I. PURPOSE
To provide regulations for the wear and care of the official police uniform and civilian attire.
II. POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Shreveport Police Department that all members present a clean, neat, well-groomed, distinctive appearance as representatives of this department.
III. PROCEDURES
A. Personal appearance:
1. Employees on duty shall wear uniforms or other clothing in accordance with established departmental procedures. All members shall wear a proper uniform, carry all necessary police equipment, and maintain one's uniform and/or equipment in good working order.
2. Employees on duty shall maintain a neat, well-groomed appearance and shall wear the uniform and style their hair in accordance with the established departmental procedures.
B. Uniforms:
1. Unless stated in this order or the Uniform Manual wear of the Class A or Class B uniform shall be required when on duty or when employed off duty in a law enforcement capacity. The Class C uniform shall not be authorized for court appearances, extra-duty, off-duty employment, or special assignments. All personnel shall maintain a high standard of dress and appearance. Uniforms and civilian attire shall be properly fitted, clean, serviceable, and pressed as necessary.
a. Components that comprise the Class A, B and C uniforms are listed in the Uniform Manual SPD 901.05.
b. General exemptions to the requirement to wear the uniforms exist for the Office of Special Investigations and Police Academy personnel. The standards for attire in these assignments shall be made by the bureau commander with the approval of the division commander. The Detective Bureau or Office of Special Investigations commander shall have the discretion to determine the attire worn by investigators/detectives/agents working in an undercover assignment. The standards shall be in writing and filed within the respective division’s office. The chief of police, or his/her designee, retains the authority to make any changes deemed necessary.
c. Personnel assigned to the Detective Bureau shall wear business casual dress.
1) Business casual dress for males shall consist of a dress shirt that accommodates a tie or an authorized police polo shirt, slacks (other than jeans or tactical pants of any type), belt and dress shoes or boots (other than combat, hiking, climbing, hunting, or athletic type boots). White socks are not authorized except for wear with boots that extend four inches or more above the ankle. Internal Affairs investigators may wear polo shirts.
2) Business casual dress for females shall consist of conservative dresses, suits, skirts (other than slit side or miniskirts), blouses or an authorized police polo shirt, slacks (other than jeans or tactical pants of any type), and dress shoes or boots (other than combat, hiking, climbing, hunting, outdoor, or athletic type boots). Stilettos or heels exceeding 2" in height are not permitted. White socks are not authorized except for wear with boots that extend four inches or more above the ankle.
2. Black or midnight blue socks shall be worn. Black socks shall be worn with the SRT uniform. White socks are not authorized for wear with the bicycle or Class C uniform with shorts. White socks are not authorized for wear with any uniform except when wearing long pants and boots that extend 4” or more above the ankle or when wearing the gym uniform.
3. Civilian police employees are expected to be presentable and well groomed. Dresses or slacks may be worn. Blue jeans are prohibited except on casual days. Extreme, unusual, or revealing fashions shall not be worn. On designated casual days, civilian employees may wear departmentally approved casual attire if the items are worn in good taste. Most civilian police employee clothing is self-purchased, except as determined by the chief of police.
4. Wearing of a uniform or items that identify the member as a Shreveport Police employee shall be prohibited to promote any political or commercial interest; when gambling, playing video poker or purchasing lottery tickets; when employed in off-duty employment except that of a law enforcement nature reported to or authorized by the department; when participating in public speeches, marches, rallies, picket lines or public demonstrations except as authorized by competent authority; when portions of the uniform are mixed with civilian clothing, except as provided herein; when purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages; or when wearing the uniform would otherwise bring discredit on the department.
5. Uniform items shall not be worn by, given to, or sold to persons that are not members of the department without the permission of the chief of police, or his/her designee. Members shall remove all distinctive uniform items before disposing of unserviceable uniform items and shall return issued, distinctive uniform items if leaving the department.
6. The department has approved the Class A and Class B uniform for court appearances. The Class C Uniform is not authorized for court appearances. Officers, not in uniform, shall wear business casual attire. Officers shall not wear jeans of any color, t-shirts, collar-less shirts, revealing or immodest clothing of any type, clothing unsafe for individuals who are armed, any clothing in a poor state of repair, tennis shoes, sandals, or flip-flops. In certain cases, the district attorney may instruct the officer to dress in attire that is more formal, and officers shall comply.
7. Non-issued items, other than described in the Uniform Manual, shall not be worn with the uniform without written permission from the chief of police, or his/her designee.
C. Grooming standards:
1. Personnel engaged in some assignments may be specifically exempt from the requirements of these grooming standards when the nature of the assignment makes it necessary. Such exemptions shall come from the chief of police, or his/her designee, in written or electronic form with the original copy forwarded to the member’s commander and a copy retained by the member.
2. Hair shall be kept in a neat, clean manner and shall be judged solely by the criteria described below:
a. Styles and texture of hair differ for different ethnic groups, and these differences affect the length and bulk of hair and the style worn by each member. The guidelines set forth in this procedure shall be followed regardless of ethnic origin. The bulk of the hair shall not interfere with the normal wearing of all standard issue headgear. Hair shall not protrude onto the forehead below the band of properly worn headgear. When the dress hat is worn, the hair shall not present an awkward or unsightly bulge, nor shall it protrude over the ears. Dyes, tints, or bleaches used shall be of a color natural to human hair; the wearing of a wig or hairpiece in uniform or on duty shall only be authorized to cover natural baldness or physical disfigurement caused by accident or medical procedure. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized; however, these additions must have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves shall comply with the grooming policies set forth in this general order. Extreme or fad haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized.
b. The hair shall be neatly groomed and shall not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair shall be combed in an orderly manner and the grooming shall be maintained under all reasonable conditions. When wearing plain clothes while on duty or acting on the department’s behalf, members shall be required to adhere to hairstyle guidelines prescribed for uniformed personnel. The hair shall be cut or groomed such that the hair does not touch the eyebrows in front or the collar in back except the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. It shall be secured or styled so it does not swing or protrude into the officer’s face with normal movement. Sideburns shall be neatly trimmed and not extend below the middle of the ear. The base shall not be flared and shall be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized. Hairnets shall not be worn unless serving/cooking food.
c. Officers may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, and the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head. Hair extending below the bottom of the uniform collar shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the bottom edge of the collar.
d. Employees in non-uniform positions may wear their hair in a conservative, contemporary business-like style. When wearing a uniform, all uniform standards shall apply.
e. Police communication officers and jailers may wear their hair in a conservative, contemporary, business-like style.
f. Hair-holding tools shall be transparent or similar in color to the hair and be inconspicuously placed
3. Facial hair:
a. If a mustache is worn, it shall be kept neatly trimmed. No portion of the mustache shall cover the upper lip line, nor extend more than one-half inch below the corners of the mouth. Handlebar mustaches are prohibited.
b. Eyebrows shall be groomed and, if necessary, trimmed to present a neat appearance.
c. Beards, whether full or goatees, are authorized. Beards shall be kept clean, neatly trimmed, and present a conservative, professional appearance. Facial hair of any kind that is unkempt or presents any sort of faddish appearance is prohibited. No portion of the beard may be exceptionally longer than the rest, and the beard hair length shall not exceed ¼ inch. The neck shall remain clean shaven.
d. Any employee seeking a waiver from the grooming policy based on a medical condition shall make a request for the waiver, in writing or electronic form, through their chain of command. The request shall be accompanied by a letter signed by the employee’s treating physician specifically identifying the medical condition that prohibits shaving, the reason a beard longer than ¼ inch is required for treatment, the recommended length of the employee’s beard, the length of time needed to address the medical condition and whether the edges of the beard may be shaved. A temporary waiver shall be granted to the employee in accordance with the physician’s prescription by the employee’s immediate supervisor upon presentation of the physician’s letter. The temporary waiver shall remain in effect until the employee’s request is acted upon by the chief of police or deputy chief. The chief of police or designee may require additional documentation or refer the employee to the city's contract physician for evaluation prior to approving a medical waiver of policy. If the waiver is approved, the employee shall receive a letter from the chief of police or deputy chief confirming the approval and specifying the parameters of the accommodation approved. The waiver shall remain in effect through the date provided by the employee’s treating physician as the length of time the waiver is expected to be needed or for twelve (12) months, whichever period is less. Any employee seeking an extension of the waiver shall submit a letter signed by the employee’s treating physician that specifically states whether a beard longer than ¼ inch continues to be necessary for medical treatment, the recommended length of the employee’s beard, and the additional time needed to treat the medical condition. All extensions shall be requested in writing through the employee’s chain of command and shall be presented to the employee’s immediate supervisor at least fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of the waiver.
e. Any employee seeking an exception to the grooming policy for religious reasons shall make a request for the accommodation, in writing, or electronic form, through their chain of command. The request shall specify the accommodation being requested and shall be accompanied by letter signed by the employee’s religious leader that specifically identifies the name of the religion, provides a description of the religious belief requiring a beard longer than ¼ inch, and states whether the applicant is known to sincerely hold said religious belief. The chief of police, or his/her designee, may request additional information from the employee or his/her religious leader concerning the requested accommodation. If the accommodation is approved, the employee shall receive a letter from the chief of police or deputy chief confirming the approval and specifying the parameters of the accommodation approved.
f. All persons who obtain a medical waiver or religious accommodation shall refrain from shaving the edges of their beard on their facial area or neck except as may be specifically authorized by the chief of police or deputy chief. However, all persons shall continue to keep their beards clean, neatly trimmed, and present a conservative, professional appearance.
4. Cosmetics:
a. The use of makeup by employees, both civilians and officers in both uniform and plain clothes, shall be conservative.
b. Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as long as the makeup conforms to the standards of this general order.
c. Employees shall not wear shades of lipstick that distinctly contrast with their complexion, detracts from the uniform, or are extreme. Solid colors in muted tones or neutral hues, such as clear, pastel, or light colors are allowed. Bright or dark colors are not acceptable. Decorations or decorative designs on or around the lips are unacceptable.
5. Fingernails:
a. Fingernails are to be kept clean and neatly trimmed.
b. Fingernails shall not extend more than one-quarter (1/4) inch from the tip of the finger or thumb. Employees may wear nail polish that is a solid color in muted tones or neutral hues such as clear, pastel, or light colors. Bright or dark colors are not acceptable. Decorations or decorative painting on fingernails is unacceptable.
c. These guidelines shall apply to all officers, jailers and PCOs.
6. Headgear:
a. The departmental baseball cap may be worn with the Class A (without tie), B, or C uniforms during normal duty or while working off duty unless otherwise directed by the chief of police. Investigators and members may wear the cap in plain clothes when conducting police business and in need of additional visual identification as a police officer. It shall not be worn when off duty unless in uniform.
b. The wearing of the dress/garrison hat is optional unless otherwise directed by the chief of police and shall only be worn with the Class A uniform (with tie) during specified events, occasions, or when directed to do so by a superior officer.
c. When wearing headgear, the hair shall be secured so that hair is not visible under the front of the headgear. The hair on the sides and back shall not protrude more than 3/4 of an inch out horizontally. Hair shall rest flat against the head when headgear is worn. It shall not extend outward over the adjustment band at the rear of the baseball cap. The shape and style shall not interfere with the normal wear of, nor deform the shape of the headgear.
D. Jewelry:
1. Members may only wear the following jewelry while in uniform.
a. Rings no larger than standard class or fraternal size if they do not interfere with the member’s ability to perform his/her duties. No more than one ring may be worn on each hand, except that a wedding ring and band, if appropriate, may also be worn on the left hand.
b. Religious or other medallions and medical alert necklaces on chains may be worn concealed.
c. Earrings consisting of small metal, diamond or pearl studs are allowed if the visible portion is not more than 3/8 inch in any dimension and the earring lies close to the ear. Only one (1) matching set of earrings is allowed with only one earring in each ear. Dangling earrings, hoops and those having sharp protrusions that can catch on clothing are prohibited.
d. Only medical alert, military remembrance or law enforcement remembrance bracelets will be worn.
e. Standard wristwatches or pocket watches.
2. Jewelry, except as listed above, shall not be worn when in uniform or when representing the department out of uniform. Offensive jewelry shall not be worn while in uniform, when representing the department out of uniform or on duty, unless the member is on special assignment and has an approved exemption. Such exemption shall only come from the chief of police in written form with the original forwarded to the member’s commander and a copy retained by the member.
E. Tattoos, brands, and body piercings:
1. Tattoos or brands cannot be visible on the head, face, chest, or neck.
2. Visible tattoos or brands cannot be vulgar, indecent, sexist, racist or incite sexual thoughts. Tattoos that do not meet these specifications shall be covered by clothing that meets the guideline of this policy. Tattoo-covering makeup or concealer shall be consistent with the employee’s skin tone. These items shall be purchased at the employee or member’s expense. Any other method of covering tattoos shall be approved by the division commander.
3. Members shall not wear any body piercing ornamentation in their nose, eyebrow, tongue, or any other location of their body that is visible during duty hours or any duty-related function, with the exception of earrings as permitted by this policy. Ornamentation shall include body piercing jewelry, intentional body mutilation or scarring or foreign objects inserted in/under the skin. Intentional body mutilation, piercing, branding, or intentional scarring is prohibited.
F. Wearing eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.
1. Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear with all uniforms.
2. Conservative prescription and nonprescription sunglasses are authorized for wear when in an outdoor environment only.
3. Eyeglasses or sunglasses that are trendy or have lenses or frames with initials, design or other adornments are not authorized for wear. Members may not wear lenses or frames with extreme or trendy colors. Eyeglass straps may be worn that are black or navy blue in color.
4. Contact lenses, if worn on duty, shall be consistent with a member’s natural eye color.