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Uniform Dress Code and Appearance Standards 1.2.20E

All Employees 2/25/2014 17

Rescinds Policy All Prior Includes illustrations

11/20/2013 N/A Date.

Sheriff Keith McBrayer 11/20/2013

I. POLICY It shall be the policy of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office that all employees present a professional image with consideration for officer safety and wellness. Clothing and grooming will be neat and clean and in presentable order. Uniforms, clothing, and equipment will be selected and authorized taking into consideration safety, versatility, durability, compatibility, appearance and tradition. Therefore the uniform or plain clothes worn by employees shall be in such a manner that will project a positive image toward the community and will meet the guidelines set forth in this policy.

Deputies working undercover assignments such as narcotics or intelligence may be required by the very nature of their assignment to dress and groom in manners that may otherwise seem inappropriate to the traditionally uniformed officer.

In all matters pertaining to this policy, the Sheriff will have the final say in determining what is proper, approved or allowed.

II. Procedure Law enforcement personnel are the most visible part of government, and law enforcement officers are empowered to use force on behalf of a society. The appearance of law enforcement officers is an outward sign of their ability to perform. Professional appearance projects the image of an alert, responsive agency that takes pride in their work. Sloppy looking Officers reduce the confidence of the public in the law enforcement officer, his or her agency, and law enforcement in general.

The Sheriff’s Office is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which an Officer wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all officers is fundamental to the Sheriff’s Office and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective Law Enforcement Agency. A vital ingredient of the Sheriff’s Office strength and effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that Sheriff’s Office employees bring to their service through a conservative professional image. It is the responsibility of supervisors to ensure that personnel under their command present a neat and professional appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, supervisors must determine an officer’s compliance with standards in this regulation. Officers must take pride in their appearance at all times, in or out of uniform, on and off duty.

A. Dress Standards 1. Uniform Seasonal Wear

In the event of seasonal extremes, the Sheriff may change the dates, at his discretion, to meet the prevailing weather conditions. Seasonal uniform wear will normally be determined by calendar date:

(a) Winter Uniforms – December 1 through February 28/29; (b) Summer Uniforms – April 16 through September 30;


(c) Optional Uniform Wear – March 1 through April 15 and October 1 through November 30.

2. Uniformed Personnel

Although some uniform items are made of wash-and-wear materials or are treated with a permanent-press finish, officers may need to press these items to maintain a neat, professional appearance. However, before pressing uniform items, officers should read and comply with care instruction labels attached to the items. Officers may starch work uniform, at their option. Trousers, slacks, and the sleeves of shirts and blouses will be creased. All clothing items must remain in a serviceable state. If clothing is found to be unserviceable, officers will immediately seek to get items repaired or replaced. If clothing is to be disposed of, individuals will remove all Henry County Sheriff’s Office identifiers including patches, markings or embroidered emblems before disposing of unserviceable clothing. All uniform items are the property of the Sheriff’s Office and must be surrendered to the Sheriff’s Office Quartermaster at the end of employment.

(a) Uniform classifications shall consist of the following: 1) Class A Uniform (Ceremonial Dress) [See figures a.1, a.2]

I. Issued long sleeved shirt and brown clip-on tie (brass color “S” buttons optional);

II. Tie tacks, tie bars or tie clips may be worn but shall be appropriate for Sheriff’s Office uniform wear. Division Commanders will make that determination if there are questions

III. Gold color whistle chain may be worn. If worn with uniform, it will be attached to the right shoulder lapel and tucked into the right shirt pocket;

IV. Issued brown pants with 1 inch black stripe; V. Black belt basket weave with brass buckle;

VI. Approved black shoes with black laces; VII. Black basket weave outer duty belt with issued basket

weave equipment carriers (dictated by assignment); VIII. Black socks (solid color);

IX. Brown campaign hat (Optional for wear while outside).

2) Class B Uniform (Public Contact Functions) [see figures b.1, b.2, b.3 and b.4]

I. Shirts (i) Winter wear – Long sleeve shirts with brown

clip-on tie. Approved black mock turtle neck undershirts or dickeys without logos or lettering are allowed except for Captains and above or uniformed Officers and Bailiffs assigned to Court Services.

Figure a.1

Figure a.2


(ii) Summer wear – Short sleeve shirt. II. Issued brown pants with 1 inch black stripe;

III. Black belt basket weave with brass buckle; IV. Approved black shoes or approved boots with highly shined

leather parts (no stitching over the toes) or patent leather shoes with black laces;

V. Black socks (solid color); VI. Black basket weave outer duty belt with issued basket

weave equipment carriers (dictated by assignment); VII. Brown campaign hat with rain cover (Optional for wear while

outside).

3) Class C Uniform (Non-Public Contact Duties or Functions) [See

figure c.1] Pullover shirts are considered polo shirts that have been authorized, with a collar and button placket of the appropriate color and with authorized HCSO Emblems. Pullover shirts may come in short sleeve for summer use and long sleeve for winter use and are to be worn tucked into the pants at the waist and a belt is to be worn.

I. Certified Peace Officer (i) Black pullover shirt with embroidered badge1 or

official H.C.S.O. emblem; (ii) Tan BDU style pants; (iii) Nylon boots with highly shined leather parts (no

stitching over the toes); 1 Certified peace officers may wear a pullover shirt that was purchased or issued prior to February 1, 2009 with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office prior approved emblems or logos as long as they wear a metallic sheriff’s office badge on their belt.

Figure b.3

Figure b.4

Figure b.1

Figure b.2


(iv) Black basket weave outer “Duty Belt” with issued basket weave equipment carriers (dictated by assignment);

(v) If “Duty Belt” is not worn, issued duty weapon, carried in departmentally approved holster will be worn;

(vi) The metallic Henry County Sheriff’s Office badge will be displayed either on the belt closest to the firearm, or around the neck in holder, unless working in a jail assignment.

II. Jail Officers who are not certified peace officers2 (i) Black pullover shirt with the Henry County

Sheriff’s Office logo on the left chest; (ii) Khaki BDU style pants; (iii) Nylon boots with highly shined leather parts (no

stitching over the toes). 4) Special Operations Team (For use ONLY during call-outs or training)

I. Desert Tan Nomex Flight suit; II. Desert Tan or black boots;

III. Desert Tan tactical cargo vest; IV. Nylon “web gear” with approved or issued equipment

carriers. (b) Special Considerations

1) Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instructors 2) Firearms Instructors and Defensive Tactics instructors may wear a

red pullover shirt while teaching courses or attire that is in accordance with the Class C uniform.

I. For safety, emergency and identification purposes, the shirt will be bright red in color;

II. Official H.C.S.O. emblem embroidered or silk screened on the upper left chest;

III. Instructors name embroidered or silk screened on the upper right chest;

IV. “INSTRUCTOR” will be embroidered or silkscreened on the back of the shirt;

V. NO employee shall wear a red pullover shirt as part of a Class C uniform unless he or she is a POST certified Firearms or Defensive Tactics instructors and is engaged in conducting training.

3) Court Attire

2 Jail officers are prohibited from wearing a shirt badge with a Class C uniform.

Figure c.1


Under no circumstances are Officers permitted to wear a uniform for personal or non-work related court appearances such as divorces, law suits, jury duty, etc. This could give the appearance of attempting to influence or intimidate others. In work related incidents when employees appear as a witness at any hearing, they shall dress in a professional manner or wear their uniform of the day.

I. Employees who appear as a witness at any trial shall wear: (i) Class A or B uniforms (ii) A suit with a tie; or (iii) Females may wear professional attire that is the

equivalent of a suit and tie. 4) Funeral Attire

I. Employees who attend funerals in uniform: (i) Class A or B uniforms for sworn deputies; (ii) Officers attending a funeral of a fallen Law

Enforcement Officer in Class A uniform shall wear black or Blue Line® morning band over the badge [See figure below];

(iii) Campaign hats are optional depending on availability and uniform of other attendees representing the Henry County Sheriff’s Office;

(iv) This does not apply to deputies who are working traffic for a funeral detail.

II. Non-uniform employees who attend funerals in civilian attire:

(i) Males shall wear a suit with a tie; (ii) Females shall wear professional attire that is the

equivalent of a suit and tie. (c) Uniform Items

1) Shirts I. Class A, B and C

(i) All shirts must display the appropriate Henry County Sheriff’s Office emblem(s) (patch or embroidered logo);

(ii) Class A and B: Undergarments must not be visible, including but not limited to protrusion from sleeves, at the neck line, outside the trousers, or above the collar unless a mock turtle neck is being worn with long sleeve winter uniform shirt; Class C: Short sleeve crew or “V” neck under shirts may be worn with short sleeve shirts as long as it matches the color of the uniform shirt.

(iii) Exceptions

Funeral Attire


(a) To Cover Preexisting Tattoos: Class B: Long sleeve uniform shirt and brown clip-on tie must be worn year round. Class C: Long sleeve “V” neck or crew neck under shirts may be worn beneath uniform shirt provided the exposed portion of the under shirt matches the color of the uniform shirt;

(b) In the absence of a long sleeve Class C uniform shirt, long sleeve “V” neck or crew neck under shirts may be worn beneath Class C short sleeve uniform shirt provided the exposed portion of the under shirt matches the color of the uniform shirt.

II. Color (i) Captains and above shall wear white shirts with

the Class A uniform. When wearing Class B uniforms, they may wear either white or tan uniforms.

(ii) All other employees shall wear tan shirts with the Class A or B Uniforms.

III. Class B Uniforms (i) Employees who wear a tan long sleeve shirt with

the Class B uniform shall wear a brown clip-on tie or, if authorized, black mock turtle neck undershirt or dickey.

(ii) Command staffs who wear a white long sleeve shirt with the Class B uniform shall wear a brown clip-on tie.

IV. The following shall be worn on the Class A and B shirts: (i) All items attaché to Class A or B uniforms is to

be gold in color; (ii) Badge - Sworn employees shall wear a Henry

County Sheriff’s Office badge on the left side of their chest.

(iii) Service stripes - Sworn employees may wear diagonal service stripes on their left sleeve of their long sleeve class A or B uniform shirt starting one inch above the top seam of the cuff with the rear most edge of the stripes along the sleeve crease. Employees may wear one stripe for every three years of uninterrupted service with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. They are

D.4

Winter Uniform


to be tan and match the color used for the Sergeants chevrons on tan uniform shirts and gold for white shirts.

(iv) Name plate - Sworn employees shall wear a gold name plate on their right pocket flap with the top of the plate along the stitching of the pocket. Nameplates will be as close to 2 ½” wide by ½” high as possible with the clutch back attachment.

(v) Collar Brass – Summer and Winter to be worn in the form of a triangle with the edges of the collar forming two sides and the 5/16” collar brass with the lettering “H. C. S. O.” and clutch back fasteners forming the third side. The triangle represents “Integrity, Honor, Loyalty”.

(vi) Rank

(a) Sergeants shall wear tan chevrons on both arms underneath the agency patch. (b) Lieutenants and above shall wear their rank on the shoulder strap, about one half inch from the seam on the shoulder.

2) Jackets Employees may wear approved brown jackets with any uniform. It shall have the Henry County Sheriff’s Office emblem (patch) on both shoulders and display the wearer’s rank. Approved black jackets may only be worn with the Class C uniform. Jackets cannot be worn with civilian attire, on or off duty. All other jackets worn by non-uniform or civilian employees which have a Henry County Sheriff’s Office logo affixed will need the authorization of their division commander.

3) Headgear I. Campaign Hat

The only headgear approved for the Class A or B uniform is the brown campaign hat.

(i) The campaign hat shall have gold cord with the acorns trimmed so that there is no more than one half inch of cord between the knot and the acorn. [See figure g.1]

(ii) In inclement weather, the campaign hat should be covered to protect it from harm. [See figure g.2]

II. Ball Cap Approved ball caps may be worn with a Class C uniform only.

Summer Uniform

Figure g.1

Figure g.2


4) Traffic Vests Shall be worn as the outermost garment at all times when directing traffic or working along a roadway. The only exception is if the delay caused by putting on the emergency vest would create a greater risk to life or property in emergency situations.

5) Rain Gear Authorized rain gear, if worn, should not obstruct access to any essential equipment.

6) Body Armor All P.O.S.T. certified peace officer employees working outside the confines of the Sheriff’s Office complex in an official capacity, such as normal Law Enforcement duties, are strongly urged to wear issued body armor. This includes authorized secondary (off-duty) employment.

7) Duty Gear I. Leather Gear

(i) All leather duty gear must remain in a serviceable state. If gear is found to be unserviceable, officers will immediately seek to get items repaired or replaced.

(ii) Leather gear shall be clean and black basket-weave with brass snaps and fixtures. Snaps may also be black or covered by the basket-weave leather.

(iii) When authorized to wear a Class C uniform, officers and deputies may wear approved black nylon duty gear equivalent to the list for Class A or B uniforms.

II. Issued Duty Gear for Class A or B Uniforms (i) All Uniformed personnel

(a) Black basket-weave 1 ¾” trouser belt with brass buckle (b) One (1) pair of patent leather oxford shoe or, depending on assignment, one pair of black nylon and leather boots (side zipper optional based on purchase costs).

(ii) Jail Division personnel (a) Radio Clip (b) Nylon rubber glove pouch

(iii) Certified officers assigned outside the jail (in addition to the above): (a) Black basket-weave 2 ½” Sam Browne style duty belt with brass buckle. All subsequent items are to be designed to fit this belt.


(b) Four (4) black basket-weave belt keepers with brass or leather covered snaps. (c) Level II (minimum) retention basket-weave holster with brass or leather covered snaps. (d) One (1) black basket weave handcuff case with brass or leather covered snaps. (e) One (1) black basket weave OC container case with brass or leather covered snaps of the appropriate size.

(iv) Based on assignment, additional equipment may be issued.

8) Awards and Pins The presentation of awards are taken seriously by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and receiving an award that has an associated uniform ribbon should be worn properly and proudly as the occasion merits.

I. Citation bars (ribbons) (i) The Henry County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the

metal Blackington Badge Company Award designs as identified in the Awards and Commendation 1.2.38 SOP. Only two military ribbons are authorized for HCSO uniform wear along with other HCSO awards. These are also identified in the Awards and Commendation 1.2.38 SOP.

(ii) Citation bars shall be worn above and centered on the right pocket of the uniform shirts for Class A uniforms and wear is optional for Class B and C shirts.

(iii) If multiple citation ribbons are worn, they shall be placed on citation bars for neatness and appearance.

(iv) They shall be worn in the order of precedence as specified in SOP 1.2.38. The senior award shall be worn to the right of the wearer.

(v) No more than 6 citation ribbons shall be worn unless the wearer has been awarded the Medal of Valor, in which case the employee may wear 7 citation pins.

(vi) Citation ribbons from other Agencies, other than the limited U.S. Military awards or local Training Academies, are not authorized for wear on the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Uniform unless approval is given by the Sheriff.


II. CIT Pins The Crisis Intervention Team pin is part of the CIT concept of dealing with the citizens who are in crisis. Mental health patients are taught to look for the CIT pin so that they can identify officers who are trained to deal with them. The pin is part of the initial introduction that CIT officers are trained to do.

(i) The wear of the CIT pin shall be mandatory for all employees who have completed the training.

(ii) CIT pins will be centered on the seam of the shirt, and they shall be placed one half inch above any other pins or citation bars, if worn, or one half inch above the top of the pocket flap.

(iii) Employees may have a CIT pin embroidered, at the expense of the officer, on the Class C pullover shirt in the approximate location that it would be on their Class A or B shirts.

III. Other Pins Employees who are authorized to wear other pins as authorized by the Awards and Commendation 1.2.38 SOP may wear one pin. It shall be centered on the seam of the shirt, and they shall be placed one half inch above any citation pins or bars, if worn, or one half inch above the top of the pocket flap. The CIT pin takes precedence over other pins.

3. Sworn Personnel Not Required To Wear Uniform On Duty Officer safety is a major concern at all times but a higher degree of Officer identification is required during critical incidents for undercover operations, off-duty Officer responses, or when Sheriff’s Office employees who are authorized the wear of civilian attire while on duty respond to high risk situations. Proper identification of non-uniformed Officers responding to any critical incident shall be properly identified.

(a) Sworn personnel who are not in uniform shall dress in a professional and conservative manner with appropriate identification.

(b) If any clothing, i.e. Shirts, contain HCSO logos, and the wearer is a P.O.S.T. certified peace officer, the wearer shall wear their department issued firearm in an approved holster and have displayed the badge of this office.

(c) There are three locations with better visibility to display your badge of office: 1) Displayed on the trouser belt on the same

side as the firearm [See figure on right]; 2) On a lanyard worn around the neck with the

badge facing outward; 3) On the chest pocket of the outermost


garment. (d) Division or unit commanders may grant exceptions to this policy for

special assignments, such as undercover work. 4. Civilian

(a) Civilian personnel shall wear appropriate professional attire. (b) Supervisors of civilian personnel may authorize the wearing of attire

with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office approved emblem. Under no circumstances shall any civilian employee wear a badge or any embroidered badge.

B. Grooming and Appearance

The Grooming and Appearance section of this policy applies to all employees. 1. Identification

(a) All employees shall carry at all times, a Sheriff’s Office issued identification card

(b) Exceptions 1) Non-uniformed personnel shall be exempted from this rule when

such impairs their safety or impairs an investigation. 2) A supervisor has authorized the withholding of the information.

2. Hygiene and body grooming Employees shall maintain good personal hygiene and grooming on a daily basis and wear the uniform or civilian attire so as not to detract from their overall appearance.

3. Fingernails Fingernails shall be clean and neatly trimmed. Males shall keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip. Females shall not exceed a nail length of 1⁄4 inch, as measured from the tip of the finger. Females shall trim nails shorter if the supervisor determines that the longer length presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties.

4. Fragrances Perfumes, after-shave, cologne, etc., shall not be used in excess. Employees shall at all times be clean and well-groomed and their bodies free of offensive odors

5. Cosmetics The requirement for standards regarding cosmetics is necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unprofessional appearance. Cosmetics are authorized to be worn with all uniforms, as well as civilian attire, provided they are applied conservatively and in good taste and complement the uniform. Supervisors at all levels must exercise good judgment in the enforcement of this policy.

(a) Females 1) May wear cosmetics if they are conservative and complement the

uniform and their complexion. Eccentric, exaggerated, or trendy cosmetic styles and colors, to include makeup designed to cover


tattoos, are inappropriate with the uniform and are prohibited. Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as long as the makeup conforms to the standards outlined above.

2) Shall not wear shades of lipstick and nail polish that distinctly contrast with their complexion, that detract from the uniform, or that are extreme. Some examples of extreme colors include, but are not limited to, purple, gold, blue, black, white, bright (fire-engine) red, khaki, camouflage colors, and fluorescent colors. Officers will not apply designs to nails or apply two-tone or multi-tone colors to nails.

3) Shall comply with the cosmetics policy while in any uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty.

(b) Males 1) Are prohibited from wearing cosmetics, including nail polish, unless

approved by the Sheriff. 2) Shall comply with the cosmetics policy while in any uniform or while

in civilian clothes on duty. 6. Body Art

It is the goal of the Sheriff’s Office to present a conservative and professional appearance to the public and to promote a work environment free of offensive or telling displays of body art. The first impression a citizen develops of a law enforcement officer is formed by the employee’s personal appearance. To help reduce a negative perception when dealing with people as a representative of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, each employee shall be responsible to present an image that properly represents the position of authority they hold and an image the public can respect as defined by this policy. In addition to the negative perceptions of an unprofessional appearance, body art also has a direct bearing on officer security. These images often reveal to inmates personal information that might be used in an attempt to manipulate or gain favors from employees. For the purpose of this policy, body art is defined as procedures used to alter the body’s appearance including, but not limited to, branding, scarification and tattoos.

(a) Body art anywhere on the head, face, neck above the collar, or visible with an open collar are prohibited.

(b) Body art that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline, unless authorized for special circumstances by the Sheriff. 1) Extremist body art are those affiliated with, depicting, or

symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or


other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, Federal, or State law.

2) Indecent body art are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or tendency to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts.

3) Sexist body art are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent.”

4) Racist body art are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.

(c) Acquiring a tattoo is a personal and private matter and as long as it does not detract from the professional image expected of a Sheriff’s Office employee, visible tattoos (tattoos only) will be allowed if it: 1) Does not violate sections (a) and (b) above and, 2) Is of a size (approximately the size of the HCSO Official ID Card)

and content that would not be a distraction to the public as determined by the employee’s Division Commander.

3) Only one visible tattoo per arm will be allowed as long as it does not violate any stipulations in this policy.

NOTE: It is required that employees considering a visible tattoo verify with their Division Commander, in advance, to determine if it will be permitted.

(d) All visible body art, other than tattoos identified in (c) above, shall be covered in a discreet and conservative manner.

(e) The Sheriff will have the final say on all body art. (f) Limited exemption: Due to the need to further clarify this policy,

employees with existing visible body art prior to March 1, 2014 may be grandfathered if a request is submitted by April 14, 2014. 1) Employees with tattoos that do not meet the current expanded

criteria may avoid disciplinary action provided no additional visible body art is added. To receive this limited exemption individuals will be interviewed on a case-by-case basis and a determination made by the Chief Deputy.

2) At that interview the Chief Deputy will determine what approved method will be required to cover tattoos when in uniform, on duty (unless assigned to undercover duties) or any time working side jobs under the credentials as an employee of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

7. Body Piercing For the purposes of this policy, body piercing is defined as the act of creating a hole in any part of the body for the purpose of inserting an object, jewelry or ornamentation and is not limited to external skin, but includes the tongue, lips, inside mouth and other surfaces of the body not readily visible.


When on duty or acting on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, employees may not attach, affix, or display objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the skin while they are in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Any holes left by piercings must be conservative in nature. Exceptions for this rule are covered in the jewelry section of this policy.

8. Religious Apparel (a) Employees may wear religious articles, or jewelry with the uniform, if

they are neat, conservative, and discreet as determined by your division commander. Items are to be worn, centered on the left pocket flap on class “B” uniforms or below the embroidered emblem on class “C” uniforms. A religious item worn on a chain may not be visible when worn.

(b) Employees may not wear these items when doing so would interfere with the performance of their duties or present a safety concern. Employees may not be prohibited, however, from wearing religious apparel, articles, or jewelry meeting the criteria of this regulation simply because they are religious in nature, if wear is permitted of similar items of a nonreligious nature.

9. Hair The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a professional population. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is not possible to address every acceptable hairstyle or what constitutes eccentric or conservative grooming. Therefore, it is the responsibility of supervisors at all levels to exercise good judgment in the enforcement of Sheriff’s Office policy.

(a) Extreme, eccentric, or trendy haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If officers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose those that result in natural hair colors. Colors that detract from a professional appearance are prohibited. Therefore, employees should avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance. Applied hair colors that are prohibited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors. It is the responsibility of supervisors to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on officers’ appearance.

(b) Employees who have a texture of hair that does not part naturally may cut a part into the hair. The part shall be one straight line, not slanted or curved, and shall fall in the area where the employee would normally part the hair. Employees shall not cut designs into their hair or scalp. 1) Male Haircut Standards

I. The hair on top of the head must be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair may not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. The hair must present a tapered appearance. A tapered appearance is one where the outline of the employee’s hair conforms to the


shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point at the base of the neck. When the hair is combed, it shall not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block-cut fullness in the back is permitted to a moderate degree, as long as the tapered look is maintained. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair that is clipped closely or shaved to the scalp is authorized.

II. Males shall ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of headgear any time. When headgear is worn, the hair shall not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear.

III. Males shall keep sideburns neatly trimmed. Sideburns may not be flared; the base of the sideburn shall be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns shall not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.

IV. Males shall keep their face clean-shaven when in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Mustaches are permitted; if worn, males shall keep mustaches neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy. Handlebar mustaches, goatees, and beards are not authorized.

V. Males are prohibited from wearing wigs or hairpieces while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty, except to cover natural baldness or physical disfiguration caused by accident or medical procedure. When worn, wigs or hairpieces shall conform to the standard haircut criteria as stated above.

2) Female Haircut Standards I. Females shall ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the

length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any hair-holding devices comply with the standards below. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair shall not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible.


II. Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. 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 must comply with the grooming policies set forth in this paragraph.

III. Females shall ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of headgear any time. When headgear is worn, the hair shall not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear, nor shall it extend below the bottom edge of the collar.

IV. Hair-holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Employees shall not place hair-holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the officers hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

V. Female civilians shall comply to standards set forth in this policy with the exception that they may wear their hair down and have no overall length restrictions.

10. Jewelry (a) Civilian Employees

Civilian employee’s jewelry must be both tasteful and conservative. Jewelry must not interfere with the performance of one’s duties. Jewelry that is offensive or presents a safety issue is prohibited. Supervisors must exercise good judgment in the enforcement of this policy.

(b) Sworn Employees 1) Officers may wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and

a total of two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring) with Sheriff’s Office uniforms, unless prohibited by the supervisor for safety or health reasons. Any jewelry officers wear must be conservative and in good taste. Identification bracelets are limited to medical alert bracelets and identification bracelets. Officers may wear only one item on each wrist.


2) It is recommended that necklaces and chains not be worn by officers. They could become a handhold in combative situation and thus endanger the officer. If worn, they shall be inside the shirts or T-shirts and should not be outwardly visible.

3) Ankle bracelets, necklaces, faddish (trendy) devices, medallions, amulets, and personal talismans or icons are not authorized for wear in any uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.

4) Earrings Earrings or other apparatus used in body piercing, especially if multiple earrings are worn, create artificial pressure points that if grabbed by an aggressor can create distracting pain or open the skin to make the officer susceptible to infection or disease. Males shall not wear earrings while on duty. Females are authorized to wear earrings while on duty with the following restrictions:

I. Earrings may be screw-on, clip-on, or post-type earrings, in gold, silver, white pearl, or diamond. The earrings will not exceed 6 mm or 1⁄4 inch in diameter, and they must be unadorned and spherical. When worn, the earrings will fit snugly against the ear. Females may wear no more than two pairs of earrings in matched pairs, anywhere along the extremities of the ear unless deemed inappropriate by the Sheriff.

II. When on duty in civilian attire, female officers must comply with the specifications listed in (I.) above when wearing earrings, unless otherwise authorized by the Sheriff. When females are off duty, there are no restrictions on the wear of earrings.

5) No jewelry, other than that described in paragraphs above, will appear exposed while wearing the uniform; this includes watch chains, or similar items. The only authorized exceptions are religious items described above; a conservative tie tack or tie clasp that officers may wear with the brown four-in-hand necktie as previously described.

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