Uniform and Equipment Committee (UEC)

The Uniform and Equipment Committee (UEC) researches rules and regulations to ensure employee safety. This includes researching and evaluating equipment.

The Uniform and Equipment Committee (UEC) researches and evaluates specific items of interest to the OPD. They can choose which items and employees can request items be reviewed.

Employees can submit requests for the UEC to evaluate items. This is done by completing a Uniform and Equipment Committee Request Form (OPD Form 185).

The UEC conducts research, reviews, and evaluations before items are put up for bids, when possible. They coordinate purchasing issues with the contract coordinator before recommending new uniforms or equipment.

The UEC meets monthly, or more often if needed, to discuss and evaluate items. Meeting minutes document their decisions.

The UEC sends their recommendations for new uniforms or equipment to the Chief of Police or designee for approval. Approval can be given by email.

Approved recommendations are added to the OPD Policies and Procedures Manual (PPM). All OPD employees have access to the PPM.

The UEC maintains a list of authorized products, manufacturers' addresses, and phone numbers. The PPM includes manufacturer and product names, as well as

The Omaha Police Department (OPD) policy aims to ensure that all uniforms and equipment are of the highest quality, functionality, and value

The Uniform and Equipment Committee (UEC) is responsible for reviewing and evaluating current and future uniforms and equipment, making recommendations to the Chief of Police.

The UEC is composed of voting members appointed by the Chief of Police and the OPOA President, as well as a member chosen by mutual agreement.

The Support Services Section Captain acts as a non-voting member and coordinates uniform and equipment contracts.

The UEC is part of the Chief of Police's office, reporting directly to them. All communication should be directed to the UEC through the PSB SSS Secretary

The PSB SSS Secretary will notify all UEC members about Uniform and Equipment Committee Request Forms (OPD Form 185).

The PSB SSS Secretary creates minutes for UEC meetings, recording recommended items for the Chief of Police's approval.

The UEC's primary responsibility is to advise the Chief of Police on uniform and equipment choices in order to ensure the safety of OPD employees.

The Uniform and Equipment Committee is tasked with managing all uniform and equipment bidding, purchasing, and budgeting issues with the Police Services Bureau. This ensures consistency and efficiency in managing these often-changing needs.

The UEC must evaluate and approve any new uniform or equipment item proposed for use by officers. This rigorous process ensures new items meet safety, practicality, and departmental standards.

Before full approval of new items, the UEC will often implement a test wear or use period, where chosen officers evaluate its effectiveness and practicality. This allows for real-world feedback before large-scale implementation.

The UEC ensures the chosen test employees are representative of the units or squads that might use the new item. This provides diverse perspectives and ensures the evaluation is relevant to the future use.

The UEC collects data from various sources including test employees, their supervisors, and anyone observing the item, ensuring a comprehensive view of its performance. This information is crucial for making informed decisions.

The UEC evaluates the test period data considering cost, durability, functionality, feedback from users, and alignment with OPD mission and values. This multi-faceted approach ensures a well-rounded decision.

The UEC makes recommendations to the Chief of Police or designee for final approval or rejection, based on the thorough test period evaluation. This ensures all uniform and equipment changes align with the OPD's needs and policies.

If, after evaluation, the UEC determines a proposed item is not suitable for use by the OPD, they can reject it. This avoids unnecessary adoption of equipment that doesn't meet department standards.