UNIF & EQUI 5.1D
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT
STANDARDS (SWORN OFFICERS)
GENERAL ORDER: 5.1E
EFFECTIVE: May 8, 2013
REVISES: G.O. 5.1D
PAGES: 7
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. GENERAL
II. POLICE OFFICER UNIFORMS
III. SPECIAL PURPOSE OFFICER UNIFORMS
IV. OWNERSHIP OF UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
V. NON-UNIFORMED, ON DUTY DRESS
VI. APPEARANCE REGULATIONS
PURPOSE:
To establish uniform standards and specifications required for uniformed personnel.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all uniformed personnel.
DISCUSSION:
Uniformed personnel are the most visible representatives of the agency in the community. The
uniform represents authority, and it must be worn properly to present a professional image and bearing.
PROCEDURE:
I. GENERAL:
A.
Officers shall wear uniforms and insignia commensurate with their rank and be provided with authorized
equipment.
B.
Officers attending Circuit Court hearings, County Court hearings (Civil or Criminal), may wear the Class A,
Class B or Class C uniform, whether on duty or off duty. If not on duty male personnel may wear a suit or appropriate
sports coat, slacks and tie. Female personnel may wear appropriate business attire. Officers attending traffic court or
depositions may wear the Class A, Class B or Class C uniform; if not on duty male personnel may wear a dress shirt
and dress slacks. Tie, business suit or sport coat is optional. Female personnel may wear slacks and a blouse.
Businesslike dress or suit is optional. Personnel shall present a neat and clean appearance and male personnel shall be
clean-shaven.
C.
While in uniform, officers shall be neat and clean in personal appearance, and shall wear their uniform with
dignity and in strict conformity with rules and regulations. Officers shall keep their uniforms clean and well pressed.
Authorized metal accessories worn with the uniform shall be kept clean and bright. Shoes and leather goods shall be
kept clean and shined.
G.O. 5.1D
1
. No mixture of civilian outer clothing with the official uniform shall be permitted, on or off duty,
except for recognition purposes by plain clothed officers during raids or other such emergency
conditions.
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. Uniformed items shall not be altered except to insure proper fit.
II. POLICE OFFICER UNIFORMS:
Listed below is the required regulation uniform for police officers, and
police reserve officers, the required manner in which it will be worn, and the equipment each officer is required to have
in his/her possession or immediately available while on-duty.
A.Uniform Hat(s):
1.
The uniform hat shall be a part of the official uniform for officers assigned to patrol duties and may
consist of traditional round police hat (Class A uniform) or a ball cap (Class B or C uniform). Officers
are required to have both hats available for use at all times.
2.
The uniform hat shall not be worn forward so as to obscure vision. The hat brim shall be an equal distance above
each ear and not tilted higher on one side of the head than the other. The hair of the front part of the head shall not
extend below, nor be visible under the sweatband.
3. mandatory
The uniform hat shall be during Funeral Services and under special direction of a
supervisor.
B.Uniform Classifications:
1.
Class A uniform - The uniform shall be designated as the dress uniform of the day when worn with the long
sleeved uniform shirt and blue clip-on tie or turtle neck, basket weave leather, and when applicable, white gloves.
2.
Class B uniform - The uniform shall be designated as the court uniform of the day when worn with the short
sleeved uniform shirt, with open collar and authorized duty gear.
3.
Class C uniform - The uniform shall be designated as the duty uniform consisting of a tan BDU pants, black T-
shirt along with the tactical vest. The member shall utilize authorized duty gear.
4.
Class D uniform - The uniform shall be designated as the special duty uniform of the Bike & Marine units also
Special Details when worn with shorts, Tan BDU pants, 511 Blue & Black shirt, ball cap, black athletic shoes,
black or tan boots, white or black socks, and authorized duty gear.
C.Ties and Tie Fasteners:
Officers shall wear the approved blue clip-on tie with the dress uniform of the day
only. Ties shall be secured to the shirt with the department issued tie tack. The tie tack shall be centered at the middle
of the tie.
D.Trousers:
Trousers for Class A and Class B uniforms of the day shall be dark blue. Trousers shall be tailored
so that the bottom hems barely touch the vamp of the shoes.
E.Socks:
Only plain black/dark blue socks shall be worn with Class A and Class B uniforms unless boots are worn
which conceal the sock. White athletic socks (not above mid-calf) will be worn with the Class C uniform.
F.Winter Jackets:
Only approved winter jackets shall be worn.
G.Shoes, Boots and Sneakers:
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G.O. 5.1D
1.
Shoes and boots worn by uniformed officers with the Class A and Class B uniforms shall be of a
smooth, black material capable of retaining a shine.
2.
High or low cut shoes are optional.
3.
Black athletic shoes, black or tan boots shall be worn with the Class C & D uniforms.
H. Gloves:
Gloves shall only be worn when needed for protection (i.e., search of suspects). Gloves are not a part
of the uniform and shall not be worn during routine duty; however, gloves may be worn during special duty or
assignments as authorized. Gloves shall be black, except when other gloves are specifically indicated for special
occasions or events. Finger less gloves are prohibited except for bike officers in the performance of their duties.
I. Leather/Nylon Gear:
Only approved leather and nylon gear will be worn. Law enforcement officers will wear
the following equipment:
1. Gun Belt:
Black basket weave 2 1/4" wide gun belt with velcro attachment or issued nylon duty belt. When
applicable a silver colored buckle shall be worn for ranks below Sergeant and gold buckle shall be worn by ranks
above and including Sergeant.
2. Holster:
Security Level I, II, or III black basket weave or the issued nylon holster. The holster will be
positioned on the weapon side of the belt and in the middle area of the hip. Thigh holster is approved when wearing
Class C uniform and Class D special events uniform.
3. Baton Holder:
The baton holder shall be worn on either the strong or weak side of the gun belt.
4. Magazine Pouch:
Black basket weave or the issued nylon magazine pouch worn on the front left or right side of
the gun belt.
5. Handcuff Case:
Black basket weave with velcro attachment or the issued nylon handcuff case.
6. Other Equipment:
The following items will be placed on the belt and located at the officer’s discretion:
flashlight holder, radio holder, and glove pouch.
J. Body Armor:
1. The Tequesta Police Department has a “mandatory wear” body armor policy.
2.
All uniformed officers shall wear the Department issued protective body armor while on duty.
3.
All plain clothes officers must have their body armor immediately available and readily accessible at all
times while on duty.
K. Weapons:
1. Firearms:
The department approved service weapon shall be carried while on duty in
Accordance with standard operating procedures.
2. Defensive Batons:
Defensive batons are issued to officers after training and qualification and may be carried in
accordance with standard operating procedures.
3. Oleoresin Capsicum:
Oleoresin Capsicum spray (pepper spray) shall be issued and shall be carried in
accordance with standard operating procedures.
4.
No other weapons of any kind are authorized, nor shall they be carried, without written approval
from the Chief of Police. This does not include a standard pocketknife.
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G.O. 5.1D
L.Shoulder Patches and Chevrons:
Officers shall wear the official shoulder patch of the Tequesta Police
Department. The official shoulder patch shall be worn on both shoulders, centered on the shoulder strap of the shirt, and
one half (½) inch below the shoulder strap and centered thereon. Regular officers of the rank of sergeant shall wear
officially designated chevrons on both sleeves of the uniform shirt and jacket. The top point of the chevrons shall be one
half (½) inch below the shoulder patch and centered thereon.
M.Shield:
1.
Blackington Shield denoting from top to bottom; Position, Tequesta Police, and FL. Sergeants and above shall
wear gold plated shields and members below the rank of Sergeant shall wear rhodium shields.
2.
Detective’s shields shall also be gold in color.
3.
The shield shall be worn above the left breast pocket.
N.Collar Insignia:
1.
Regular and reserve officers shall wear the TPD (collar insignia) on both collars of the Class “A” uniform.
Regular officers holding the rank of Lieutenant or above shall wear the officially designated insignia of their rank on
both shoulder straps of the uniform shirt and jacket. The Chief of Police shall wear three stars either on the collar or
shoulder straps.
2.
Collar insignia shall be worn on both collars to present a triangle position across the tip of the collar and shall
be centered between the edge seam of the stitching on the bottom and front of each collar.
O.Nameplates, Service Awards, and Other Approved Items:
1. Nameplate:
a.
Blackington nameplate.
b.
Officers of the rank of Sergeant or above shall wear gold while officers below the rank of Sergeant shall wear
silver.
c.
The official nameplate shall be worn centered directly over the right breast pocket with the bottom of the
nameplate running parallel to the top of the pocket flap.
2.Service Awards:
a.
Service awards shall be worn in accordance with General Order 21.1 Award System.
3.Insignias:
a.
Uniformed officers may wear approved insignias, emblems, or specialized unit designations approved by the
Chief of Police. They shall be worn on the right breast shirt pocket. Approved insignia shall consist of and be
limited to: Marine Unit, F.T.O., T.H.I., and Bike Officer. Only one such insignia shall be worn.
4.Other Approved Items:
a.
The Accreditation Pin shall be worn centered on the pocket flap below the nametag and/or any corresponding
service awards.
b.
Sunglasses are permitted, however, only of the non-mirror type. Frames shall be gold metal, silver metal, or
dark colored plastic and shall be of a shape and/or design that projects a professional image.
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G.O. 5.1D
P. Jewelry:
1.
Jewelry worn on the hands, wrist, and fingers shall be limited to a wristwatch, wedding/engagement ring (or set),
and one other ring (such as class, school, or organization ring).
2.
Earrings for males shall be prohibited. Females are permitted to wear conservative post or loop
earrings only.
3.
Necklaces and bracelets are prohibited unless hidden by the uniform.
III. SPECIAL PURPOSE OFFICER UNIFORMS:
A.
Class D uniform will be worn by the Bike and Marine Patrol Officers or as designated by the Chief of Police.
IV. OWNERSHIP OF UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT:
A.
The ownership and title to all uniforms and equipment issued to police personnel is vested in the Tequesta Police
Department.
B.
Police personnel shall be heldstrictly accountable for the proper care, use and maintenance of all issued articles
of uniform and equipment. Uniforms and equipment shall be worn and used only in accordance with the provision of
this directive.
C.
No item of uniform or equipment shall be transferred or exchanged by police personnel without the approval of a
supervisor and only after the department quartermaster has been notified of the exchange.
D.
It shall be the duty of each officer to produce any article or item of issued uniform or equipment, or any other item
worn or carried while on duty, which affects the officer’s appearance or performance of duty, upon demand of a
supervisor.
E.
When an officer resigns, retires, is discharged, is granted an extended leave of absence, or in any way vacates
his/her position, the officer shall surrender to the department quartermaster all issued items of uniform and equipment.
The officer’s final paycheck may be held until all items of issued uniform and equipment are accounted for. In case of
death of an officer, his/her commanding officer shall be responsible for the recovery of all property, keeping in mind
feelings of the deceased officer’s family.
F.
Officers shall not wear any portion of the official uniform or carry a department firearm while under disciplinary
suspension.
G.
An officer who loses misplaces, or damages issued property shall immediately report such loss or damage to
his/her commanding officer, in writing, and shall be held responsible for the replacement of same, when the loss or
damage is due to the officer’s negligence.
H.
Regular officer uniform items, which become unsuited for continued use due to normal wear or size change may
be replaced upon approval from the department quartermaster.
I.
Wigs and hair pieces will not be worn while on duty or in uniform except for cosmetic reasons to cover natural
baldness, or physical disfiguration, or unless authorized in accordance with assigned duties. If a wig is worn, it will
conform to the hairstyle regulation.
V. NON-UNIFORMED, ON DUTY DRESS:
Officers who are in civilian dress and representing the Police
Department will comply with the following requirements. Exceptions may be made to these requirements when the type
of assignment justifies different type attire.
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G.O. 5.1D
A. Male Officers:
1.
Sport coat combinations and suits worn with a tie will be the acceptable plainclothes attire of the Police
Department.
2.
Attire will be of a conservative businesslike nature that must project a favorable image.
3.
Shirts will button at the neck and have collars. Pullover or knit shirts are not acceptable, unless issued by the
agency.
4.
Trousers or slacks will be of the dress variety. Blue jeans are not acceptable.
B. Female Officers:
1.
Conservative attire will be worn, such as jackets with dress slacks, skirts, or dresses. Casual clothing such as blue
jeans, sundresses, or ultra-dressy or transparent apparel will not be worn.
2.
Brassieres will be worn.
VI. APPEARANCE REGULATIONS:
A.
Officers will be neat and clean in appearance. They will wear the uniform in strict conformity with established
procedures. The uniform will be clean and pressed, and authorized accessories, shoes, boots, and leather gear will be
clean and polished. The uniform will not be altered except to ensure proper fit.
B.
Hair styles may be full and fashionable according to current trends including, but not limited to, sculptured styles,
square back styles, natural styles, etc. The hair must be maintained so that it does not swing out of place during normal
head motion.
1.
Regardless of style, a male officer’s hair will not touch the uniform shirt collar when the officer assumes the
military position of attention. Hair may touch the top of the ear, but may not cover any of the outer ear.
2.
Female officers may wear hair shoulder length. The hair may cover the shirt collar and ears. The face will be
exposed and cosmetics may be used in moderation.
C.
Sideburns, if desired, will be neat, trimmed, and well groomed. Sideburns may not extend below the ear lobes or
be wider than one inch. The bottom of the sideburn will end with a clean-shaven horizontal line.
D.
A neatly trimmed mustache or goatee is permitted. It shall be neatly trimmed, be not more than ¼ inch in length,
and shall not interfere with the proper seal of an air mask face piece. Any disputes about the length will be settled by
the Operations Commander.
E.
Non-issued items of dress that detract from the professional appearance of the person or uniform are prohibited.
These items include, but are not limited to, mirrored or fluorescent colored sunglasses, extreme makeup, exceptionally
long fingernails, or exceptionally bright fingernail polish.
INDEXING:
APPEARANCE REGULATIONS, OFFICER
DUTY UNIFORM STANDARDS
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G.O. 5.1D
UNIFORMS
UNIFORM STANDARDS
DRAFTED:
DJR/May 3, 2004/Filed: Unifrm5.1D
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: August 17, 2012
Tequesta, Florida
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