Standards of dress and appearance for uniformed police officers, special constables and uniformed police staff (PS 315)

SECTION 2 BACKGROUND

Nottinghamshire Police must provide the best possible policing service to the people of Nottinghamshire. We have a responsibility to enhance public confidence in Nottinghamshire Police and present a professional image of our organisation.

The wearing of uniform must be consistently applied throughout the organisation. All police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables of Nottinghamshire Police must portray a professional image to the public and communities we serve. A smart and professional appearance will project authority and command respect whilst providing reassurance to the public of a professional standard of service. The appearance of police officers and police staff is a factor that may influence opinion and poor appearance may detract from an otherwise excellent service. This also supports being an employer of choice.

SECTION 3 AIMS / OBJECTIVES

Nottinghamshire Police is committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, the diverse needs of all police officers, police staff , volunteer cadet leaders and special constables are met, provided that they do not conflict with, or compromise, the delivery of operational services and obligations under Health and Safety legislation and the overall requirements and standards as set out in this policy.

The aim of the policy is to standardise the dress and appearance of all uniformed police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables in Nottinghamshire Police, thereby ensuring consistency and safety for staff whilst portraying an image which engenders confidence, credibility and respect from the public we serve. The policy complies with best practice as detailed in Home Office Circular 051/2003.

The objective of the policy is to establish a framework of guidance and instruction that will assist police officers, police staff, supervisors and line managers in identifying and maintaining acceptable and expected standards of dress and appearance. Religious and cultural requirements will be accommodated wherever possible.

A panel of personnel from across the force meet quarterly to discuss potential uniform changes as part of the Uniform Working Group. All requests for additional or changes to standard issued uniform/equipment must be considered by the group.

An App has been built to allow all Officers and Staff to order, return and query all uniform and equipment related items. Access is via NAPPS, and the portal is linked to individuals account so they will be no need to input any details.

Individuals can access on a desktop via Intranet > Applications > NAPPS.

SECTION 4 DETAILS

4.1 Scope

This policy applies to:

• Uniformed police officers
• Uniformed police staff
• Special constables
• Volunteer Cadet Leaders

For guidance regarding non uniformed police officers and non-uniformed police staff see policy document PS 312

4.2 Key principles

4.2.1 That all police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special
constables portray a professional image at all times.

4.2.2 All police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables when at work display a positive image of Nottinghamshire Police in the standard of their appearance which is appropriate to their individual role.

4.2.3 All police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables should portray a professional image that is measured against the general standards of society. Common sense and discretion need to be applied within the spirit of the policy.

4.2.4 That line managers and supervisors manage appropriately the standards of dress and appearance of their people at all times.

4.2.5 The policy complies with Home Office Circular 051/2003.

4.2.6 Whilst maintaining the standards of dress, consideration will be given to extremes of temperature, health and safety, hygiene, ethnic, cultural, religious and medical factors.

4.2.7 The wearing of anything that detracts from the professional image of
Nottinghamshire Police should be avoided.

4.2.8 The Health and Safety policy requires that each individual has a duty to ensure that they do not place themselves at unnecessary risk and will supersede this policy.

4.3 Responsibilities

Individuals

4.3.1 It is the responsibility of all individual police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables to ensure they adhere to this policy and associated procedures and guidance.

4.3.2 To ensure that a good standard of appearance is maintained.

4.3.3 To adhere to reasonable instructions by a line manager in the wearing of uniform or work wear whilst working for Nottinghamshire Police

Line managers and Supervisors

4.3.4 It is the responsibility of line managers/supervisors to ensure that all their officers and staff comply with the uniform and appearance standards and that a good standard of appearance is maintained.

4.3.5 They must decide on the suitability of dress and appearance whilst considering the role being undertaken and likely extremes of temperature, health and safety,hygiene, ethnic, cultural, religious or medical factors.

4.3.6 Where supervisors/managers are concerned about an individuals’ appearance, the individual should be appropriately and sensitively challenged, then informed of the standards of dress and appearance requirements. The reasons for their failing to adhere to the standards should be established.

4.3.7 Support and guidance should remain the priority for line managers and supervisors who should seek to instigate more formal procedures only where failure to comply is appropriate.

4.4 Appearance

4.4.1 Hair. It should be clean, neat and tidy. It should be worn so that it is cut or secured above the collar and ears and presents a professional image. Individuals should consider the health and safety implications of how they wear their hair.

Extreme hair styles, hair colour, patterns and motifs are not appropriate and should not prevent the wearing of headgear.

4.4.2 Facial Hair.
Where police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables are clean shaven, they should adhere to this daily to ensure they present a neat and tidy image.

Fully grown beards and other facial hair should be kept clean, neat and tidy. Individuals should consider the health and safety implications of their beard, for example the length and implications for face fit masks.

Warrant cards/ID cards must be updated when there is a substantive change in
appearance.

4.4.3 Cosmetics.
Makeup and nail polish can be worn in moderation and must convey a professional image. Nails must be of a functional length that does not represent a health and safety issue. Mehindi (henna plant) decorative body painting in accordance with religious or cultural observance may be worn.

4.4.4 Tattoos.
Tattoos that may be considered offensive and impact on the professionalism of the police service must be covered at all times. Refer to the PD 480 Police Officer Recruitment and Selection Procedure for greater detail.

Individuals must not have tattoos on their hands, neck, forearms or face which could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues, or be considered lewd, garish or provocative.

4.4.5 Jewellery.
The minimum amount of jewellery should be worn to maintain a professional image and minimise any risks to health and safety. No excessive jewellery in terms of amount or colours is acceptable as this detracts from a professional, uniform image. Police officers, police staff and special constables have a duty of care to themselves and colleagues to risk assess the jewellery being worn and the circumstances they are in.

Jewellery which is worn as part of a religious or cultural belief may be worn providing there is no significant risk to health and safety.

4.4.6 Wearing Decorations (medals) on formal occasions.

Medals will normally be worn so that each medal is suspended from between 3.17cm and 3.81cm of ribbon and so fastened as to cover the ribbons on the jacket. If more than one medal is worn it may be necessary to vary the length of ribbon so that the lower extremities of the medals are in a horizontal line.

Specific instructions will normally be issued on each occasion when officers are required to wear their medals. Generally, such occasions will be visits by members of the Royal Family, where the police either form a guard of honour, funerals or are in special attendance or are otherwise brought into contact with Royalty, and when taking part in processions where members of other services are present and wearing their medals. In the case of visits by HMICFRS the wishes of the Inspector will be followed. When attending funerals advice should be sought from a family member regarding the wearing of medals.

Medals of any description must be retained whilst in service to comply with any force requirement to wear medals at relevant events.

The Medal Sequence.

When wearing medals / affixing medal ribbons to Tunics the sequence they need to go on is (left to right):

Queens Awards

• Victoria Cross / George Cross (These take preference over any other Medal)
• MBE or OBE or CBE
• Queens Police Medal

Military Service

• Operational Medals (in order of when individual conducted operational theatre)

Jubilee Medals

• Golden Jubilee Medal
• Diamond Jubilee Medal
• Platinum Jubilee Medal

Accumulated Service Medal

e.g. Northern Ireland -1000 days service or more

• Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
• Police Long service medals ( Regular, Special and PCSO)
• Any foreign decorations or medals that H. M. The King has given permission to be worn

When wearing your medals these should be placed over your ribbons (on tunics) which should be in the same order as your medals. If you have a tunic, your ribbons should be stitched/tailored to the garment, but they can be attached to a ribbon/s pin bar for easy attachment and removal from a tunic. The pin bar on the reverse of your medals ideally should slide through loops sewn on to your tunic and above a tunic's left-hand side chest pocket but the pin bar point can be forced through the fabric of a garment. For further information see How to wear your medals (npf.internal)

4.4.7 Sunglasses. May be worn when required but, must be removed when speaking or dealing with a member of the public and when inside a building. As soon as it is known that for a medical reason there is a necessity for sunglasses to be worn, then this must be discussed with a supervisor or line manager. Bright coloured frames and mirror reflective lenses are not acceptable.

4.4.8 Food. Police officers, special constables and police staff should not use gum, eat or smoke when dealing with the members of the public or media. At a community engagement event, where food has been provided, it is the individuals choice and judgement to determine if they wish to eat.

4.5 Uniform Dress Code

4.5.1 The uniform that is worn will only consist of items issued by the Uniform Portal.

4.5.2 Whilst on duty, uniformed police officers and uniformed police staff will wear the clothing issued at all times unless authorised by their line manager to wear plain clothes. To avoid confusion about the identity of the role wearer, different uniforms must not be mixed.

4.5.3 In cases where uniformed police officers and police staff are on recuperative or limited or management restricted duties, consideration needs to be given as to whether the health and safety risk assessment, individual's circumstances and/or disability may affect the wearing of uniform. In such cases, advice may be sought from Occupational Health and plain clothes can be worn.

4.5.4 All items of uniform must be kept clean and in good repair. It is the responsibility of police officers, police staff, volunteer cadet leaders and special constables to ensure lost/damaged items of uniform are replaced. Unless authorised to wear plain clothes, uniformed police officers and police staff will wear uniform at all times when on duty. Except for footwear, uniformed police officers and police staff may wear only items issued by Nottinghamshire Police and authorised for the particular duty as per the relevant kit list.

Tac vests are only issued following the advice of OHU. Individuals with tac vests should ensure this is not worn under a high visibility yellow jacket.

4.5.5 When travelling to or from work, police officers and police staff may wear certain uniform items including skirts or trousers. This will be subject to a personal risk assessment. Any Nottinghamshire Police insignia / badge must not be visible. A civilian jacket and/or over garments should be worn over the items of uniform.

4.5.6 Uniformed police officers and police staff attending court are to wear their standard uniform. Officers who have a tunic are permitted to wear them. Personal protective equipment, including body armour should not be worn when giving evidence, but should be stored at the court. In circumstances where there is an identified risk a decision may be made that such uniform should be worn.

4.5.7 When police officers and/or police staff are on patrol in pairs or a larger group then they should try to ensure consistency of appearance.

4.5.8 When off duty the wearing of identifiable uniform or part uniform will not take place unless prior approval has been obtained from the relevant Chief Superintendent or Departmental Head.

4.5.9 Police officers, special constables and police staff are not permitted to wear uniform when appearing on internet sites in an off-duty situation.

4.6 Police Issue Headwear

4.6.1 Police issue headwear will be worn at all times outside police buildings, unless in immediate pursuit of an offender, travelling in a vehicle or other extenuating circumstances.

4.6.2 The appropriate headwear as per the kit list for the role will be worn. The kit list is available on the intranet.

4.6.3 Headwear is an integral part of the uniform and is an important element in enabling the public to recognise Nottinghamshire Police personnel.

4.6.4 The hijab can be supplied and should be worn underneath the police issue hat.

4.6.5 A black or dark navy turban may be worn, and a PC cap badge can be provided.

4.7 Police issue uniform trousers / skirts

4.7.1 These will be worn as per the current uniform kit list for the role.

4.8 Police issue shirts, long or short sleeve

4.8.1 Police officers and police staff on operational deployment will wear wicking ( black breathable top ) shirts or the equivalent as per the roles kit list. Staff of Chief Inspector and above will wear white shirts.

4.8.2 On other non-operational occasions such as appearing at court, non-front line office based roles or on training days,officers and staff will wear the formal shirt with a tie.

4.8.3 Shirts will be tucked into trousers or skirts. Embroidered named epaulettes will be worn at all times. Undergarments worn under white shirts will be plain and appropriate in colour.

4.8.4 The long sleeved black micro fleece is issued as an additional layer of cold weather protection. These are to be worn over regular wicking or white shirts only and are not to be worn as a single layer and are not to be tucked into trousers. They are to be worn with appropriate epaulettes.

4.9 Police issue ties

4.9.1 Police issue ties or the police cravat will be worn at all times when wearing the formal shirt which will be buttoned up to and including top button.

4.9.2 Ties and cravats and the top button may be removed at the discretion of an officer of the rank of Inspector or above.

4.9.3 Police officers and police staff are only permitted to wear one small tie pin/enamel badge that would not be considered offensive or inappropriate, on the tie.

4.10 Police Support Unit clothing

Training school will email the students the relevant kit list directly.

4.11 Police issue body armour

4.11.1 The default position of the organisation is that the body armour will be worn when on patrol unless the dynamic risk assessment indicates otherwise.

4.11.2 They must be worn when engaged in activity or in areas where a dynamic risk assessment has shown it to be necessary.

4.11.3 This must be worn under the fleece, or under the high visibility jacket at all times.

4.12 Footwear

4.12.1 Footwear must be of a black, lace up, low-heeled design and plain, in keeping with uniform appearance.

4.12.2 Footwear must be polished.

4.12.3 Plain black or dark blue socks or black tights/stockings will be worn when in uniform.

4.12.4 When a risk assessment requires protective footwear to be worn for a task operation, it will be worn by all police officers and police staff involved unless a manager specifies otherwise. Appropriate footwear will be provided for public disorder duties only.

4.13 Scarves

4.13.1 Scarves/snoods are not recommended by Health and Safety. If the individual wishes to wear scarves/snoods during inclement weather, these will be navy blue or black in colour and consideration given to health and safety risks. These will be worn inside the outer jacket and in keeping with the uniform.

4.14 Maternity wear

4.14.1 Maternity wear is available. It should be discussed with the individual’s line manager and requested from the Uniform Portal.

4.14.2 This uniform is for uniformed police officers, police staff and specials. It is not compulsory that it is worn.

4.15 5Carrying of equipment

4.15.1 All operational officers and uniformed police staff must, where their role dictates, be in possession of the following items of uniform / equipment:

• Warrant card/ID card
• Airwave radio
• Speed cuffs
• Baton
• Limb restraints
• PAVA
• Personal First Aid Pouch

4.15.2 Officers can choose which additional items to carry but must ensure that the belt or OHU approved TAC is tidy and not overloaded. All items must be force issue.

4.16 Medical issues

4.16.1 Any uniform concerns based on medical grounds should to be referred to the Occupational Health Department for resolution.

4.17 Health and Safety

4.17.1 Further advice and guidance on the fitting and maintenance of uniform can be obtained from the trained staff at the Uniform Portal.

4.17.2 Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states: It shall be the duty of every employee whilst at work:

• to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and
• as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with themselves so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed and complied with

4.18 Loss of uniform/body armour

4.18.1 All loss must be reported to Uniform Portal via the officer’s first line manager stating what efforts have been made to locate the item before a new request is submitted. Due to cost and length of replacement time any loss of body armour should also seek the endorsement from the officer’s second line manager prior to a replacement being ordered.

4.19 Disposal of uniform

4.19.1 There is a process for damaged soiled items, please see advice from the Uniform Portal. Uniform contaminated with asbestos; advice should be sought from the control room.

SECTION 5 LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

This document has been drafted to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty; Data Protection Act; Freedom of Information Act; European Convention of Human Rights; Employment Act 2002; Employment Relations Act 1999, Health and Safety legislation and other legislation relevant to policing.

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PS 315:
Standards of dress and appearance for uniformed police officers, special constables and uniformed police staff

Type of Document:
Policy

Version:
1.3

Registered Owner:
Claire Salter

Author/Reviewer:
Jasvir Ginda

Effective Date:
January 2023

Review Date:
January 2025

Replaces Document (if applicable):
N/A

Linked Documents:
PS 361 Policy Standards of Dress and Appearance for non-uniformed police officers and police staff

PD 480 Police Officer Recruitment and Selection Procedure