Code on Dress and Appearance

Transcription

1 Code on Dress and Appearance Publication Scheme Y/N Department of Origin Policy Holder Author Related Information Can be published on Force Website HR Head of HR HR Business Support Manager ACPO Guidance on Gender Reassignment Fairness at Work (Grievance) Policy Misconduct Regulations for Police Officers Discipline Policy for Police Staff Date Approved at BMG 19/11/2008 This Version V 3.3 Created 28/02/2014 Date of Next Review 28/02/2017 February 2014

2 Dress & Appearance HR Statement Policy - Code Merseyside Police has a responsibility to set standards of dress and appearance which contribute to the health and safety of its Officers and Staff and to the professional image of the Force, which in turn contributes to public confidence in the police service. It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to uphold the principles of this Code by the issue of orders, instructions and guidance, the setting of an example and, where necessary, by challenging individual officers and staff who fail to achieve or maintain the appropriate standards. Aims The overall aim is to set the expected standards of dress and appearance for all Police Officers, Police Staff, Special Constables and Volunteer Cadets and non-uniformed Police Officers, Staff, Agency Workers and Volunteers. Objectives Specific objectives are to: a) Provide a professional image of the Force b) Instil public confidence in the police service c) Maintain consistency by making everyone aware of what is / is not acceptable when at work d) Just Think what impression you are providing to members of the public we serve. Application and Scope This Code applies to all police officers, special constables, police staff, agency workers and volunteers. A copy of the Code is accessible on the Force intranet. Consideration has been given to the compatibility of this Code and related procedures with the Human Rights Act, Health & Safety and Equality Legislation. It satisfies the legal basis of its precepts; the legitimacy of its aims; the justification and proportionality of the actions intended by it; that it is the least intrusive and damaging option necessary to achieve the aims; and it defines the need to document the relevant decision making processes and outcomes of action. Status: V3.3 1 Last Update: 28/02/2014

3 Dress & Appearance HR Outcomes Expected outcomes are: a) Well presented Officers, Staff and Volunteers b) Compliance with the Equality Act c) Less challenge regarding grievances and a decrease in Employment Tribunal claims Status: V3.3 2 Last Update: 28/02/2014

4 Dress & Appearance HR Procedure Version History 03/01/2013 V 3.2 Minor amendments made to reflect submissions to Ask the Chief and provide more clarity on certain aspects. 28/02/2014 V 3.3 Refreshed to new organisational structure, titles etc., Status: V3.3 3 Last Update: 28/02/2014

5 Dress & Appearance HR Contents General Principles Health & Safety Legislation and Hygiene Regulations Equality Legislation More Generally Staff in Uniform (Police Officers, Special Constables, Volunteer Cadets and Police Staff) Uniform Uniformity Shirts & Ties High Visibility Clothing Uniform Identification Numerals and Insignia Uniformed Officers in Specialist Branches and Posts Headwear Footwear Scarves Gloves Sunglasses Wrist watch Jewellery Hair Facial Hair Cosmetics Tattoos Maternity Wearing of uniform at Events Extraneous to normal duty Wearing of uniform at Court Officers and Staff in Non-Uniform Roles Clothing Wrist watch Jewellery Name Badges/Symbols Exclusions Status: V3.3 4 Last Update: 28/02/2014

6 Dress & Appearance HR 1. General Principles 1.1 It is essential, at all times, to present a professional and dignified image for the Force that will enhance public confidence. It is the responsibility of all officers, staff and members of the extended police family to adopt a standard of dress and appearance that contributes to the professional image and dignity of Merseyside Police. 1.2 It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to set and enforce standards of dress and appearance that meet those objectives. 1.3 It is recognised that Police Officers, Police Staff and the extended police family work in a wide variety of circumstances, and that different clothing will be appropriate to different circumstances. With limited exceptions, for example for authenticity in covert operations, the same underlying principles may be applied to all circumstances. 1.4 In setting and maintaining standards of dress and appearance, managers, supervisors, officers and members of staff must have regard for the following. 1.5 Health & Safety Legislation and Hygiene Regulations Compliance with Health and Safety Legislation requires a risk assessment of any work activity. Unless risks can be adequately controlled by other means, employers must provide suitable Personal Protective Equipment to Staff who may be exposed to such risks. Police Officers and Police Staff are required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) identified as essential by the risk assessment process. 1.6 Equality Legislation This Code has compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics, age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sexual orientation Compliance with Equality Legislation does not require identical appearance for all Officers and Staff, neither does it require complete freedom of Officers and Staff to dress as they please. The following matters should be considered: a) Different modes of dress may be adopted according to gender where this is accepted in society. However, the requirements should not be significantly more demanding on one gender than the other. Guidance on the variation in dress during maternity should be followed. b) Police Officers and Police Staff may have religious beliefs, customs and practices that require them to dress or adopt an appearance in a certain way. Managers should ensure that these observances are accommodated wherever practicable. Status: V3.3 5 Last Update: 28/02/2014

7 Dress & Appearance HR c) Wherever practicable, flexibility will be adopted where a Police Officer or Police Staff is undergoing gender reassignment in order to accommodate the process of transition from one gender to the other. The Force policies on Diversity, Transgender and ACPO Guidance on Gender Reassignment should be followed. d) Variation in dress standards will be permitted where this is a reasonable adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act. Consideration will also be given in cases where an allergic reaction condition is supported by medical evidence. e) Where consideration of a variation in a standard of dress or appearance may be needed the matter must be discussed directly and discretely with the individual concerned. Where a variation in a general standard of dress is determined by a manager or supervisor, the variation and the reason for it should be recorded in writing and placed on the personal file. 1.7 More Generally Except where there is a genuine business need, for example in respect of authenticity in covert operations, the presentation of a professional and dignified image of the Force will be of importance at all times. This will be achieved by the following: a) The wearing of uniform as authorised and as officially issued by the Force; b) The adoption of common standards of uniform by all those on duty at specific events where appropriate. For a specific event, the operational order should specify the mode of dress; c) The meeting of the expectations of the community; the organisation and the individual in that order; d) The avoidance of giving offence to any member of the public; e) The adoption of high standards by Police Officers and Police Staff whose contact is solely or primarily with other Officers and Staff of Merseyside police Any breach of the standards set out in this Code will be dealt with by the normal range of management actions, including the use of disciplinary / misconduct processes where appropriate Any Police Officer or Police Staff who wish to raise concerns about the enforcement of the standards set out in this Code should discuss the matter with their supervisor in the first instance. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of such a discussion they may use the Fairness at Work (Grievance) Policy & Procedure. Guidance may be sought from the H.R. Helpdesk, Staff Association, Staff Support Network and Trade Unions. Status: V3.3 6 Last Update: 28/02/2014

8 Dress & Appearance HR There are no separate recording arrangements for managerial decisions made in accordance with the guidance issued under this Policy. However, decisions in respect of planned events will be recorded in Operational Orders. Decisions regarding the enforcement of dress requirements in respect of individuals will be the subject of pocket notebook or diary entries in the first instance and recorded in accordance with the appropriate managerial process thereafter The Code will be subject to review every two years. Such review will include consultation with the representatives of staff affected by the policy. 2. Staff in Uniform (Police Officers, Special Constables, Volunteer Cadets and Police Staff) 2.1 Uniform Uniform must be worn as authorised and as officially issued by the Force Care must be taken of all uniform and equipment and any article that is lost or damaged must be reported immediately. 2.2 Uniformity Managers may require the adoption of common standards of uniform by all those on duty at specific events where appropriate. For a specific event, the operational order should specify the mode of dress. However, it will not normally be appropriate to impose discomfort on individuals for the sake of uniformity, for example by requiring Officers crewing a vehicle to be dressed the same. 2.3 Shirts & Ties Shirts are to be clean, pressed and shoulder epaulettes with badges of rank worn. Ties will be worn at all times when in the public eye except as set out below A long sleeve shirt may not be worn with an open neck Visible tattoos must be covered. Therefore, police officers or police staff with forearm tattoos must not wear short sleeve shirts Long sleeves may be required for health and safety reasons (e.g. catering) and the wearing of shirt sleeve order outdoors will only be permitted during hot weather. At such times it is left to the discretion of individuals, subject to the opinion of officers in charge of Areas/Departments as to the suitability of the weather An open neck shirt must not be worn with a pullover, body armour or any other over-garment. Only the collar button of the shirt must be unfastened. Status: V3.3 7 Last Update: 28/02/2014

9 Dress & Appearance HR 2.4 High Visibility Clothing High visibility clothing must be worn in accordance with current Force policy. 2.5 Uniform Identification Numerals and Insignia Numerals or insignia/epaulettes of rank or post, must be worn and visible at all times. Epaulettes indicating the function/role that the wearer is performing must be displayed Acting and Temporary Ranks Insignia. All officers, whether performing acting duties or temporarily promoted, shall ensure they wear the correct uniform and insignia throughout the relevant period. 2.6 Uniformed Officers in Specialist Branches and Posts Uniformed Officers employed in specialist posts or branches will only use officially issued or authorised items of equipment. Where an item of specialist uniform or clothing is issued to enable an Officer to undertake a specific task, it will only be worn when the Officer is carrying out that task. At other times, Officers will wear standard items of uniform. Within the Operational Support Unit, there are many specialist roles, each requiring certain functions to be carried out. It is the responsibility of the Operational Commander to clearly stipulate what the appropriate dress code and standards should be for all those working within that Unit. 2.7 Headwear Uniformed officers and staff issued with headwear will ensure this is worn at all times when performing outside duty. Police Officers and Police Staff will wear authorised headwear. Male Sikh officers and staff may wear a turban in the authorised colour with force badge. Female Muslim Officers and Staff may wear the hijab. Officers in police vehicles may remove their headwear if they wish but headwear should be replaced at all times when leaving the police vehicle, e.g. hats/caps should not be placed on the rear parcel shelf of police cars. Common sense will apply when someone is in the immediate pursuit of an offender. The wearing of safety headwear will be dictated by risk assessment. 2.8 Footwear Shoes/boots must be black and plain in design. Women s hosiery must be black. Socks must be black or navy blue. Safety shoes or boots are required by risk assessments covering public order, search and on certain work sites. Status: V3.3 8 Last Update: 28/02/2014

10 Dress & Appearance HR 2.9 Scarves Scarves are not part of the Merseyside Police uniform. They are potentially dangerous and must not be worn. An exception may be for motorcyclists only on the specific authorisation of a manager after a risk assessment. An exception will be made for female Muslim Officers and Staff Gloves Where gloves are issued, these must be worn in accordance with rank/role/function or as directed. Gloves will not normally be worn when performing duties in shirtsleeve order unless directed following a risk assessment (e.g. for health and safety, slash resistant gloves or rapid entry). Specialist gloves should be worn as intended for their purpose Sunglasses Police drivers may wear sunglasses when driving in conditions of bright sunlight. The frame type must be plain and appropriate for police duty. Mirrored or very dark lenses are not appropriate. Sunglasses must always be removed when speaking to or dealing with a member of the public. Merseyside Police will accept no liability for any damage to or loss of sunglasses. Sunglasses may not be worn by Officers or Staff other than when driving or as an observer, unless on prescription with the written recommendation of a medical practitioner or optician Wrist watch Officers and Staff are made aware that claims for damage to a wrist watch, no matter how expensive the watch is, will only be supported on presentation of the damaged watch and/or a receipt up to a maximum of Jewellery Certain items of jewellery such as neck chains, rings and bracelets may increase the risk of injury, the severity of injury, assault or harm, particularly to operational officers and staff. Where a risk assessment identifies an injury is likely to be sustained, appropriate measures must be taken to remove or minimise the risk Female Police Officers and Police Staff in uniform are allowed to wear stud earrings whilst at work but this is limited to only one piece in each ear. The wearing of stud earrings by male Police Officers and Police Staff in uniform is not permitted No item(s) of jewellery can be worn through the nose, eyebrows, lips or tongue or other visible body piercing. An exception may be made on religious grounds. Status: V3.3 9 Last Update: 28/02/2014

11 Dress & Appearance HR Operational Officers - Bracelets around the wrist or ankles and necklaces must not be worn whilst at work. Exceptions may be made on religious grounds. Rings on fingers can be worn and where they have any sharp edges or projections such as set stones, if it is considered a risk or likely to cause a potential hazard, they should be covered and made safe or removed No liability will be accepted by Merseyside Police for any damage to or loss of any type of jewellery that is brought into the workplace 2.14 Hair Hair of male and female officers and staff must be neat, not allowed to cover the ears and, unless on identifiable religious or cultural grounds, worn above the collar. Long hair including ponytails is a potential safety (e.g. the risk of assault) and health hazard (e.g. working in filthy or verminous conditions) and loose long hair is not acceptable for either male or female officers and staff. Long hair must be neatly and securely fastened up and worn close to the head Managers / supervisors may permit the wearing of long hair in an appropriate style but not tied up, within police premises where conflict is unlikely and moving machinery is not used. Shapes, motifs, patterns or extreme styles that may cause ridicule, provoke hostility or detract from a professional image, are not acceptable. Hair dyes used by either sex should be of a colour appropriate to the work environment Facial Hair Facial hair (beards and moustaches) should be established at a time that minimises the period when an unprofessional image is presented (Officers and Staff should be mindful that photographs on warrant or ID cards must reflect current appearance) There are certain medical conditions that can affect facial hair to individuals of certain racial group. This may give the impression of an unshaven face because the individual has not bothered to shave. Managers/ supervisors must take account of such circumstances and seek an explanation Cosmetics Makeup should be of a colour and type that is appropriate to the work environment. It should compliment the uniform and not detract from a professional business image. There may be occasions when officers suffer from skin conditions that may require a deeper cover of make up. In these circumstances they should discuss with their Line Manager/Supervisor Nail Varnish must be clear/pale in colour and not detract from the professional business image that the force projects to members of the public. Status: V Last Update: 28/02/2014

12 Dress & Appearance HR 2.17 Tattoos Tattoos become relevant if they could cause offence and/or invite provocation from members of the public or colleagues Serving Officers should have a general appearance that is in keeping with the Code of Conduct for Police Officers. All Staff must demonstrate that they are sensitive to the impression they will make on those with whom they come into contact. Tattoos must be of a nature, which do not bring discredit to the police service Any Officer or member of Staff, who is on duty representing Merseyside Police, must have any visible tattoos covered wherever possible and practicable. For example, Officers and Staff with tattoos on forearms must wear long sleeved shirts Maternity Officers and Staff, who are pregnant, can at any time during their pregnancy, dress in maternity wear (plain clothes) or maternity smock in order to meet their own personal needs. The time to make the transition from formal wear to maternity is left to the discretion of the individual concerned Wearing of Police Uniform at Events - Extraneous to Normal Duty The Force recognises that serving police officers will on occasions, wish to attend events that are not part of their normal duty whilst wearing police uniform. Such occasions may arise as a result of an officer wishing to attend a function or event outside of force, in their capacity as a serving Merseyside Police Officer. Officers may not attend any function or event, which is not part of their normal duty requirements, whilst in uniform, unless permission has been requested and granted. The only exception to this will be for attendance at the funeral of a colleague Officers who wish to attend any event in accordance with the terms of this policy, must submit a request on Form 104 to their Area Commander/ Head of Department. This request should outline in full the reason for the request and the nature of the event, with confirmation that the requirements of Health and Safety legislation will not be compromised In attending any event outside of the Merseyside Force Area, the force responsible for policing the area in which the event is held, must have confirmed their agreement for attendance in uniform, in writing. The Area Commander/Head of Department will indicate whether or not they support the attendance and forward the report to the Chief Constable s office for approval. Status: V Last Update: 28/02/2014

13 Dress & Appearance HR The Force will consider any application to wear police uniform in such circumstances, on its merits and subject to the principles outlined within this policy. The Chief Constable or Deputy Chief Constable must grant approval When making such requests, officers must be aware that if approved, they will be regarded as being on duty and representing Merseyside Police in an official capacity. Whilst in attendance at the event, any policing incidents which are witnessed or brought to their attention must be dealt with in an appropriate manner In all cases when approval is granted, full uniform must be worn, appropriate to the event and the prevailing weather conditions, in order that the dignity of the uniform is maintained at all times Wearing of Police Uniform at Court Police officers appearing at civil or criminal courts as a defendant, in relation to issues not connected to their operational role, should not in any instance wear police uniform An officer facing a criminal court in relation to an operational issue should seek approval from the Detective Chief Superintendent, Professional Standards Department, or by a Chief Officer as appropriate. This will be considered on a case by case basis An officer facing a civil court in relation to an operational issue should seek guidance from the Detective Chief Superintendent, Professional Standards Unit. 3. Officers and Staff in Non-Uniform Roles 3.1 Clothing Clothing should be suitable for the role of the individual and the workplace concerned. Standards of dress should assist in bringing an appropriate degree of formality to the workplace. A professional image is important when dealing with colleagues and internal customers as well as the public. For example: a) Training shoes or similar footwear are not acceptable. Safety footwear may be required by risk assessment. b) Formal or tailored trousers may be worn by either sex. Jeans, shorts, tracksuit bottoms or similar, irrespective of colour, are not acceptable. c) Business suits are acceptable for wearing by either sex. These are the preferred style of dress whenever staff are representing the Force at events. Status: V Last Update: 28/02/2014

14 Dress & Appearance HR 3.2 Wrist watch Officers and Staff are made aware that claims for damage to a wrist watch, no matter how expensive the watch is, will only be supported on presentation of the damaged watch and/or a receipt up to a maximum of Jewellery Jewellery may be worn but this must be appropriate to the workplace. A common sense approach to what is acceptable should be adopted without the need for being prescriptive. Jewellery that is likely to increase the risk of injury or ill-health (e.g. near moving machinery) must be covered or removed. 3.4 Hair Hair must be neat. Shapes, motifs, patterns or extreme styles that may cause ridicule, provoke hostility or detract from a professional image, are not acceptable. Hair dyes used should be of a colour appropriate to the work environment. 3.5 Name Badges/Symbols Non-Uniformed personnel are required to wear corporate name badges/symbols/motif, which have been approved in the corporate style or their identity card when on duty in police premises. 3.6 Exclusions Officers and members of staff who are engaged on surveillance or covert operations are excluded from the above provisions. Status: V Last Update: 28/02/2014