The University of Vermont Department of Police Services Department Directive # OPS - 125 Subject: Uniform/Equipment Standards and Appearance Rescinds All Previous Directives Effective Date: 2002/06/26 CALEA Standards 17.5.2, 22.2.5, 22.2.7, 26.1.1, 41.3.4, 41.3.5, 41.3.6 Issue Date: 2002/06/27 Reviewed/Revised Date: 2007/09/17 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish the uniform appearance guidelines. Policy: Our appearance plays a significant role in how we are perceived in both function and effectiveness. This policy establishes the standard for the wearing of our uniforms and equipment and sets a general appearance guideline for all UVM Police Services personnel. I. Personal Appearance (26.1.1) A. Members shall appear neat and well groomed while on duty to include, but not be limited to, regular duty, court appearances, in-service training, and department functions. B. Beards and mustaches will be neat and trimmed. Facial hair around the mouth must be trimmed away from the lips. Facial hair will not be scraggly or unkempt. The allowance of facial hair will not be an excuse to avoid shaving.
C. Commissioned and non-commissioned personnel uniforms shall be kept neat, clean, and well pressed at all times. Care should be taken not to wear threadbare or faded items. Footwear and associated leather gear shall be clean and polished. Civilian clothing shall not be worn with any distinguishable part of the uniform while on duty. Unless authorized by the Chief or his/her designee, no part of the uniform that identifies UVM Police Services should be worn or displayed while off duty. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to outer jackets and hats. 1. The official uniform of UVM Police Services shall be of such styles, materials, colors, and manufacture as shall be prescribed from time to time by the Chief/Director. Insignia, badge, hats, service stripes, and decorations shall be worn as prescribed, and no item shall be worn unless it is specifically authorized. (41.3.4) 2. The Administrative Lieutenant will be responsible for the issuance and collection of all department uniforms, equipment, and related supplies. All issued non-expendable items remain the property of UVM Police Services and will be returned upon request, or as required. (22.2.5) (41.3.4) (17.5.2) D. All civilian employees shall maintain appropriate hygiene and grooming so as to present a professional image to the community. All civilian employees shall dress in clothing appropriate for a business environment. E. The following guidelines apply to commissioned employees performing plainclothes assignments or modified duty. 1. Staff shall dress as to present a neat, professional image. 2. Outerwear, shoes, belts, and other accessories shall be neat, clean, and properly worn. 3. The above may be waived for officers involved in undercover operations, or operations that may make the wearing of business clothes impractical. 4. The employee s supervisor shall determine appropriate attire beyond the above stated guidelines. F. When appearing in court, all members will wear the prescribed uniform or civilian clothing as they normally wear on duty. 2
II. Commissioned Officers Uniforms and Equipment (22.2.5) (41.3.4) A. Class B Uniform: Except for special events, other unusual circumstances as directed by a supervisor, or during patrol hours between 1500 and 0700, the uniform of the day for all commissioned uniformed officers shall consist of issued uniform pants slate gray with a one inch wide spruce green stripe on the pants leg; long or short sleeve uniform shirt slate gray with spruce green piping bordering the epaulets and pocket flaps. Patches will be displayed on both sleeves of shirts and sweaters. B. Class C Uniform: During the hours of 1500-0700, the Class C uniform may be worn. This uniform shall consist of the slate gray Blauer Street Gear shirt (long or short sleeve as weather dictates) and slate gray side cargo pocket pants. The uniform will display the name tag, metal badge, collar brass, shoulder patches and grade insignia in the same manner as outlined in section D below. C. Issued jackets shall be green/gray. Patches will be displayed on both sleeves and a badge patch applied over the left upper chest area of the jacket. A cloth name patch will be worn on the right chest area. D. The following will outline acceptable presentation of UVM Police Services commissioned uniform: 1. Leather/Nylon Gear: Leather gear will be plain black with brass accessories. Customization will conform to the stated theme and be approved by the Chief/Director, or his/her designee. Personally owned folding utility knives are authorized. If carried, carriers will match the stated theme for leather gear. Knife cases must completely enclose the knife and have a secure closure. 2. Collar Brass: All police uniform shirts will display the University of Vermont seal (as issued) worn on the shirt collar, centered on the collar point toward the neck seam, insignia bottom edge ½ inch from the bottom edge of the collar. 3. Name Tags: All commissioned officers will display their authorized department issued name tag centered over the flap of the right breast pocket of the outermost uniform garment (shirts and sweaters). This does not apply to uniform jackets without name tag holders. 4. PTO/CNU Pins: Police Training Officer (PTO) and Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) pins will be worn on the right pocket flap, centered on the flap along the bottom of the top edge pocket seam of the uniform shirt. 3
5. Specialty Pins: Examples of approved specialty pins include, but are not limited to: Bike, VCJTC, National Academy, and instructor certifications. a. Specialty pins will be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt, unless otherwise specified. If one pin is worn it will be on the center of the pocket flap. If multiple pins are authorized, then the pins should be spaced off the center point of the flap. If an odd number of pins is authorized, the odd number will be centered to the left of the center line. If the officer has a PTO or CNU pin, the other specialty pins should be centered off that pin. b. The firearm instructor pins will be black enamel with gold lettering. Instructor pins will be worn centered on the pocket flap and lined up with the bottom of the flap s top seam. If the officer is both an instructor and has a PTO or CNU designation, then the specialty pin will be on top. c. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM) pin, which is a white bar style, will be worn at the top of the left pocket flap of the uniform shirt, centered under the badge. 6. Serving Since Pin: This pin may be worn in addition to the name tag. The rocker shall be of similar style and color to the name tag. The member must purchase this item if they choose to wear it. 7. Brass: Police uniform shirts will display issued brass buttons on the pocket flaps and shoulder epaulets. Brass will be maintained and displayed in a polished state. 8. Badge: The badge is required to be worn at all times while in uniform. Badges shall be displayed above the left breast pocket of the uniform shirt and a badge patch will be applied to outer jacket, vest and sweater. 9. Rank Insignia: Sergeants shall display their rank insignia for long and short sleeve shirts, jackets, and sweaters on the sleeves. Lieutenants and Captains shall display rank insignia on the epaulets of uniform shirts, jackets and sweaters. The designation of rank of Senior Officer, after four (4) years of continuous service with UVM Police Services, will be a single chevron, to be displayed the same as the Sergeant s rank insignia. This is an acknowledgement of service and is not a change in job description or job responsibility. 4
10. Uniform Shirts: Police uniform long sleeve shirts will be worn with either the department issued spruce green tie with issued tie bar, which shall be worn straight away between the bottom of the pocket flaps, or with a department issued/approved spruce green or black turtleneck shirt (mock or regular). Long sleeves will not be rolled up when in public. Police uniform short sleeve shirts will be worn with open collar with a plain white, spruce green or black crewneck T-shirt. All clothing exposed to view shall be clean and not noticeably faded, tattered, or torn. 11. Footwear: Uniform footwear will be black, clean, well maintained and polished when possible. A black athletic type shoe is an acceptable alternative to the standard shoe. If wearing low/midrise footwear, socks will be black. 12. Headgear: The wearing of the uniform hat is encouraged, as it quickly identifies a police officer and is traditionally part of the uniform. The hat shall be readily available during duty hours and must be worn in the appropriate fashion while directing traffic. Wearing of the hat during special events (athletic events, concerts, etc.) shall be at the discretion of the officer unless ordered by a supervisor. Headgear will be either the department issued gray campaign hat with a spruce green band and gold acorns, issued baseball cap, or the winter toque. The Chief/Director or his/her designee may approve other winter headgear. 13. Hat Badge: The hat badge, a larger version of the state seal on the badge (15/16s) worn on the center of the campaign hat, will be issued at the same time the officer is authorized the dress jacket. 14. Protective Clothing: Department issued protective clothing shall consist of a rain coat, outer jackets, winter toque, and a black Goretex baseball cap issued with rain gear. The cap will have University of Vermont arched on the front in gold lettering with Police in larger gold lettering under the arch. No other pins, sewing, or other markings that would destroy the integrity of the fabric shall be added to the hat. 15. Warm vests: A black polar fleece or down vest is authorized, but not department purchased/issued. An authorized embroidered or badge patch shall be worn on the left side of the vest, and a name tag on the right side. The name tape must be black with gold lettering. The vest must be the make and style approved by the Chief/Director or his/her designee. 5
16. Soft Training Uniform: Authorized soft training uniform will be a dark green button down shirt embroidered with a Police Officer badge on the left side, with UVM Police stitched over the badge. The shirt would be worn with Chino style pants or black denim pants. All clothing, including footwear, will be clean, neat, and well maintained for a professional appearance. 17. Awards and Commendations: Some awards and commendations will consist of a medal, matching shirt bar, and certificate. (See Awards and Recognition policy PER-602 for award status) a. Those commendations with medals will only be worn with the department s dress uniform and never when participating as a member of the honor guard. When authorized, the medal will be worn on the right pocket flap, aligned along the bottom of the top pocket seam. When more than one medal is worn, the highest award will be worn closest to the left side of the flap, centering all on the flap. b. Commendation bars may be worn with the Class B duty uniform. Commendation bars will be worn three across, centered over the name tag with the highest award closest to the center line of the shirt, or at the top when four or seven bars have been awarded. c. Departmental awards in descending order from highest to lowest for purposes of uniform of display are: Chief s Award Leadership Valor Life Saving Meritorious Service Crisis Negotiator Unit Citation Service 18. Protective Vest: A protective vest, also known as soft body armor, is issued to each commissioned officer. Commissioned officers are required to wear their protective vest whenever on duty in uniform. Exception: Wearing of body armor by the Chief/Director, Captain, Lieutenant, and detective(s) is optional. (41.3.5) a. Protective vests used by officers of UVM Police Services in field assignments shall be of the type worn under the shirt. 6
b. The vest shall be properly fitted to the officer and replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. c. Ballistic panels will meet or exceed threat level II A, as established under standards NIJ-STD-0101.3, Ballistic Resistance of Police Body Armor. d. Vests are required to be worn in certain instances such as arrest of particularly dangerous or armed suspects; participation in search warrants or raids; or other situations which pose an obviously increased threat to the well being of the involved officers. (41.3.6) E. Officers may carry their own personal equipment providing it has been approved by the Chief/Director or his/her designee. Examples of such equipment are: (41.3.4) 1. Knives with a blade not to exceed 3 inches in length 2. Extra flashlights 3. Laser sighting system for their firearm III. Commissioned Officers Issued Gear and Safety Equipment (22.2.5) (41.3.4) Commissioned officers are issued the following in accordance with previously stated leather/brass theme: 1. 2 ¼ duty Garrison belt 2. Holster and magazine case 3. Friction lock expandable baton, OR side handle control device, and holder 4. Handcuffs, keys, and case 5. Glove pouch 6. Flashlight and holder 7. Portable radio and holder 8. Belt keepers 7
9. Oleoresin Capsicum Spray and holder 10. Firearm as specified in the UVM Police Services Use of Force Policy. IV. Unusual Occurrence Equipment (22.2.5) (41.3.4) Sworn staff will be issued the following equipment for use in unusual occurrences: 1. Go Bag 2. Helmet/visor 3. Non-ballistic leg protectors 4. Non-ballistic chest protector ( Turtlegear ) 5. Gas mask with carrying pouch V. Dress Uniform (22.2.5) (41.3.4) Dress uniforms (Class A) shall be worn at special occasions and presentations by commissioned officers when authorized by the Chief/Director or his/her designee. The dress uniform shall consist of the green and gray blouse jacket with brass accessories and the matching slate gray uniform pant with the standard issue long sleeve shirt. Black tie will be worn with the department issued clip/pin. 1. Leather Gear: Leather gear will be plain black with brass accessories and issued shoulder strap. Only the duty holster, magazine case, handcuff case and two keepers shall be worn on the duty belt. 2. Collar Brass: All police uniform shirts will display the University of Vermont seal (as issued) worn on the shirt collar, centered on the collar point toward the neck seam, insignia bottom edge ½ inch from the bottom edge of the collar. 3. Name Tags: All commissioned officers will display their authorized department issued dress uniform name tag over the flap of the right breast pocket of the dress jacket. 4. Brass: The dress jackets will display issued brass buttons on the button flaps and shoulder epaulets of the dress jacket. All brass will be highly polished. 8
5. Badge: Badges shall be displayed above the left breast pocket of the dress jacket. 6. Footwear: Footwear for the dress uniform will be black, clean, and highly polished. Hosiery color will be black. 7. Headgear: The wearing of the issued gray campaign uniform hat is mandatory. 15/16 th state seal will be displayed on the hat while in dress uniform. 8. Rank Insignia: Rank insignia for sergeants shall be displayed on the dress jacket sleeves. The Chief/Director, Captain, and Lieutenant shall display rank insignia on the epaulets. 9. Hash Marks: Service hash marks are authorized for years of police service in four-year increments. The service marks shall be gold two inch (2 ) textured cloth marks on a black background. They will be displayed on the left cuff of the dress jackets. VI. Service Officers and Dispatchers Uniforms and Equipment (22.2.5) (41.3.4) A. Service Officers: The following will outline acceptable presentation for Service Officers. 1. Uniform: Issued gray polo shirts, black pants, and black sweater. 2. Duty Gear: Duty gear will be plain black nylon. Customization will conform to the stated theme and be approved by the Chief/Director, or his/her designee. a. 2 ¼ nylon duty Garrison belt b. Portable radio and holder c. Nylon belt keepers d. Flashlight and holder e. Oleoresin Capsicum Spray and holder (if trained) 3. Name Tags: All Service Officers will display their authorized department issued name tag on the flap of the right breast pocket of the outermost uniform garment (shirts and sweaters). This does not apply to uniform jackets without name tag holders. 9
4. Footwear: Uniform footwear will be black, clean, and well maintained. A black athletic type shoe is an acceptable alternative to the standard shoe. 5. Protective Clothing: Department issued protective clothing shall consist of rain gear, outer jackets, winter toque, and ball cap. The cap shall be black and have Service Unit and UVM displayed in silver thread on the front of the cap. B. Dispatchers: The following will outline acceptable presentation for Dispatchers. 1. Uniform: Issued long and short sleeve polo shirts, which will have an embroidered badge patch with Dispatch Center written on it and UVM Police embroidered over the badge patch. A sweatshirt with the same embroidery will also be issued. Dispatchers may choose to wear an issued black or green button down collar shirt with the same embroidery on it for training classes. VII. Bicycle Uniform (22.2.5) (41.3.4) The following are issued for use with the UVM Police Services Bike program: 1. Appropriate leather and/or nylon police gear 2. Mountain bike shorts (police) 3. Mountain bike shirt uniforms (police) 4. Lightweight mountain bike jacket (police) 5. Lightweight mountain bike pants (police) 6. Helmet VIII. Employee Identification (22.2.7) A. Every employee of UVM Police Services will be issued a photo ID showing that they are a member of the department. Besides their photo, the ID will state the position the employee holds within the agency. (22.2.7 b) B. Each employee will show their department issued ID when officially requested to verify their affiliation with the agency. Exception to this would be if the employee is doing undercover work and does not want to be identified as being affiliated with the department. (22.2.7 a) 10
IX. General Directives for Uniforms A. Commissioned and non-commissioned personnel will not wear pins, badges, or insignia, other than those authorized by the Chief/Director, on the duty uniform with the exception that the entire department or an honor guard may wear signs of mourning for periods authorized by the Chief/Director, or his/her designee. B. Nothing in this policy shall prevent the Chief/Director or his/her designee, from allowing members to wear department issued polo, or dress-type shirts and other clothing during sanctioned activities/events. C. Replacement of uniforms and equipment due to normal wear and tear will be handled by the employee submitting a request form to their immediate supervisor who, after indicating approval by their initials, will forward the request to the Administrative Lieutenant. (17.5.2) By Order of the Chief/Director Gary J. Margolis, Ed.D. 11