) 21 Police Staff - Customer Enquiry Clerk 23 Operational: Special Constable Uniform 24 Police Cadet Uniform 26 Introduction Dress code policy Uniform ordering, disposal and replacement Returning Uniform and Equipment Care and maintenance of Uniform Police staff protective footwear

3 4 DRESS CODE DRESS CODE 5 Introduction The purpose of this Dress and Appearance protocol is to reinforce the Proud to Protect message to staff. To outline the dress and appearance requirements expected when working for Northumbria Police in order to sustain a professional and corporate image and adhere to Health and Safety requirements. This applies to Police officers both in uniform and non-uniform roles, police staff, special constables, cadets and volunteers. Dress code policy Hair Hair should be neat and tidy with no unconventional styles or unnatural colours i.e. blue, pink etc in order to maintain the force s professional image. If you are wearing uniform you need to wear your hair off the collar and fringes should not fall across the face. Long hair is a potential risk in confrontational situations so you will need to tie it up/wear it up in a bun. Facial hair Beards and moustaches must be kept neat, tidy and well-trimmed. For safety reasons beards are not to be long and therefore should be tied up appropriately. These must not be dyed with unnatural colours i.e. pink, blue etc. Eyebrow hair must not be shaved or styled to portray any pattern or design. Make-up Should be subtle and discreet, especially if you are operational, and blend in with your natural skin tone. Long false eye lashes and long false nails should not be worn if operational in order to maintain the professional image of the force. If you have any concerns regarding this or wish to discuss further, please liase with your line manager. Nails Jewellery If operational you must be aware of potential health and safety risks to yourself, colleagues and members of the public, when wearing jewellery. Only a wristwatch, signet or plain wedding / signet band and one pair of stud earrings should be visible. A bracelet or necklace for purposes of medical alert or for cultural, faith or religious belief, can be worn as long as they are kept under your uniform to prevent any risks in a confrontation situation. If you are engaged in potential confrontation and therefore a significant risk of injury is likely, face or visible body jewellery must not be worn. This includes, nose, eyebrow, lips, tongue or any other visible part of the body. Metal should not be worn under body armour due to safety issues. Any other body jewellery that is not visible, you must assess your own risk in wearing these whilst operational. Due to the potential for these to become caught, detached, struck or impaled into the wearer s body, it is not recommended by the force that these are worn and therefore will not be held responsible for injuries received as a result. You may request via your line manger to wear any other jewellery providing they are not a significant safety risk and unobtrusive will they be allowed. If you are not operational and there is not perceived risk and confrontation, you may wear jewellery providing this is not excessive. Footwear All officers and uniformed staff must provide their own footwear. Some officers and staff, such as firearms technicians and maintenance operatives, do qualify for specialist footwear because of their role as identified in risk assessments. Officers and uniformed staff must wear plain style, black footwear, with black or navy blue socks where trousers are worn. Longer nails (false or natural) and coloured nail polish are fine if you are not on operational duties. However, long nails are a potential hazard for operational officers and staff and therefore nails (false or natural) should be kept short with only clear nail polish or French manicure.

4 6 DRESS CODE DRESS CODE 7 Headwear All officers and uniformed staff must wear the headwear they are issued with when on foot patrol. Headwear may be adapted or altered for the purposes of culture, faith or religious belief. Requests are to be discussed with your line manager in the first instance. Please see ordering your uniform section, for further information. Tattoos You should take all reasonable steps to cover tattoos whenever possible whilst on duty or representing the force at public events. This can be achieved by wearing long-sleeved shirts, with concealed make up or a fleshcoloured plaster. Tattoos visible on your face, neck and head are not permitted. In addition to those that may be considered provocative, offensive, cause ridicule or otherwise detract from a professional image, are not acceptable. Spectacles and Sunglasses If you wear prescription glasses, consideration should be given to wearing polycarbonate glasses that will not shatter during any kind of impact. Frames should be of a discreet colour and design. Sunglasses can be worn whilst driving, but it is important that you take them off when speaking to members of the public as not doing so may appear as rude. Travel When travelling to work, and to and from meetings, (in a privately owned vehicle) you should not display any equipment belonging to the force. If you are in uniform, all insignia, such as epaulettes, should be removed or should be covered by a coat/jacket. Uniform ordering, disposal and replacement Any request for uniform should be made via your local admin (Business Support), who distribute the items to yourself when received. Only in extremely urgent situations can you make an appointment to visit the stores to collect items and only with an official requisition. If you need a fitting service, or advice from clothing staff, you must make an appointment. Ordering your uniform The uniform and equipment issued to you upon the commencement of your role is the property of the force and you have a duty to take care of this. Your uniform and equipment must not be sold or passed onto anyone. If it is unused, or unnecessary, you must return it to Procurement and Supplies. Your uniform may require minor alteration or a special measure order may be required from the supplier. Male and female trousers can be issued, however, if preferred, female officers can be issued with male trousers if they are a better fit or vice versa. If you are undertaking cyclist duties and have a preference in leg and underwear please inform your local admin when ordering uniform. Please note tunics are only issued to officers of Chief Inspector rank or above and staff officers. If you require any items of clothing or items to reflect cultural, faith or religious beliefs please discuss this with your line manager so alterations/adaptions can be made with consideration to the force s corporate image and health and safety implications. If you require any adaptions/ alterations to the uniform due to health issues, please discuss these with your line manager. For example, in cases of certain musculoskeletal issues a Molle Vest is an alternative to replace the utility belt issued as standard. If you wear a uniform as part of your role and require maternity clothing, a blouse and trousers can be ordered via your local admin. Replacing Uniform After your initial uniform issue, any replacement items, where needed, can be issued through your area command, or department business support. Only uniform relevant to your role will be provided. Returning Uniform and Equipment Unused uniform must be returned to Procurement and Supplies via your local admin. Any unused equipment no longer needed due to a change in role i.e. an officer moving to a specialist role where they no longer need to be PSU trained, must be returned to your local admin (Business Support) to arrange its return to Procurement and Supplies. Exchanging items If your uniform doesn t fit, it will be exchanged, so long as it is unused, unwashed and a current stock item. Please arrange this through your local admin (Business Support). Requesting additional items Your request should be put in a report, supported by your supervisor, saying why the item is needed, the health and safety considerations, risk assessment and financial implications. This report should be sent to Procurement and Supplies and will be forwarded to the Uniform User Group. Uniform Catalogue For each role in the force there is a list of the clothing and equipment authorised for that role. These are listed in the Uniform Catalogue which is available via a request to Procurement and Supplies.

5 8 DRESS CODE CHOOSING YOUR UNIFORM FOR THE OCCASION 9 Care and maintenance of Uniform The uniform and equipment you are issued with, must be kept serviceable, looked after and kept safe. In the interests of hygiene, uniform and equipment must be washed regularly, in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. Most garments issued can be washed in conventional detergents, although wool items should be washed in detergents carrying the wool mark. Any garment showing the dry cleaning P symbol, should not be washed in the conventional way, but taken to a specialist cleaner. You should always: Read and follow the care label in the garment Wash dark colours separately Use the recommended amount of detergent Hang all garments up after wearing them Store dark colours away from direct sunlight Police staff protective footwear Police staff who are risk assessed as needing protective footwear, must supply Procurement and Supplies with a requisition. Your requests should include the minimum protection level you need. Choosing your uniform for the occasion

6 10 CHOOSING YOUR UNIFORM FOR THE OCCASION 10 CHOOSING YOUR UNIFORM FOR THE OCCASION 11 Corporate Wear Non-Uniform Police Officers and Staff In order to present a corporate and professional image of the Force to members of the public, standards of dress for must be in accordance with the requirements of this protocol. Non-uniform police officer and staff roles must wear smart professional looking business attire. Shirts and Tops Men and Woman are expected to wear smart professional clothing i.e. shirt, blouse, religious wear. It is expected that clothing will not be low-cut and will not be short enough where the middle area of the stomach is exposed. No strapless tops should be worn. Items of clothing must not display any non-police logos, slogans or offensive wording. Trousers Trousers should be smart. Jeans, chinos, shorts, leggings, tracksuit bottoms or similar items, irrespective of colour, are not to be worn. Skirts and Dresses Smart skirts and dresses should be worn with hemlines no more than two inches above the knee. No strapless dresses should be worn. As an operational member of staff, you will need to attend certain events and occasions, where you will need to wear certain items of uniform and equipment. Special occasions If you have to attend occasions such as a Royal visit, race meeting or a funeral for a death in service, it is important to maintain dress uniformity. Officers and staff should wear smart Operational uniform. Any officer wishing to wear a tunic for ceremonial or presentation evenings who has dress trousers/skirt, white shirt, epaulettes, belt and tie(short sleeve order) may arrange to borrow one by contacting stores on 64283/64293 or stores mailbox. Medals and Ribbons Only medals and decorations that have been authorised by the Queen may be worn. Other medals e.g. for bravery, can be worn with permission by your area commander / head of department. In all cases, you can only wear medals that have been personally presented to you. Medals can be worn at any time on jackets, but should not be worn on shirts. Interviews and Misconduct Meetings/Hearings Dress must be smart. If you wear a uniform as part of your role then you must wear the shirt sleeve order as described above, unless otherwise specified by Human Resources. For those issued with tunics, you may wear these if you choose to do so. Shoes Shoes should be professional. Flip flops, trainers or similar items to that of training shoes are not acceptable. ID Cards/Name Badges When on police premises your ID card must be visibly worn at all times in a lanyard or your ID badge worn, clearly displaying your name and role. These must not be worn off site.

7 12 CHOOSING YOUR UNIFORM FOR THE OCCASION 13 Attending court If you are attending court, you must wear your operational uniform and be clean and smart in appearance. Unless authorised to perform plain clothes duty, operational staff must, unless directed by a judge at the plea and direction hearing, wear: Black shirts, cargo trousers and their warrant cards in lanyards Black shirts, cargo trousers and body armour / fleece jacket with insignia If you are a uniformed operational officer or CSO, you should wear your utility/kit belt and personal protective equipment. Officers and staff are on duty when they are in court and help to reassure court users in public areas. If you are authorised to wear plain clothes, these must be in keeping with the dignity of the court. Civil events Permission to wear operational uniform at civil events comes from the Chief Constable, who has delegated this authority to your area commanders and heads of departments. Specialist Officers who work in specialist areas are issued with nonstandard items of uniform, worn on the direction of the area commander / head of department.

8 14 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 15 Uniform and equipment Personal Protective Equipment If you are operational you will be supplied with equipment to protection yourself whilst operational. The PPE you are supplied with will depend upon the role you undertake, which is outlined later on within this protocol. However, the following outlines the different types of PPE available. CS incapacitant spray Personal Protective Equipment Hat and Helmets Operational: Police Officer Uniform Operational: Police Community Support Officer Uniform (PSCO) Operational: Special Constable Uniform Corporate Wear Non Uniform officers and staff If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, you will be issued with your CS spray after training. For officers, this is issued up to the rank of Inspector. A yearly refresher training is required. You must not carry CS spray when not on duty as it is an offence to do so. CS spray must carried by officers patrolling football matches. The canisters are transported to the relevant ground on the match day. Exemptions from exposure to CS spray during training are subject to a recommendation from the Force Medical Adviser (FMA). Your area command will be told of any such recommendation. You must complete a CS incident form if you draw, or discharge, a CS incapacitant spray canister. The form must be completed as soon as possible following the incident and forwarded to your Chief Inspector via your supervision. Batons If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, your baton will be issued to you after training. If you draw your baton or strike a person you must complete a report at the end of that tour of duty and forward to your Chief Inspector via your supervision. Your baton may be seized from you and placed in property if you have struck a person with your baton.

9 16 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 17 Body armour Your body armour is tailored to fit and is provided for your safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, either hanging up or laid flat. Keys may be carried in your body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to your body armour. Officers should not wear garments or carry items containing metal or hard plastic under body armour. For example, underwired bras and mobile phones. These items could potentially cause injury if an officer is struck by a high impact object. Your body armour is enclosed in panels to protect against water, which can reduce the performance of kevlar. Handcuffs If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, your handcuffs will be issued to you after training. Hat and Helmets Headwear is an important part of your uniform. It clearly display s your role within the police force and for operational and specialised roles, provides personal safety. You must not alter the peak of a cap or helmet. Operational Constable and Sergeants on foot patrol should wear the Custodian police helmet or bowler. Uniformed police staff should wear flat caps or bowlers with their relevant role insignia designed. Special Constables should wear the SC helmet or bowler hat. Protective helmets should be worn during public order training or incidents. There is no need to wear your headwear inside a vehicle unless necessary for operational reasons. Inspector level and above Caps should only be worn by Inspector level or above or for officers who have been provided these as part of their specific uniform. Specialist The white flat cap or bowler hat is worn by Traffic Officers, ANPR teams, Casualty Reduction Officers. Cyclist will be provided with a cycle helmet displaying the police or PSCO insigna. Black woolly hats area available for certain specialist roles. Diversity If your religion or belief means a cap, bowler or helmet is inappropriate, alternative options are available. This can be arranged with your line manager. In some instances it may be possible to wear a combination i.e. a skullcap underneath your cap, bowler or helmet. There is no alternative police headwear if worn for the purposes of personal protection in line with Health and Safety legislation i.e. in public order events. Although, options may be discussed and consider if able to wear under such protective headwear.

10 18 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 19 Operational: Police Officer Uniform Wicking Polo Shirt Your black wicking polo shirt (with police insignia) is designed to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both up to a maximum of 5 upon initial posting into the role. Cargo Trousers Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or cause injury in conflicting situations or look untidy. Your pocket notebook may be worn in the pocket of your trousers. 3 pairs will be issued upon initial posting into the role. Body Armour Your body armour is tailored to fit and is provided for your safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, either hanging up or laid flat. Keys may be carried in your body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to your body armour. Boots You are required to buy your own boots. They must be black, low heeled, without steel toecaps and well polished. Socks should be black, dark grey or dark blue. High Visibility Jackets These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will be supplied with two jackets of different lengths, a munro and a blouson. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to a worn high vis jacket. Your embroidered sliders must be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt. Hat and Helmets Headwear must be worn when on foot patrol. Please see page 16. Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Belts do not have to be worn where you assess minimal risk of conflict i.e. at a meeting. Your belt kit will consist of rigid handcuffs in a handcuff holder, CS spray and holder, expandable monadnock baton and expandable holster and a resus (hygiene) pouch. A black document holder to contain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request. If for medical reasons you are unable to wear a utility/ kit belt please request a molle vest which enables the wearer to place the required belt items, as outlined above, in an alternative accessible area, i.e. chest, to release the weight from the hips and back. Black Fleece with Police insignia Fleeces worn should be zipped up and can be worn under body armour.

11 20 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 21 Slash Resistant Leather Gloves This may be worn in cold weather. Cycling If performing cycle duties you will wear long-zip off trousers a long-sleeved polo shirt, a coolmax underskirt, cycle shoes and will be supplied with a micro fleece. Custody If you are undertaking custody duties an ampel probe search tool will be provided. This is a piece of equipment which reduces injury risks from needles when searching clothing, furniture and vehicles. Operational: Police Community Support Officer Uniform (PSCO) Wicking Polo Shirt Your black wicking polo shirt (with PCSO insignia) is designed to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both up to a maximum of 5. Cargo Trousers Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or cause injury in conflicting situations or look untidy. Your pocket notebook may be worn in the pocket of your trousers. 3 pairs will be issued. Body Armour Your body armour is tailored to fit and is provided for your safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, either hanging up or laid flat. Keys may be carried in your body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to your body armour. Boots You are required to buy your own boots. They must be black, low heeled, without steel toecaps and well polished. Socks should be black, dark grey or dark blue. Black Fleece with PSCO insigna Fleeces worn should be zipped up and can be worn under body armour.

12 22 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 23 High Visability Jackets with PCSO insignia These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will be supplied with 2 jackets of different lengths, a munro and a blouson. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to a worn high vis jacket. Your embroidered sliders must be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt. Hat and Helmets Headwear must be worn when on foot patrol. Please see page 16. Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment Police Staff - Customer Enquiry Clerk Wicking Polo Shirt Your black wicking polo shirt (with police staff insignia) must always be tucked in your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. Shirts should always be worn with the black epaulettes supplied to identify the staff member. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both. Cargo Trousers Black cargo trousers are to be worn; they should not be tucked into footwear. Do not place items in the pockets which could cause damage or injury in conflicting situations or look untidy. Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Your belt kit will consist of a resus (hygiene) pouch. A black document holder to contain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request. If for medical reasons you are unable to wear a utility/kit belt please request a molle vest which enables the wearer to place the required belt items, as outlined above, in an alternative accessible area, i.e. chest, to release the weight from the hips and back. Slash Resistant Leather Gloves This may be worn in cold weather. Cycling If performing cycle duties you will wear long-zip off trousers a long-sleeved polo shirt, a coolmax underskirt, cycle shoes and will be supplied with a microfleece.

13 24 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 25 Operational: Special Constable Uniform Wicking Polo Shirt Your black wicking polo shirt (with PCSO insignia) is designed to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both up to a maximum of 2. Cargo Trousers Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or cause injury in conflicting situations or look untidy. Your pocket notebook may be worn in the pocket of your trousers. three pairs will be issued. Body Armour Your body armour is tailored to fit and is provided for your safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, either hanging up or laid flat. Keys may be carried in your body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to your body armour. Boots You are required to buy your own boots. They must be black, low heeled, without steel toecaps and well polished. Socks should be black, dark grey or dark blue. Black Fleece with PSCO insigna High Visibility Jackets with SC insignia These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will be supplied with 2 jackets of different lengths, a munro and a blouson. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fitted to a worn high vis jacket. Your embroidered sliders must be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt. Hat and Helmets Headwear must be worn when on foot patrol. Please see page 16. Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Belts do not have to be worn where you assess minimal risk of conflict i.e. at a meeting. Your belt kit will consist of rigid handcuffs in a handcuff holder, CS spray and holder, expandable monadnock baton and expandable holster and a resus (hygiene) pouch. A black document holder to contain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request. If for medical reasons you are unable to wear a utility/ kit belt please request a molle vest which enables the wearer to place the required belt items, as outlined above, in an alternative accessible area, i.e. chest, to release the weight from the hips and back. Slash Resistant Leather Gloves This may be worn in cold weather. Fleeces worn should be zipped up and can be worn under body armour.

14 26 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT 27 Police Cadet Uniform Wicking Polo Shirt Please Note uniform items marked with an asterisks (*) are mandatory whilst those without are subject to Senior Management approval. Notes Baseball Cap* All Cadets must wear the headwear they are issued with. Headwear may be adapted or altered for the purpose of culture, faith or religious belief. Requests are to be discussed with your line manager in the first instance. Wicking Polo Shirt* Your black wicking polo shirt (with CADET insignia) must always be tucked in your cargo trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from a long or short sleeved shirt. Cargo Trousers* Black cargo trousers are to be worn; they should not be tucked into footwear. Do not place items in the pockets which could cause damage or injury in conflicting situations or look untidy. Red Epaulets* Uniform should always be worn with the red epaulettes supplied to identify the individual. High Visibility Jackets with CADET insignia These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over and can be worn over the wicking polo shirt Sweatshirt with CADET insignia These are to be worn over the wicking polo shirt. The sweatshirt is to be worn loose and not tucked into the cargo pants. Over trousers To be issued in times of inclement weather.

15 28 NP_374