1 Mar 08 G.O. 9-08 Uniform & grooming policy G.O. 7-08 all personnel 9 PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to identify authorized uniforms and grooming standards that are to be adhered to by members of the Police department. This order will also clarify what the acceptable wear and maintenance of the uniforms/clothing attire will be. POLICY It is the policy of the Vineland Police department that all personnel be neat, clean, well groomed, and present a professional appearance. These regulations take into Consideration the uniformity issue, safety issues, and the quasi-military nature of The Vineland Police department. It is further understood that the uniforms and standards defined below are accepted by the public as a measure of the Officers authority in all circumstances they find themselves in while wearing the uniform. PROCEDURE(S) 1. Uniforms. 2. Authorized equipment worn with the uniform. 3. Grooming Standards. 1. UNIFORMS. A. Each member of the Police department will maintain a high standard of dress and appearance. Uniforms will be properly fitted, clean, serviceable and pressed as necessary. While absolute uniformity of appearance cannot be expected, personnel must project a police image that leaves no doubt that they live by a common standard and are responsible to good Police order and discipline. 07/31/2008 1
B. All uniforms will be kept buttoned, zippered, and snapped. Metallic devices will be kept in proper luster and shoes will be kept clean, brushed, or shined. No alterations or wear of the uniform is allowed unless addressed in this order. C. What a Officer is required to wear, when, and how will be officiated through the guidelines in this order. The uniform of the day is the uniform which is worn by all Officers for that day. Only Officers that are identified by order are allowed to wear an alternate to the uniform of the day. Officers assigned to SCU's, Bicycle details, motorcycle posts, in service training, etc. will be granted permission to wear an alternate uniform as needed. 1. The Patrol Division Commander (or designee) will identify & post (via e-mail) the uniform of the day and any alternate uniform requirements. 2. The Service Division Commander (or designee) will identify & post (via e-mail) the type of uniform/clothing apparel that an Officer is required to wear to either in-service or outside schools. 3. Hat wear. a. When a hat is part of the uniform it will be worn when outside anywhere. b. Officers on calls should be particularly conscientious when on assignment or in view of the public to wear the assigned headgear whether inside or outside a structure. Exceptions to this order will occur, (ex: leaving vehicle quickly to stop a crime in progress) and be reviewed case by case. c. Headgear will be worn correctly. The headgear will be worn so that the VPD logo is centered on the head facing front with the cap worn parallel to the ground. d. Exception to 1.c.3.a. The wearing of headgear while going/coming from a vehicle parked at the rear of Police HQ., Into/out of the building is optional. 4. Blauer Jacket wear. a. When wearing the jacket it will be zipped up. ( the top end of the zipper buckle should at least be level with the bottom portion of the badge insignia). 5. Trouser wear. a. Trousers are to be clean, pressed, and tapered so as not to present a 'baggy' appearance. This applies to Class A or B trousers. b. Both Class A & B trouser(s) will have a visible crease. The crease can be laundered in, ironed in, or sewn in permanently. There should only be one 'break' in the crease. c. The trouser length should be long enough to reach the top of the boot to the second eyelet & down to the back of the boot to the center of the heel. d. Trouser pockets will be kept buttoned, secured. Nothing will protrude from pockets that detracts from the uniform appearance. 07/31/2008 2
6. Shirt wear. a. Class A & B shirts will be clean and pressed. Wrinkles that detract from the shirt appearance will be removed. b. Only VPD authorized insignia, badges, nameplates, identifiers can be worn on the shirt. c. Visible or bulky items that detract from the uniform appearance are not to be placed in shirt pockets. (ex: cigarette packs, wallets, etc.) 7. Business attire. a. Male Officers : Suit & tie. Business pants with dress shoes. b. Female " : Skirt/dress pants & dress type blouse with dress shoes. c. Alternate business attire. At times do to warm weather, the suit coat & tie can be substituted for a collar shirt & dress pants with dress shoes. This substitution will be done only with Divisional Commander or designee approval who will make notice that this attire is acceptable via e-mail. D. The following Uniforms are authorized for wear. 1. Uniform Class 'A'. a. Service (Pershing style) hat with hat badge. b. blouse jacket with leather sam browne strap attached to duty belt. (when applicable) c. White/blue shirt with appropriate insignia. d. Tie and department issued tie tack will be worn when in long sleeve and or blouse uniform. e. T-shirts will be white if shirt is white. Navy blue t-shirt can be worn with blue shirt. f. Trousers (french blue) with gold/blue stripe. g. Service or dress shoes. No black sneaker type shoes. h. Only leather gear is authorized with class 'A' uniforms. 2. Uniform Class 'B'. a. Cap (baseball style with Vineland Police in gold letters) b. Knit cap with Vineland Police in gold letters. (Can only be worn when the temperature is below 33 degrees including wind chill) c. Blauer jacket (weather permitting). d. BDU utility pants. Blousing is not permitted. e. Utility shirt with sewn on badge, name, rank, etc. f. Navy blue (mock) turtleneck with VPD in gold/silver letters (weather permitting). g. Navy blue t-shirt if visible. h. Leather or nylon gear is authorized. i. Black shoes/sneakers/ boots. 07/31/2008 3
3. Uniform Class 'C'. a. Cap (baseball style with Vineland Police in gold letters) b. Knit cap with Vineland Police in gold letters. (weather permitting) c. Blauer jacket ( an alternate BDU style navy blue style jacket can be worn if approved by Service Division commander or designee). d. Navy blue sweatshirt/t-shirt e. Navy blue BDU pants. f. Black shoes/sneakers/boots/ 4. Bicycle Officer uniform. a. Nylon coat, pants, and shirt as provided by the department. b. Sweatshirt/t-shirt as provided by the department. c. Black shoes,/sneakers/boots. d. Nylon belt and gear. 5. Motorcycle Officer Uniform. a. Helmet. b. Leather Jacket. c. Navy blue pants with gold stripe. Pants may be bloused in needed. d. Class B long/short sleeve shirt. e. Gloves. f. Leather/nylon belt and gear. 6. Street Crime Uniform. The apparel worn by personnel assigned to the SCU will be approved by the patrol division commander or designee. This apparel is only to be worn by Officers who are working in the capacity of their assignment as SCU. 7. Criminal Division. a. I.D. Section will/may wear the class 'b' uniform. b. Juvenile unit will/may wear the class 'b' uniform. c. Detectives will wear business attire. The criminal division commander or designee will approve any alternate wear of clothing for personnel assigned to the criminal division or in the performance of assignments under the authority of the criminal division. 07/31/2008 4
8. Court appearances. a. Municipal Court. (on or off duty) 1. Business attire. No blue jeans, sneakers, sandals, shorts, t-shirts, etc. 2. Uniform of the day. Exceptions: Officers working SCU, bicycle, motorcycle, detective details, etc. can appear in their alternate uniform unless instructed specifically by supervision to appear in the uniform of the day or business attire. 3. Alternate business attire. Permitted when an e-mail authored by a Divisional Commander allows this attire due to warm weather. b. Grand Jury. Same standard as Municipal court. (on or off duty) c. State/Federal Superior Court. 1. Class A uniform. (with/without blouse) 2. Business attire. (no alternate business attire permitted) 9. Dressing at home. a. Officers have the option of wearing the uniform back and forth to work. Wearing the uniform to work while on a motorcycle/bicycle is prohibited. b. All Officers who are in uniform whether on/off duty are reminded that the public will expect the Officer to act in accordance with VPD Rules & Regulations. Conducting personal business while in uniform is prohibited. 10. Prohibited wear of a police uniform. a. When used in the connection of a promotion of any political or commercial interest or when engaged in off-duty outside employment. b. When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Police department. 11. Uniform/equipment issue & replacement. a. The initial issue of uniforms & equipment will be done through the Service Division. b. Officer(s) in need of replacement of uniforms or equipment will send an e-mail to the Service Division designee requesting what they need. c. The Service Division designee will ensure that the 'one for one' exchange policy is adhered to at all times. (The Service Division commander is the only one authorized to approve deviation from this order) d. Officers have the obligation to keep all uniforms/equipment issued to them in clean & in good working order according to VPD standard. e. The Service Division Commander or his designee is responsible to keep all documents that track uniforms/equipment and to who they are issued. 07/31/2008 5
12. Retrieving equipment/uniforms from Officers. a. The Service Division Commander or designee will ensure that any department issued equipment that must be turned in for any reason (retirement, suspension, termination, domestic violence act., etc.) is properly accounted for. b. Officer(s) who take uniforms/equipment from the Officer will notify via e-mail their Supervisor & the Service Division Commander what uniform/equipment was taken and where it was secured. c. When an Officer retires, resigns, is granted a leave of absence, or in any way vacates their position, either voluntary or involuntary the Officer will surrender any and all items of issued equipment. 2. AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT WORN WITH THE UNIFORM. Only equipment that is provided by the Police department and or approved by the Service division will be worn/used by sworn Officers. A. The duty belt (leather or nylon) when worn will have the following attached; -holster - ammo pouch - handcuff holder - IPD holder - radio holder - flashlight holder - MEB holder Note: When wearing the Class 'A' blouse with duty belt the amount of required items to be worn can be modified to include just the holster, ammo pouch, & handcuff case. 1. Leather & nylon attachments will not be used together. The option is either all leather or all nylon. 2. See G.O. 7-08 for proper wear of a cell phone on the duty belt. B. Gloves. 1. Gloves. Will be black with no insignia visible. 2. Search Gloves. Can be worn when the Officer is actively involved in a search or a situation where there is a possibility of a sharp instrument present. C. Sunglasses. 1. Conservative in style, lenses should be flat black. 2. No mirror, yellow, bright blue, multicolored, etc., lenses. 3. When not being used, sunglasses will not be placed on hat visor, hang from pockets, or any other part of the uniform. 07/31/2008 6
D. Personal cameras, radios, televisions, electronic or recording devices, computers, or any other type of electronic device that is not authorized by General Order are prohibited to be carried or used while on duty. E. Vineland Police Department Identification. 1. Kept with Officers at all times while on duty. 2. Will be with Officer when off-duty and carrying a firearm. 3. Exceptions; Working undercover, etc. 3. GROOMING STANDARDS The Police Department is a uniformed service, Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by Officers is fundamental to the department, and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective Police force. A. Male. 1. Hair. a. Hair shall be neatly trimmed, combed, brushed etc. b. Hair shall present a tapered appearance & when combed shall not fall over the ears or eyebrows or extend over the shirt or coat collar when standing with the head in a normal position. c. Hair shall not interfere with the proper wearing of any required/authorized department issued headgear. d. No designs are permitted to be cut into the head hair of any department personnel Designs such as numbers, insignias or other similar inscriptions are prohibited. e. Hair growing from the chest, neck, ears, or nose shall be neatly trimmed. Chest hair shall not extend over the collar, tie, or exposed t-shirt. f. Braided, platted, spiked hairstyles, are prohibited. g. A wig/hairpiece is allowed. It must not interfere with the wearing of the department issued headgear and conform to the above standards. h. Hair coloring if used, must appear natural and not detract from the uniform. 2. Moustache. a. Shall be kept trimmed and clean. b. No portion of the moustache shall extend 1/4 inch below the corners of the mouth, or beyond 1/4 inch from the corner of the mouth. 3. Beard. a. No beards are permitted. (exceptions; medical condition, work assignment, must be approved by the Chief of Police or designee) 07/31/2008 7
4. Sideburns. a. Will not extend below the lowest part of the ear opening. b. Trimmed and neat in appearance. c. Width shall not be more than 11/2 inches at the broadest point. B. Female. 1. Hair. a. The length, bulk or appearance of natural hair shall not be excessive, ragged or unkempt. b. Hair shall be neatly groomed. c. Hair shall not be worn longer than the bottom of the shirt or coat collar at the back of the neck when standing with head in a normal position. d. Hair shall be groomed in front so that it does not fall below the band of properly worn uniform headgear. e. Hair may be worn slightly over the ears, but in no case shall the bulk or length of the hair interfere with the proper wearing of department issued headgear. f. Ponytails, platted, braided, spiked hair is not permitted. g. A bun/twist is permitted on the top back of the head provided it is worn in a neat manner and does not interfere with the wearing of department headgear. h. No ribbons/ornaments shall be worn in the hair, except for neat inconspicuous bobby pins or barrettes which blend with the hair color. i. Hair color if used must appear natural. j. Wigs/hairpieces worn on duty must conform to the standards of this order. 2. Fingernails. a. Fingernails shall be clean and trimmed. Nails shall not extend more than 1/4 inch beyond the tips of the fingers. b. Polish if worn shall be a neutral color. (ex: light pink, pearl white, etc.) C. Male/Female. 1. Cosmetics. a. If worn, cosmetics shall be subdued & blended to match the natural skin color of the individual. b. False eyelashes are not permitted. 07/31/2008 8
2. Jewelry. a. No visible jewelry of any kind may be worn above the shoulders while in uniform, to include earrings. b. Chains, medals, etc. shall be worn concealed beneath the uniform at all times. c. Wristwatches are permitted. Additional bracelets are permitted as long as they do not detract from the uniform. d. Wearing a ring is permitted. More than two rings on one hand is prohibited. e. Jewelry which detracts from the professional appearance of an Officer or which poses a safety hazard is not permitted. f. Due to damage or injury that can occur while performing the functions of a Police Officer it is recommended that personal jewelry not be worn on duty. The Police Dept. is not responsible for damage to jewelry that occurs while the Officer is on duty. 3. Tattoos/Branding/Body piercing. a. While on duty no tattoo(s), branding(s), or body piercing(s) are at any time allowed to be visible to the public. (exceptions such as Officers working u/c will be allowed with the approval of Chief of Police or designee) b. While any type of body piercing is discouraged. Body piercing anywhere above the shoulders is prohibited. c. For employee(s) with tattoo(s), branding(s), or body piercing(s) the following options exist. 1. Wear the alternate (summer) long sleeved uniform shirt issued by the VPD. 2. Cover the tattoo or branding with a department approved (natural flesh colored sleeve/patch) while on duty. Purchased at employee(s) own expense. Note: The Service Division Commander (or designee) will approve all above listed alternate (shirt types) prior to the Officer being allowed to wear such alternate wear on duty. The 'command presence' that an Officer portrays when they wear the uniform correctly cannot be understated. We want to ensure by following the above standards that each Officer presents the professional image a Police Officer should project. 07/31/2008 9