Dress and Appearance Protocol - Northumbria...

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Dress and Appearance Protocol

Portrait

Landscape

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Dress code

Introduction 4

Dress code policy 4

Uniform ordering, disposal and replacement 7 Returning Uniform and Equipment 7

Care and maintenance of Uniform 8

Police staff protective footwear 8

Choosing your uniform for the occasion 9

Uniform and equipment

Personal Protective Equipment 14

Hat and Helmets 16

Operational:PoliceOfficerUniform 17

Operational:PoliceCommunitySupportOfficerUniform(PSCO) 20

Operational:SpecialConstableUniform 22

CorporateWear–NonUniformofficersandstaff 24

Contents

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Dress code

Introduction

Dress code policy

Uniform ordering, disposal and replacement

Returning Uniform and Equipment

Care and maintenance of Uniform

Police staff protective footwear

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IntroductionThe purpose of this Dress and Appearance Protocol is to outline the dress and appearance requirements expected when working for Northumbria Police in order to sustain a professional and corporate image and adhere to Health and Safety requirements.

Thisappliestopoliceofficers,policestaff,specialconstables,volunteersandcadets.

D R E S S C O D E

Dress code policyHair

Hair should be neat and tidy with no unconventional styles or unnatural colours i.e. blue, pink etc in order to maintain the force’s professional image. If you are wearing uniform you need to wear your hair off the collar and fringes should not fall across the face. Long hair is a potential risk in confrontational situations so you will need to tie it up/wear it up in a bun.

Facial hair

Beards and moustaches must be kept neat, tidy and well-trimmed. For safety reasons beards are not to be long and therefore should be tied up appropriately. These must not be dyed with unnatural colours i.e. pink, blue etc. Eyebrow hair must not be shaved or styled to portray any pattern or design.

Make-up

Should be subtle and discreet, especially if you are operational, and blend in with your natural skin tone. Long false eye lashes and long false nails should not be worn if operational in order to maintain the professional image of the force.

If you have any concerns regarding this or wish to discuss further, please liase with your line manager.

Nails

Longernails(falseornatural)andcolourednailpolisharefineifyouarenotonoperationalduties.However,longnailsareapotentialhazardforoperationalofficersandstaffandthereforenails(falseornatural)shouldbekept short with only clear nail polish or French manicure.

5D R E S S C O D E

Jewellery

If operational you must be aware of potential health and safety risks to yourself, colleagues and members of the public, when wearing jewellery. Only a wristwatch, signet or plain wedding / signet band and one pair of stud earrings should be visible. A bracelet or necklace for purposes of medical alert or for cultural, faith or religious belief, can be worn as long as they are kept under your uniform to prevent any risks in a confrontation situation.

If you are engaged in potential confrontation and therefore asignificantriskofinjuryislikely,faceorvisiblebodyjewellery must not be worn. This includes, nose, eyebrow, lips, tongue or any other visible part of the body. Metal should not be worn under body armour due to safety issues. Any other body jewellery that is not visible, you must assess your own risk in wearing these whilst operational. Due to the potential for these to become caught, detached, struck or impaled into the wearer’s body, it is not recommended by the force that these are worn and therefore will not be held responsible for injuries received as a result.

You may request via your line manger to wear any other jewelleryprovidingtheyarenotasignificantsafetyriskandunobtrusive will they be allowed.

If you are not operational and there is not perceived risk and confrontation, you may wear jewellery providing this is not excessive.

Footwear

Allofficersanduniformedstaffmustprovidetheirownfootwear.Someofficersandstaff,suchasfirearmstechnicians and maintenance operatives, do qualify for specialistfootwearbecauseoftheirroleasidentifiedinriskassessments.Officersanduniformedstaffmustwearplainstyle, black footwear, with black or navy blue socks where trousers are worn.

6 D R E S S C O D E

Headwear

Allofficersanduniformedstaffmustweartheheadwear they are issued with when on foot patrol.

Headwear may be adapted or altered for the purposes of culture, faith or religious belief. Requests aretobediscussedwithyourlinemanagerinthefirstinstance. Please see ‘ordering your uniform’ section, for further information.

Tattoos

You should take all reasonable steps to cover tattoos whenever possible whilst on duty or representing the force at public events. This can be achieved by wearing long-sleevedshirts,withconcealedmakeuporaflesh-coloured plaster.

Tattoos visible on your face, neck and head are not permitted. In addition to those that may be considered provocative, offensive, cause ridicule or otherwise detract from a professional image, are not acceptable.

Spectacles and Sunglasses

If you wear prescription glasses, consideration should be given to wearing polycarbonate glasses that will not shatter during any kind of impact. Frames should be of a discreet colour and design. Sunglasses can be worn whilst driving, but it is important that you take them off when speaking to members of the public as not doing so may appear as rude.

Travel

Whentravellingtowork,andtoandfrommeetings,(inaprivatelyownedvehicle)youshouldnotdisplayanyequipment belonging to the force. If you are in uniform, all insignia, such as epaulettes, should be removed or should be covered by a coat/jacket.

7D R E S S C O D E

Uniform ordering, disposal and replacementAny request for uniform should be madeviayourlocaladmin(BusinessSupport),whodistributetheitemsto yourself when received. Only in extremely urgent situations can you make an appointment to visit the stores to collect items and only with anofficialrequisition.Ifyouneedafittingservice,oradvicefromclothingstaff, you must make an appointment.

Ordering your uniformThe uniform and equipment issued to you upon the commencement of your role is the property of the force and you have a duty to take care of this. Your uniform and equipment must not be sold or passed onto anyone. If it is unused, or unnecessary, you must return it to Procurement and Supplies. Your uniform may require minor alteration or a special measure order may be required from the supplier. Male and female trousers can be issued, however, if preferred, femaleofficerscanbeissuedwithmaletrousersiftheyareabetterfitor vice versa. If you are undertaking cyclist duties and have a preference in leg and underwear please inform your local admin when ordering uniform. Please note tunics are only issuedtoofficersofChiefInspectorrankoraboveandstaffofficers.

If you require any items of clothing oritemstoreflectcultural,faithor religious beliefs please discuss this with your line manager so alterations/adaptions can be made

with consideration to the force’s corporate image and health and safety implications.

If you require any adaptions/alterations to the uniform due to health issues, please discuss these with your line manager. For example, in cases of certain musculoskeletal issues a Molle Vest is an alternative to replace the utility belt issued as standard.

If you wear a uniform as part of your role and require maternity clothing, a blouse and trousers can be ordered via your local admin.

Replacing Uniform

After your initial uniform issue, any replacement items, where needed, can be issued through your area command, or department business support. Only uniform relevant to your role will be provided.

Returning Uniform and EquipmentUnused uniform must be returned to Procurement and Supplies via your local admin. Any unused equipment no longer needed due toachangeinrolei.e.anofficermoving to a specialist role where they no longer need to be PSU trained, must be returned to your localadmin(BusinessSupport)toarrange its return to Procurement and Supplies.

Exchanging items

Ifyouruniformdoesn’tfit,itwillbeexchanged, so long as it is unused, unwashed and a current stock item. Please arrange this through your localadmin(BusinessSupport).

Requesting additional items

Your request should be put in a report, supported by your supervisor, saying why the item is needed, the health and safety considerations, risk assessment and financialimplications.Thisreportshould be sent to Procurement and Supplies and will be forwarded to the Uniform User Group.

Uniform Catalogue

For each role in the force there is a list of the clothing and equipment authorised for that role. These are listed in the Uniform Catalogue which is available via a request to Procurement and Supplies.

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Care and maintenance of UniformThe uniform and equipment you are issued with, must be kept serviceable, looked after and kept safe.

In the interests of hygiene, uniform and equipment must be washed regularly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Most garments issued can be washed in conventional detergents, although wool items should be washed in detergents carrying the wool mark.

Any garment showing the dry cleaning P symbol, should not be washed in the conventional way, but taken to a specialist cleaner.

You should always:

• Read and follow the care label in the garment

• Wash dark colours separately• Use the recommended amount

of detergent• Hang all garments up after

wearing them• Store dark colours away from

direct sunlight

Police staff protective footwearPolice staff who are risk assessed as needing protective footwear, must supply Procurement and Supplies with a requisition. Your requests should include the minimum protection level you need.

D R E S S C O D E

9C H O O S I N G YO U R U N I F O R M F O R T H E O C C A S I O N

Choosing your uniform for the occasion

10 C H O O S I N G YO U R U N I F O R M F O R T H E O C C A S I O N

As an operational member of staff, you will need to attend certain events and occasions, where you will need to wear certain items of uniform and equipment.

Shirt sleeve order

If you are operational you will also be provided with a uniform consisting of trousers / skirt, shoes, belt, shirt with epaulettes and tie, that is to be worn when not performing operational duties. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘shirt sleeve order’.

Special occasions

If you have to attend occasions such as a Royal visit, race meeting or a funeral for a death in service, it is importanttomaintaindressuniformity.Officersanduniformed police staff should wear the ‘shirt sleeve order’asdescribedabove.Anyofficer,wishingtoweara tunic for ceremonial or presentation evenings, can arrange to borrow one by contacting Stores on ext. [email protected].

Medals and Ribbons

Only medals and decorations that have been authorised by the Queen may be worn. Other medals e.g. for bravery, can be worn with permission by your area commander / head of department. In all cases, you can only wear medals that have been personally presented to you. Medals can be worn at any time on jackets, but should not be worn on shirts.

Interviews and Misconduct Meetings/Hearings

Dress must be smart. If you wear a uniform as part of your role then you must wear the ‘shirt sleeve order’ as describedabove,unlessotherwisespecifiedbyHumanResources. For those issued with tunics, you may wear these if you choose to do so.

11C H O O S I N G YO U R U N I F O R M F O R T H E O C C A S I O N

Attending court

If you are attending court, you must wear your operational uniform and be clean and smart in appearance.

Unless authorised to perform plain clothes duty, operational staff must, unless directed by a judge at the plea and direction hearing, wear:

• Black shirts, cargo trousers and their warrant cards in lanyards

• Blackshirts,cargotrousersandbodyarmour/fleecejacket with insignia

• White shirt, tie and epaulettes with insignia

IfyouareauniformedoperationalofficerorCSO, you should wear your utility/kit belt and personal protective equipment.

Officersandstaffareondutywhentheyareincourtandhelp to reassure court users in public areas.

If you are authorised to wear plain clothes, these must be in keeping with the dignity of the court.

Civil events

Permission to wear operational uniform at civil events comes from the Chief Constable, who has delegated this authority to your area commanders and heads of departments.

Specialist

Officerswhoworkinspecialistareasareissuedwithnon-standard items of uniform, worn on the direction of the area commander / head of department.

12 U N I F O R M A N D E Q U I P M E N T

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hat and Helmets

Operational:PoliceOfficerUniform

Operational: Police Community SupportOfficerUniform(PSCO)

Operational: Special Constable Uniform

Corporate Wear – Non Uniform officersandstaff

U N I F O R M A N D E Q U I P M E N T

Uniform and equipment

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Personal Protective Equipment If you are operational you will be supplied with equipment to protection yourself whilst operational. The PPE you are supplied with will depend upon the role you undertake, which is outlined later on within this protocol.

However, the following outlines the different types of PPE available.

CS incapacitant spray

If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, you will be issuedwithyourCSsprayaftertraining.Forofficers,thisis issued up to the rank of Inspector. A yearly refresher training is required. You must not carry CS spray when not on duty as it is an offence to do so.

CSspraymustcarriedbyofficerspatrollingfootballmatches. The canisters are transported to the relevant ground on the match day.

Exemptions from exposure to CS spray during training are subject to a recommendation from the Force MedicalAdviser(FMA).Yourareacommandwillbetoldof any such recommendation.

You must complete a CS incident form if you draw, or discharge, a CS incapacitant spray canister. The form must be completed as soon as possible following the incident and forwarded to your Chief Inspector via your supervision.

Batons

If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, your baton will be issued to you after training. If you draw your baton or strike a person you must complete a report at the end of that tour of duty and forward to your Chief Inspector via your supervision.

Your baton may be seized from you and placed in property if you have striked a person with your baton.


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Body armour

Yourbodyarmouristailoredtofitandisprovidedforyour safety against knife and ballistic threats.

Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded,eitherhanginguporlaidflat.Keysmaybecarriedin your body armour.

There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwavedock,initsleatherairwavecase,mustbefittedtoyour body armour.

Officersshouldnotweargarmentsorcarryitemscontaining metal or hard plastic under body armour. For example, underwired bras and mobile phones. These items couldpotentiallycauseinjuryifanofficerisstruckbyahigh impact object.

Your body armour is enclosed in panels to protect against water, which can reduce the performance of kevlar.

Handcuffs

If you are performing an operational role and your role is authorised to carry this form of PPE, your handcuffs will be issued to you after training.


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Hat and Helmets Headwear is an important part of your uniform. It clearly display’s your role within the police force and for operational and specialised roles, provides personal safety. You must not alter the peak of a cap or helmet.

Operational

• Constable and Sergeants on foot patrol should wear the Custodian police helmet or bowler.

• Uniformedpolicestaffshouldwearflatcapsorbowlers with their relevant role insignia designed.

• Special Constables should wear the SC helmet or bowler hat.

Protective helmets should be worn during public order training or incidents. There is no need to wear your headwear inside a vehicle unless necessary for operational reasons.

Inspector level and above

Caps should only be worn by Inspector level or above orforofficerswhohavebeenprovidedtheseaspartoftheirspecificuniform.

Specialist

• ThewhiteflatcaporbowlerhatiswornbyTrafficOfficers,ANPRteams,CasualtyReductionOfficers.

• Cyclist will be provided with a cycle helmet displaying the police or PSCO insigna.

• Black woolly hats area available for certain specialist roles.

Diversity

If your religion or belief means a cap, bowler or helmet is inappropriate, alternative options are available. This can be arranged with your line manager. In some instances it may be possible to wear a combination i.e. a skullcap underneath your cap, bowler or helmet.

There is no alternative police headwear if worn for the purposes of personal protection in line with Health and Safety legislation i.e. in public order events. Although, options may be discussed and consider if able to wear under such protective headwear.


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Operational: Police Officer Uniform Wicking Polo Shirt

Yourblackwickingpoloshirt(withpoliceinsignia)isdesigned to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both up to a maximum of 5.

Cargo Trousers

Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or cause injury in conflictingsituationsorlookuntidy.Yourpocketnotebookmaybeworninthepocketofyourtrousers.3pairswillbe issued.

Body Armour

Yourbodyarmouristailoredtofitandisprovidedforyour safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, eitherhanginguporlaidflat.Keysmaybecarriedinyourbody armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fittedtoyourbodyarmour.

Boots

You are required to buy your own boots. They must be black, low heeled, without steel toecaps and well polished. Socks should be black, dark grey or dark blue.

Black Fleece with Police insignia

Fleeces worn should be zipped up and can be worn under body armour.


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High Visibility Jackets

These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will be supplied with two jackets of different lengths, a munro and a blouson. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwavecase,mustbefittedtoawornhighvisjacket.Your embroidered sliders must be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt.

Hat and Helmets

Headwear must be worn when on foot patrol. Please see page 16.

Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment

Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Belts do not have to be worn where you assess minimal riskofconflicti.e.atameeting.Yourbeltkitwillconsistof rigid handcuffs in a handcuff holder, CS spray and holder, expandable monadnock baton and expandable holsterandaresus(hygiene)pouch.Ablackdocumentholder to contain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request.

If for medical reasons you are unable to wear a utility/kit belt please request a molle vest which enables the wearer to place the required belt items, as outlined above, in an alternative accessible area, i.e. chest, to release the weight from the hips and back.


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Slash Resistant Leather Gloves

This may be worn in cold weather.

Cycling

If performing cycle duties you will wear long-zip off trousers a long-sleeved polo shirt, a coolmax underskirt, cycleshoesandwillbesuppliedwithamicrofleece.

Custody

If you are undertaking custody duties an ampel probe search tool will be provided. This is a piece of equipment which reduces injury risks from needles when searching clothing, furniture and vehicles.


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Operational: Police Community Support Officer Uniform (PSCO) Wicking Polo Shirt

Yourblackwickingpoloshirt(withPCSOinsignia)isdesigned to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirts or a mixture of both up to a maximum of 5.

Cargo Trousers

Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or causeinjuryinconflictingsituationsorlookuntidy.Yourpocket notebook may be worn in the pocket of your trousers.3pairswillbeissued.

Body Armour

Yourbodyarmouristailoredtofitandisprovidedforyour safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, eitherhanginguporlaidflat.Keysmaybecarriedinyour body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case,mustbefittedtoyourbodyarmour.

Boots


Black Fleece with PSCO insigna



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High Visability Jackets with PCSO insignia

These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will be supplied with2jacketsofdifferentlengths,amunroandablouson.Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case, must be fittedtoawornhighvisjacket.Yourembroideredslidersmust be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt.

Hat and Helmets


Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Your belt kit will consist ofaresus(hygiene)pouch.Ablackdocumentholdertocontain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request.




Cycling

If performing cycle duties you will wear long-zip off trousers a long-sleeved polo shirt, a coolmax underskirt, cycleshoesandwillbesuppliedwithamicrofleece.


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Operational: Special Constable Uniform Wicking Polo Shirt

Yourblackwickingpoloshirt(withPCSOinsignia)isdesigned to be worn under body amour. It must always be tucked into your trousers and should be worn with the zip up. You can choose from long or short sleeved shirtsoramixtureofbothuptoamaximumof2.

Cargo Trousers

Black cargo trousers are to be worn. They should be worn over your boots and not tucked in. Do not place items in your pocket which could cause damage or causeinjuryinconflictingsituationsorlookuntidy.Yourpocket notebook may be worn in the pocket of your trousers. three pairs will be issued.

Body Armour

Yourbodyarmouristailoredtofitandisprovidedforyour safety against knife and ballistic threats. Your body armour must be worn at all times unless you have made a personal risk assessment not wear it. It must be worn during public order events. Covers should be washed and checked for wear regularly. You must inspect your body armour for cuts, slits or tears and recorded in the inspection log. Body armour should be stored unfolded, eitherhanginguporlaidflat.Keysmaybecarriedinyour body armour. There is a holder for your touch on the chest area. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case,mustbefittedtoyourbodyarmour.

Boots


Black Fleece with PSCO insigna



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High Visibility Jackets with SC insignia

These are intended to protect you from the weather as well as keep you safe. They should be worn zipped up and can be worn over your body armour. You will besuppliedwith2jacketsofdifferentlengths,amunroand a blouson. Your airwave dock, in its leather airwave case,mustbefittedtoawornhighvisjacket.Yourembroidered sliders must be attached your jacket. Your pocket notebook should be carried in your pocket unless attached to your utility/kit belt.

Hat and Helmets


Utility/Kit Belt and Personal Defensive Equipment

Black leather kit belts should be worn across the hips over the outer clothing and with the kit placed evenly balanced at the side of the belt. If you are wearing a high-viz jacket your kit belt should be worn underneath. Belts do not have to be worn where you assess minimal riskofconflicti.e.atameeting.Yourbeltkitwillconsistof rigid handcuffs in a handcuff holder, CS spray and holder, expandable monadnock baton and expandable holsterandaresus(hygiene)pouch.Ablackdocumentholder to contain your pocket notebook may be attached to your kit belt. This is not supplied as part of the standard operational uniform issues but can be provided upon request.





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Corporate Wear – Non Uniform officers and staff If not operational you should wear smart professional-looking business attire.

Shirts and Tops

Men and woman are expected to wear a smart, professional clothing i.e shirt, blouse, dress, religious wear. It is expected that clothing will not be low-cut and will not be short enough where the middle area of the stomach is exposed.

No strapless tops should be worn.

Items of clothing must not display any non-police logos, slogans or offensive wording.

Trousers

Trousers should be smart. Jeans, chinos or shorts should not be worn.

Shirts and Dresses

Smart skirts and dresses should be worn with hemlines no more than two inches above the knee. No strapless dresses should be worn.

Shoes

Shoesshouldbeprofessional.Trainersandflipflopsnot permitted.

ID Cards/Name Badges

When on police premise your ID card must be visibly worn at all times in a lanyard or your ID badge worn, clearly displaying your name and role. These must not be worn off site.


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Notes

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Notes

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