RULE 9 - UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
(Rev. 2/04)
2/900.00 INTRODUCTION
Members of the police force shall wear such uniforms and insignia of rank and be provided with such equipment as the Chief of Police may prescribe. All uniforms are to be in conformity with Department specifications. Special care must be taken to dress in conformity with this rule.
2/900.05 MEMBERS REQUIRED TO WEAR UNIFORM
All members of the Department who have been issued uniforms shall be in proper uniform while on duty, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police or designee. No mixture of civilian clothing with uniform shall be permitted in public either on or off duty.
A. Department uniforms shall not be worn outside of the city, except when necessary in the performance of police duty, or by permission of the Chief of Police or designee.
B. It shall be the responsibility of all supervisors to see that the provisions of these sections are complied with at all times.
C. Members shall keep their uniform clean, well brushed and pressed, and badges and buttons clean and bright.
D. Members shall receive uniform allowance benefits within the limitations prescribed by labor contract or Common Council Ordinance governing this subject, whichever is applicable.
E. No uniform shall be worn unless in fit, material, and workmanship it conforms to specifications prescribed by the Chief of Police.
F. UNAUTHORIZED BADGES, BUTTONS OR DECORATIONS Members shall not be permitted to wear on any part of their police uniform any unauthorized badge, button, insignia, patch or any decoration, without the approval of the Chief of Police.
G. NON-UNIFORM MEMBERS AND COURT RELATED APPEARANCES Members of the Department when required to appear in court, or the District or City Attorneys' Offices, shall appear in business attire. For males, a suit or jacket, trousers, shirt and tie shall be worn. Females shall wear a business suit, or blazer with slacks or skirt, or a dress.
2/900.10 UNIFORMS-GENERAL
The regulation Department uniforms and attire, with insignia, badges, and emblems specifically prescribed for respective ranks and duties, shall be as follows:
A. LIEUTENANTS AND HIGHER RANKS
For all ranks of Lieutenant of Police and above - dress blouse and command officers overcoat (when prescribed); or all-weather coat or lightweight jacket; trousers, military round cap and Sam Browne belt. Lieutenants of Police and above may wear the all weather coat in lieu of any other issued Department coat. In addition, the optional wearing of a winter fur cap shall be permissible when the all weather coat is worn. The fur cap, however, shall not be worn at formal Department functions unless directed by the Chief of Police.
B. SERGEANTS AND POLICE OFFICERS
For Sergeants and Police Officers - All-weather coat, or lightweight jacket; trousers, military round cap, or winter fur cap; and Sam Browne belt.
C. MOTORCYCLE OFFICERS
For Motorcycle Officers and Motorcycle Sergeants - the leather motorcycle jacket, or all weather coat, or lightweight jacket; breeches (or trousers when permitted), leather cycle boots, military round top cap, motorcycle helmet, and Sam Browne belt. All regularly assigned motorcycle operators are required to wear the regulation city-owned crash helmet at all times when operating Department cycles.
D. BICYCLE OFFICERS
1. Bicycle patrol officers shall wear a uniform shirt, uniform trousers, badge, bicycle glasses, bicycle gloves, black shoes, and Sam Browne belt with accessories. While riding a bicycle on duty, they shall wear the Department issued bicycle helmet.
2. Bicycle patrol officers may wear the following:
a. Lightweight jacket
b. Approved bicycle shorts with black ankle socks
c. Chamois lined undershorts
d. Nylon Sam Browne belt with accessories
e. Cycling pants
3. In addition, bicycle patrol officers must maintain a full seasonal regulation uniform at their work location while on duty.
2/900.15 UNIFORM STANDARDS
A. NAMEPLATES
All uniformed Department members shall wear a metal nameplate, bearing the wearer's correct last name. This nameplate is a part of the required uniform and will be worn during regular uniformed duty in plain view on the outside of the outermost garment (except rainwear). The nameplate shall be affixed on the same plane as the bottom edge of the badge and centered above the right pocket. Shirt and jacket breast pocket flaps shall be closed and buttoned at all times.
B. UNIFORM SHIRTS
1. Shirts of navy blue, long or short sleeve, shall be worn by sergeants and police officers. All shirts shall be in conformity with Department specifications.
2. Members occupying the ranks of Lieutenant of Police and above shall wear a regulation white uniform shirt, long or short sleeve. Lieutenants and higher ranks, when on field duty only, shall have the option of wearing the navy blue uniform shirt, light weight jacket, or all-weather coat. The white shirt with black four-in-hand necktie shall be worn with the dress blouse and overcoat.
3. Nothing shall be placed in a uniform shirt pocket except a pen and pencil.
4. A clean white T-shirt shall be worn underneath the short sleeve uniform shirt. Sleeveless undershirts are not permitted.
C. UNIFORM NECKTIES
1. A regulation black uniform four-in-hand necktie must be worn with the long sleeve uniform shirt at all times, unless the member elects to wear the turtleneck shirt beneath the uniform shirt. No necktie shall be worn with the short sleeve uniform shirt if such shirt is worn as the outer garment or if the short sleeve shirt is worn in conjunction with the lightweight jacket.
2. Members in uniform and wearing a necktie may wear one tie bar or tie tack. If worn, the tie bar or tie tack shall be horizontal and level. Tie bars and tie tacks shall be professional in appearance and subject to the discretion of the member's commanding officer.
D. UNIFORM CAPS
1. Officers, while on duty and in uniform, shall ensure that their uniform caps are serviceable and accessible within their assigned vehicles. (This shall not apply to motorcycle officers while assigned to motorcycle duty.)
2. Uniform caps shall be worn in a manner that projects a professional appearance. Uniform caps shall have the proper cap shield and other ornamentation designating the rank of the wearer.
3. The wearing of the uniform cap is mandatory under the following circumstances, unless otherwise directed by a supervisory officer or as noted is Section 4 below:
a. When an officer is working an assigned foot beat.
b. When an officer is directing traffic.
c. At inspections, ceremonies, funerals, and other appropriate formal events.
d. As determined by the officer-in-charge in those situations in which immediate recognition is necessary for officer safety.
4. Officers directing traffic, while assigned to motorcycle, bicycle, or horse mounted patrol duty, shall wear their Department issued headgear specific to their assignment.
E. FOOTWEAR
Members shall wear shoes or boots that are either black natural or black artificial leather with a round toe design. Shoes or boots shall be kept clean and be in good condition. Socks shall be worn with shoes and they shall be solid black in color.
F. PULLOVER SWEATER
All members of the Department may exercise the option of wearing the Department issued black V-neck pullover sweater as their outermost garment. The metal nameplate shall be worn on the sweater. The sweater shall have the Department shoulder patch affixed to the left upper sleeve, and a cloth badge emblem affixed in lieu of the issued metal badge. A long sleeved uniform shirt or approved turtleneck shirt shall be worn underneath the sweater. The sweater must be worn tucked into the uniform trousers. Members wearing the sweater as an outer garment must also carry their metal badge in such a manner so as to permit ready display.
G. TURTLENECK SHIRTS
1. Department issued turtleneck shirts may be worn by Department members in lieu of the police uniform tie only when the turtleneck shirt is worn in conjunction with the winter uniform. However, a uniform tie will be accessible to the member opting to wear the turtleneck shirt. At no time will a turtleneck shirt be worn under the following circumstances, unless otherwise directed by a supervisory officer:
* As an outermost garment.
* When an officer is appearing in court.
* At ceremonies, funerals, and other appropriate formal events.
* As determined by commanding officers when circumstances are such that the wearing of the uniform tie is deemed appropriate.
2. The turtleneck shirt worn by Department members shall be worn under the uniform shirt or sweater. The turtleneck shirt must be clean and neat appearing and solid black in color.
H. OPTIONAL UNIFORM ACCESSORIES
1. Scarves
Whenever the winter uniform is worn, members may wear a scarf around the neck. When it is worn by members of any rank below Lieutenant of Police, it must be solid black in color. Lieutenants and above may wear solid black or solid white scarves.
2. Gloves
a. During cold or inclement weather, gloves, mittens or gauntlets may be worn providing that they are solid black in color.
b. Motorcycle officers may wear protective gloves when assigned to cycle duty.
3. Overshoes
Boots, galoshes, or overshoes may be worn during cold or inclement weather providing that they are solid black in color.
I. RANK INSIGNIA
1. For all ranks of Lieutenant of Police and above - the wearer's emblem of rank shall be worn on the epaulets of the outermost garment (uniform shirts, sweater, and coats). Black soft shoulder boards with the embroidered rank emblem of the wearer shall be worn on the uniform shirts and sweaters.
2. The metal rank emblem of the wearer shall be worn on the epaulets of the various uniform coats. Metal collar rank insignia shall be worn when Lieutenants and higher ranks are wearing the navy blue uniform shirt.
3. Sergeants electing to wear the pullover sweater shall wear issued black soft shoulder boards with embroidered chevrons.
2/900.20 EMBLEMS OF RANK
Supervisors and command officers of the Department shall conform to the following described emblems of rank when wearing their respective uniforms:
A. CHIEF OF POLICE Four gold five-pointed stars
B. ASSISTANT CHIEF Three gold five-pointed stars
C. DEPUTY CHIEF Two gold five pointed stars
D. COMMANDER One gold five pointed star
E. DEPUTY INSPECTOR One gold oak leaf
F. CAPTAIN One gold double-bar
G. LIEUTENANT One silver single-bar
H. SERGEANT Three, V-shaped bars of light blue cloth, the border of the V-shaped bars to be white piping, the sewed points up, on dark blue background, and worn on each sleeve midway between elbow and shoulder.
2/900.25 COMMAND OFFICER UNIFORMS
A. Members of the police force with the rank of captain or above shall maintain a Class "A" Uniform.
B. Lieutenants and above shall be authorized to wear the uniform set forth below (or civilian attire) depending upon the demands of the day or as otherwise directed by the Chief of Police.
C. CLASS "A" DRESS UNIFORM
Dress Trousers
Dress Blouse
Dress Overcoat (when prescribed)
White Shirt w/Tie
Shoulder Boards
Name Tag
Dress Cap and Cap Shield
Badge
Note: The Sam Browne Belt shall not be worn with the Class "A" Uniform. Either the Department issued handgun or the member's off-duty handgun shall be worn. The wearing of the handgun shall not interfere with the dress blouse lines.
D. CLASS "B" DRESS UNIFORM
Dress Trousers
White Shirt w/Tie
Shoulder Boards
Name Tag
Dress Cap and Cap Shield
Sam Browne Belt
Badge
E. CLASS "C" DRESS UNIFORM
Dress Trousers
White Shirt (short sleeve)
Shoulder Boards
Name Tag
Dress Cap and Cap Shield
Sam Browne Belt
Badge
F. The Dress Overcoat shall be worn with the Class "A" Dress Uniform at outdoor formal functions during cold or inclement weather, or as prescribed by the Chief of Police.
G. The All-Weather Coat and authorized Pullover Sweater are considered a work uniform and are not to be worn at formal functions.
2/900.30 HONOR GUARD
Members of the Department Honor Guard shall wear such uniforms and insignia as prescribed by the Chief of Police. White gloves shall be worn when so ordered while attending important affairs and assemblies on duty.
2/900.35 SEASONAL UNIFORM PERIODS
The wearing of uniforms shall conform with the following schedule:
A. SUMMER UNIFORM - June 1 to September 15
Military round top cap, uniform shirt (either short or long sleeve), Sam Browne belt with Department issued holster, year-round trousers or breeches, lightweight jacket, or sweater (with long sleeve shirt).
B. WINTER UNIFORM - November 1 to April 1
1. Military round top cap, winter fur cap, dress blouse, turtleneck shirt, sweater, long sleeve uniform shirt, command officer overcoat, or all-weather coat, year-round trousers, or breeches.
2. Commanding officers of work locations may permit office and other inside personnel to wear short sleeve shirts (with open collar), regardless of the season.
C. OPTIONAL UNIFORM PERIODS - April 1 to June 1 OR September 15 to November 1
Either summer or winter uniform may be worn. AT NO TIME may a mixture of summer and winter uniform garments be worn.
2/900.40 VENDOR INSPECTION
The Director of the Training Bureau or designee, unless otherwise ordered, is charged with the duty of inspecting the facilities of the various Department uniform vendors to ensure that the vendors are complying with the uniform specifications and regulations in fit, material, and workmanship.
2/900.45 ANNUAL UNIFORM INSPECTION
The Director of the Training Bureau or designee shall inspect the uniforms of all personnel required to maintain a uniform on an annual basis. Uniforms shall be inspected for conformity with Department specifications, serviceability, as well as fit.
2/900.50 UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS AND REPAIRS
Department uniforms shall be made only by the approved contractors. The specifications of uniform garments shall not be altered or changed in any manner whatsoever; neither shall garments be reconstructed after reversing the face of the cloth. Repairs to uniforms may be made by any competent tailor, but such repairs must conform to the specifications prescribed and shall be subject to inspection by the proper officer.
2/900.55 CONDEMNED UNIFORMS
Members of the police force who neglect to replace any portion of their uniform that has been condemned, within a reasonable time after such condemnation, shall be suspended from duty until they have conformed to the order to replace such garment; provided, however, that in the event their refusal to comply with such order continues for a longer period than thirty days, they shall be subject to disciplinary action.
2/900.60 EYEGLASSES
Members of the Department, while on active duty, may wear eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed, for visual correction. A member of the Department who requires visual correction by means of eyeglasses or contact lenses for the safe operation of a motor vehicle shall not operate a Department vehicle or their private vehicle in the performance of police duty when so authorized unless they are equipped with and wear eyeglasses or contact lenses correcting such visual deficiency. Sunglasses or driving glasses worn for protection or visual correction or both may be worn by members for outside wear (e.g. motorcycle officers, beat officers, and Department vehicle drivers). Eyeglasses worn for visual correction by any member of the Department while on duty shall be of safety lenses. Lenses, if tinted, may be green, gray, or brown in color.
2/900.65 BADGES AND BADGE PATCHES
A. BADGES
Members of the police force when in uniform, shall wear the regulation badge on the outermost garment (except rainwear and sweater) over the left breast and always in sight. When on duty and not in uniform they shall carry their badge in such manner so as to permit ready display.
B. CLOTH BADGE EMBLEMS
1. The cloth badge emblem shall not be displayed on civilian clothing. It shall be silver in color for the ranks of Lieutenant of Police / Detective and below and gold in color for the ranks of Captain of Police and above.
2. The cloth badge is authorized for use on the following uniform items:
a. On the left breast of the Detective jacket, the narcotics officer jacket, and the Command Officer's incident scene jacket;
b. On the left breast of the Recruit Officer training uniform;
c. On the left breast of the pullover sweater.
d. On the left breast of the Tactical Enforcement Unit jumpsuit. This cloth badge emblem shall be a "subdued" dark blue color.
Note: Members wearing an outer garment with a badge patch must carry their metal badge in such a manner so as to permit ready display.
2/900.70 LOANER BADGES
A. The Administration Bureau shall issue "loaner" police officer badges to the various commands. Commanding Officers shall institute and directly manage a separate sign out/in ledger that will reflect the date the badge is signed out, the badge number to whom the badge was issued on that date, and the date returned and who received the badge when it was returned. In the event that any badge is unaccounted for, the commanding officer of the district shall immediately commence an investigation, the results of which shall be forwarded to the Inspector of the Administration Bureau.
B. REPAIR / REPLACEMENT OF BADGES
Badges that are in need of repair shall be immediately turned over to the member's shift commander, who shall arrange for a supervisor to hand carry it to the Administration Bureau. When a badge is to be returned from the Administration Bureau to a work location, a work location supervisor shall be assigned to hand carry it. Badges shall not be sent via inter-departmental mail.
2/900.75 AUXILIARY BADGES AND CAP SHIELDS
A. District commanders will be held accountable for auxiliary badges and cap shields. When not in use, they are to be kept in the locked district auxiliary file cabinet. The Community Services Division shall be responsible for original distribution to each district.
B. Each individual auxiliary officer is to be assigned a specific badge number to be used exclusively by that officer when required in the performance of their duties. A sign out/in ledger is to be maintained and kept with the badges. This ledger shall contain the name of each auxiliary officer, along with their assigned badge number. Additionally, this ledger should contain the date the badge is signed out, the badge number to whom the badge was issued to on that date, who issued the badge, the date returned, and who received the badge when it was returned.
C. The Auxiliary Police Sergeant at each district shall audit and inventory all badges on a monthly basis to ensure that they are accounted for and report this fact on the "Auxiliary Monthly Activity Report." In the event that any auxiliary badge is unaccounted for, the Commanding Officer of the district shall immediately commence an investigation, the results of which shall be forwarded to the Director of the Training Bureau.
2/900.80 DUTY EQUIPMENT
A. Every member of the police force, unless otherwise directed, shall be equipped for duty with the following Department issued items: badge prescribed for the member's rank; expandable baton; signal box key; whistle; one pair of handcuffs; hand-held chemical agent; memorandum book; rainwear (readily available); approved leather goods; the prescribed number of extra rounds of ammunition in magazines; and an issued handgun. They shall also be equipped with a pen with black ink and a flashlight (for night duty).
B. The Sam Browne belt shall be worn with all issued accessories. Any equipment which is not issued shall not be worn on the belt, with the following exceptions:
1. Belt keepers
2. A flashlight holder
3. A keyholder with issued keys only
4. Any other items that may be from time to time permitted by the Chief of Police or designee.
C. All full duty personnel with the rank of Police Officer, Police Sergeant, and Lieutenant of Police who are assigned to plainclothes duty in any location in the Department shall be required to keep a full uniform and all required equipment at their assigned work location at all times when on duty. Administrative Police Sergeants and personnel on limited duty are not bound by this provision.
D. In addition to soft body armor, all officers shall have immediate access to their long baton and helmet. These items shall be kept at the member's work location. When on patrol, these items shall be kept readily accessible within the squad vehicle. When assigned to a walking beat, cycle duty, court, or other duties where it is impractical to have this equipment readily accessible, it shall be kept available at the member's work location unless otherwise directed.
E. Members of the Department shall be responsible for safeguarding Department equipment and/or uniforms which have been assigned or otherwise entrusted to them. When a member is off duty, Department equipment which is not carried on the person, or uniforms not worn by the member, shall either be secured in the member's residence or in an approved storage site at the member's work location. Department equipment and/or uniforms shall not be left unattended in any part of a private vehicle, regardless of whether or not that vehicle is locked.
1. The term "equipment" as used in the above paragraph shall mean anything owned or issued by the Department.
2. Uniform articles may be left at establishments for the purpose of cleaning or tailoring.
2/900.85 HANDGUNS
A. All members of the Department authorized to carry a Department issued handgun shall do so in the following manner: for all members of the police force in uniform, in Department issued holsters and belts; and, for Detectives and other members not in uniform, in a holster approved by the Department Range Officer.
B. Officers assigned on a regular basis to plainclothes or undercover assignments may be authorized to be armed with an off duty handgun only with the permission of their commanding officer. Officers shall be in strict compliance with 2/900.95 and carry their off duty handgun in a holster designated by the Department Range Master.
2/900.90 ARMED WHILE OFF DUTY
A. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PROHIBITED WHILE ARMED
When a member of the police force is off duty and in public within the city of Milwaukee, it is declared policy that consumption of alcohol and/or other character influencing substances is not compatible with the performance of an officer's duty, and that such consumption while armed is contrary to the public good. No member of the force shall consume any intoxicating beverage or ingest other substances which could impair conduct while on duty without approval of the Chief of Police. While off duty, officers have the option to carry weapons as approved by this rule as set forth below. This option is to be exercised with the utmost discretion. Any officer who exercises the option to carry any firearm while off duty shall neither consume intoxicating beverages nor ingest other drug/chemical substances which tend to impair the control of one's conduct. For purpose of this rule, "officer" is defined as any sworn personnel with arrest powers.
B. WEAPONS PROHIBITED AT PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS
Off duty members with arrest powers are hereby prohibited from carrying their Department issued or privately owned firearm, baton, or any other weapon when engaged or participating in public demonstrations or rallies, including marches, picketing, or similar activities. Members of the Department are also prohibited from wearing the Department uniform, badge, or any identifying insignia related to the Department while participating in these activities.
2/900.95 OFF DUTY WEAPONS
A. When off duty, officers may carry their Department issued handgun, or a handgun of the same design and functional characteristics as their issued handgun. Ammunition must be Department approved.
B. Off duty weapons must first be inspected and approved by the Department Range Master, who shall record the make, model, and serial number of the weapon. This information shall be kept on file by the Range Master.
C. Members must demonstrate proficiency with the off duty handgun prior to carrying it.
2/900.100 WEAPONS PROHIBITED IN COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
A. Police officers appearing at the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex as litigants in personal matters such as divorce hearings, family matters, or small claims procedures are to do so unarmed. An officer summoned for jury duty shall not carry a weapon.
B. This prohibition does not apply to matters in which the officer is a witness and/or is under subpoena, and this does not restrict officers during a District Attorney charging session or any other official business in or about the Courthouse Complex.
C. Officers appearing at the Courthouse complex and who need to secure their weapon may use the lockers at the garage level near the prisoner elevator within the Police Administration Building. There are additional lockers available in the District Attorney's Office as well as the "sallyport" area of the Criminal Justice Facility.
2/900.105 UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT COMPENSATION PROCEDURES
A. City ordinances and labor contracts provide that certain members of the police force shall be compensated for items of uniform and equipment prescribed by the Chief of Police which are either (1) directly or indirectly destroyed in the line of duty, or (2) stolen from the member while such member is on duty. The provisions of item (2) of this paragraph shall only be applicable to claims made in relation to incidents of theft occurring after December 31, 1994, and where there is no negligence on the part of the member. The Chief of Police shall assess the amount of damage, and he shall assess the amount of loss resulting from incidents of theft compensable hereunder. For purposes of interpretation and construction, the term "items of uniform and equipment prescribed by the Chief of Police" as used herein shall only cover those items that were compensable under the terms of the UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT Article of the 1993-1994 City/MPA Agreement, for members of the police force represented by the MPA; and for all other members of the police force, shall only cover those items that were compensable in 1996. Additionally, the Chief of Police may, at his discretion, approve other items of Uniform and Equipment as compensable hereunder and shall assess the amount of damage or loss for such items.
B. Prescribed garments for non-uniformed officers and the maximum per garment reimbursement allowed are as follows:
COAT, DRESS 150.00
COAT, SPORT 125.00
DRESS 75.00
HAT 25.00
HEAD PIECE 30.00
JACKET, SUMMER 60.00
JACKET, WINTER 100.00
SHIRT/BLOUSE 30.00
SHOES 60.00
SKIRT 80.00
SUIT 175.00
SWEATER 40.00
TIE 7.50
TROUSERS/SLACKS 50.00
C. The following procedures are established relative to processing claims by members eligible for compensation:
1. Officers having a claim will submit a "Matter of" report to their commanding officer and shall retain the uniform garment or equipment in question until the claim is settled.
2. Upon receipt of the "Matter of," the district or bureau commander will complete page 1 of the "Uniform and Equipment Compensation" report and Form PO-1 when applicable for uniform items. Forward same to the Training Bureau, along with the officer's "Matter of" report.
3. The Uniform and Equipment Compensation Committee will meet and make recommendations on the claim to the Chief of Police. Officers may appear at Committee meetings, on their own time, to support their claims.
4. "Matter of" and "Uniform and Equipment Compensation" reports will then be returned to the Chairman of the mmittee, who shall notify the officer (claimant) of the Chief's decision.
5. If the claim is approved, an appropriate communication for compensation will be prepared for the Chief's signature.
6. All uniform and equipment items deemed to have been directly or indirectly destroyed in the line of duty must be surrendered to the Department for disposal.
7. Notwithstanding the compensation procedures outlined hereinabove, officers shall make every effort to recover damages from responsible parties in those cases where uniform and equipment items are destroyed in the line of duty, in accordance with established procedures.
2/900.110 PRIVATE PURCHASE OF AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
It is the declared policy of the Milwaukee Police Department not to authorize the private purchase of any automatic weapon for its members or any citizen within its jurisdiction. (Reference: Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Form 4, 5230.4.)
2/900.115 POSSESSION AND USE OF FIREARMS SILENCERS
It is the declared policy of the Milwaukee Police Department that firearms silencers will be possessed and used only by Department personnel who have been authorized to do so by the Chief of Police. Department-issued firearms silencers can be deployed in the field only under the direction of supervisory officers assigned to the Tactical Enforcement Unit. (Reference: Wisconsin State Statute 941.298(3)(a).)
2/900.120 BODY ARMOR
A. WEARING OF BODY ARMOR
All officers involved in the actual field operations listed below shall wear body armor:
* Any pre-planned operation at a location where officers have reason to believe an individual(s) may use a firearm to resist.
* Serving a search warrant at a location where officers have a reason to believe a felony suspect(s) may be present.
* Serving a felony arrest warrant on a suspect not in custody.
NOTE: Officers assigned to squad patrol, who are not wearing body armor, shall carry body armor in their vehicle.
B. WEARING OF BODY ARMOR DURING TACTICAL OPERATIONS
Based on tactical considerations, the officer in charge shall specify which officers shall wear concealable body armor and which officers, if any, shall wear external bullet resistant vests. Personal body armor shall not normally be worn as the outermost garment.
C. ISSUANCE AND RETURN - TRAINING BUREAU COMMANDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of the Training Bureau shall:
* Designate an employee who, in addition to regular duties, shall ensure the proper issuance and return of body armor.
* Ensure that sworn officers are issued body armor in all field assignments.
D. DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The employee designated to control the utilization of body armor shall:
* Assist in determining the proper size of body armor for individual officers.
* Instruct officers in the proper wearing and maintenance of body armor.
* Order needed body armor by completing and forwarding a Requisition, Form PO-1.
* Issue body armor to individual officers.
* Maintain complete records on the issuance, return, and maintenance of all issued body armor.
* Inspect that all vests meet Department specifications and are in good condition.
E. REASSIGNMENT TO NON-FIELD ASSIGNMENT
An officer issued body armor shall retain possession of it until reassigned or transferred to a non-field assignment (not a temporary basis). Upon transferring to a non-field assignment, officer shall return the body armor to his/her commanding officer. Body armor shall then be returned to the Training Bureau and, prior to being reissued, have the cover laundered or replaced as needed.
F. PRIVATELY-OWNED BODY ARMOR
Officers may wear privately-owned body armor that has been approved by the Training Bureau and that meets Department specifications.
G. EQUIPMENT OF SUSPENDED MEMBERS
(See 2/600.20)
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