San Antonio Police Department Procedure 310 - Uniforms and Dress Codes PDF

San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes Office with Primary Responsibility: Office(s) with Secondary Responsibilities: Forms Referenced in Procedure: Effective Date: Prior Revision Date: COP PSC, PNC, TEC, FCD, IDC, SSB Number of Pages: 310-RFA Related P...

San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes Office with Primary Responsibility: Office(s) with Secondary Responsibilities: Forms Referenced in Procedure: Effective Date: Prior Revision Date: COP PSC, PNC, TEC, FCD, IDC, SSB Number of Pages: 310-RFA Related Procedures: December 23, 2022 August 24, 2020 14 309, 311, 315.01 INTRODUCTION A. This procedure provides officers with the specifications necessary to purchase uniforms and the various accessories that each officer is required to possess and maintain. B. This procedure also establishes Departmental regulations for officers regarding the wearing of police uniforms and accessories, the proper clothing for officers in non-uniform assignments and civilian members, and the personal grooming of all officers. C. Command and Honor Guard uniform specifications are determined by the Chief of Police. D. Tactical Support Division uniform specifications are recommended by the Section Commander, through the Division Commander, and submitted to the Labor Relations Committee and the Chief of Police for approval. E. Deviation from any regulation in this procedure is allowed only by permission of a member's Division Commander when necessitated by a specialized or undercover duty assignment..02 TERMINOLOGY (For specific use within this procedure, see Glossary) Body Modification Regulation Uniform Religious Grooming Customs Command Uniform Unit-Specific Uniform Formal Uniform Articles of Faith.03 GENERAL UNIFORM REGULATIONS A. All uniform and accessory items must conform to the uniform specifications listed in the Appendix A of this procedure. B. Officers shall not wear a uniform or any part of a uniform while off-duty for any activity not authorized by the Chief of Police. C. An incomplete uniform is not worn at any time, nor will any item of a uniform be worn at any time except as a part of a complete uniform. D. All officers will possess and maintain in good order at least one (1) complete regulation uniform. E. Uniformed officers shall wear the appropriate insignia of rank as prescribed in this procedure affixed to all uniform shirts and jackets. F. Officers receiving Departmental awards may wear the commendation bar portions of the awards on the regulation uniform shirt. The awards are worn above the nameplate on the right side of the regulation uniform shirt. The number of awards worn is limited to six (6) awards. G. Officers wearing unit pins shall wear the unit pins only on the uniform shirt. The unit pins are worn above the nametag and any commendation bars on the right side of the uniform shirt. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 1 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes H. The formal uniform, including the regulation hat, shall be worn by all officers to all formal police functions (i.e., funerals, Police Officer Memorial Day events, formal inspections, etc.) and when directed by the Chief of Police or the officer's Division Commander. 1. I. J. Unless otherwise directed by the Fiesta Commander, officers working Fiesta Events will do so in Formal or Regulation Uniform. Members wearing uniform accessories which contain snaps (i.e., keepers, baton ring, flashlight ring, etc.) that are not plain black in color shall wear accessories with snaps in the following colors: 1. Gold-colored snaps for supervisory officers; and 2. Silver-colored snaps for non-supervisory officers. A unit specific uniform (i.e., K-9, Helicopter, Bike Patrol, etc.) is worn only during an officer’s normal tour of duty. K. Members wearing a unit specific uniform shall wear the appropriate headgear in accordance with this procedure. L. Members wearing gloves shall wear plain black or navy-blue gloves. Officers assigned to Bike Patrol may wear full or half finger gloves. M. Members wearing sunglasses shall not wear sunglasses with brightly-colored frames, straps, or lens coatings. Any dark-colored lens, with or without a silver-colored mirror coating, is acceptable. N. Monthly inspections are made in accordance with GM Procedure 315, Line Inspections, by supervisory officers to ensure subordinates are in compliance with this procedure. O. Any requested changes or additions to the uniform specifications are routed directly to the Labor Relations Committee for review. The Labor Relations Committee will review the request and make a recommendation to the Chief of Police for final approval or wear testing if required. P. Any Officer working in the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway must wear high-visibility clothing that meets the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107: 2004 edition, class 2 or 3. The current issued Blauer 339P High-Visibility Yellow Vest meets these requirements..04 UNIFORM APPEARANCE A. Members will wear neat and clean uniforms at all times. Uniforms will not have the appearance of being faded or have visible patches where repairs were made. B. Uniforms or accessories requiring repair are not worn, unless the repair is inconspicuous. C. Uniform Shirt 1. The shirt is sized to present a neat appearance. 2. All buttons on the shirt, except the collar button, must be buttoned at all times. 3. Shirt sleeves are not rolled up or turned under. 4. The mock turtleneck shirt, if worn, is worn only under the long sleeve regulation uniform shirt. 5. Undergarments exposed at the neck shall be dark navy blue or black in color. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 2 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes D. Uniform Trousers/Shorts 1. Trousers are tailored and sized to present a neat appearance. 2. Trousers are no shorter than one (1) inch above the juncture of the heel-sole and the upper part of the shoe or boot. They do not extend lower than this same juncture. 3. When boots are worn with trousers, the trousers are worn outside the boot tops. 4. Officers assigned to motorcycle duty shall have the trousers tailored so the trouser legs fit inside the motorcycle boots. 5. Compression shorts worn with the bicycle uniform shall correspond in color to the bicycle shorts and shall not extend below the bottom of the uniform bicycle shorts. 6. During the period of April 1st through September 30th, with the approval of the Division Commander, officers may wear the authorized uniform shorts. E. Uniform Headgear F. 1. All uniform headgear is worn "straight-away.” Headgear is not cocked forward, sideways, or backward on the head. 2. Officers assigned to motorcycle or bicycle duties, or officers authorized to wear the bicycle patrol duty uniform must wear the appropriate helmet securely fastened with a chinstrap. 3. Officers wearing the authorized uniform shorts choosing to wear headgear, wear only the authorized ball cap. Uniform Leather Footwear and Accessories 1. Leather footwear and accessories worn by uniformed officers shall be highly polished. 2. When low quarter style shoes are worn with the regulation trousers, dark navy blue or plain black socks shall be worn. 3. Officers wearing the bicycle patrol duty uniform or the approved regulation shorts shall wear plain, ankle high white, dark navy blue, or black socks. G. Uniform Ties 1. Captains and above shall wear a regulation tie with the long sleeve authorized uniform shirt for official functions, meetings with outside agencies or departments, or as directed by the Chief. If not directed or participating in the aforementioned functions, the wearing of the tie with the long sleeve authorized uniform shirt is optional. 2. The wearing of a tie with a long sleeve uniform shirt is optional..05 PROPER WEARING OF UNIFORM ACCESSORIES A. Badges, Name Plates, Hat Pieces, and United States Flag Pins General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 3 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 1. 2. A regulation metal or embroidered badge and nametag shall be worn with the regulation uniform, to include all shirts, jackets, flight suits, sweaters, external body armor carrier vest, vests or upper body uniform apparel worn as part of the uniform. A United States Flag Pin may be worn with the complete uniform. a. The badge is attached to the badge holder on the left breast of the outermost garment. b. The nametag is worn centered one-fourth (1/4) inch above the right shirt pocket seam. c. The hat piece is worn centered in the front of the regulation uniform hat. d. If worn, the United States Flag Pin will be worn on the left epaulet of the uniform. The United States Flag Pin will be professionally displayed, will not be larger than 1” X 1” in size, and will not include any other images, opinions, descriptions, statements, or representations. e. For the purposes of this requirement rainwear and High-Visibility Yellow reflective/traffic vests are not included. Mixing of metal or embroidered nametags, badges, or rank insignias is not permitted. B. Shoulder Patches 1. The shoulder patch is worn one-half (1/2) inch below the shoulder seam on each sleeve of all regulation uniform shirts and jackets. C. Regulation Metal Buttons 1. Regulation gold metal buttons shall be mandatory for all supervisors and are worn affixed to the shoulder epaulets, and pocket flaps of the regulation uniform and jackets. 2. Metal buttons are not authorized for Patrol Officers and Detective Investigators. D. Insignias of Rank and Service Bars 1. The insignia of rank for the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief is worn one-half (1/2) inch from the front edge of each collar flap on the command or regulation uniform shirt and centered on the epaulets of the command or regulation uniform jacket. 2. The insignia of rank for a Captain is worn one-half (1/2) inch from and parallel to the front edge of each collar flap on the command or regulation uniform shirt and centered on the epaulets of the command or regulation uniform jacket. 3. The insignia of rank for a Lieutenant is worn one-half (1/2) inch from and parallel to the front edge of each collar flap on the uniform shirt and centered on the epaulets of the uniform jacket. 4. The insignia of rank for a Sergeant and Detective Investigator is worn one-half (1/2) inch below each shoulder patch on the uniform shirt and uniform jacket. 5. Service bars may be worn on the long sleeve regulation uniform shirt: a. Each bar denotes five (5) years of service; b. Bars are sewn on the left sleeve two (2) inches from the edge of the inner cuff; General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 4 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes c. Bars are approximately two (2) inches in length and diagonally forward; and d. Bars are gold with dark navy border for supervisors, bright silver with dark navy border for non-supervisory officers. E. Equipment Belt and Accessories 1. The equipment belt is worn in a position over and concealing the trouser inner belt. Buckles are not worn on the equipment belt. 2. A minimum of three (3) belt keepers are worn with the equipment belt. 3. 4. a. Two (2) keepers are worn on the back of the equipment belt, one (1) on each side of the spinal column. b. A minimum of one (1) keeper is worn on the front of the equipment belt where it provides the best support. The following accessories shall be worn on the equipment belt: a. A holster centered over the outside seam of the trouser leg; b. A magazine holder worn in the front between the 9 – 3 o’clock position on the belt; c. A minimum one (1) handcuff case, with handcuffs, positioned over a rear trouser pocket, in an authorized holder; and d. An issued radio carrier (as applicable) is worn on the opposite side from the holster. e. All officers, when in uniform, shall carry at least one (1) approved intermediate weapon in compliance with GM Procedure 309, Weapons (i.e., baton, expandable baton, Electronic Control Device (ECD), or oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray/gel). The following accessories may be worn on the equipment belt: a. A baton ring/or approved expandable baton holster; b. A flashlight ring or carrier; c. A mobile phone case; d. A key holder/flap; and e. A folding knife and/or a multi-tool in a plain leather covered case. g. A fixed blade knife. i. Fixed blade knifes must be in a sheath that includes a retention device ii. Friction sheaths do no qualify as a retention device. h. SOU only – One single rifle magazine holder as specified in Appendix A. 5. Lieutenants and above may choose to wear a garrison belt (1 ¾” to 2” plain black leather belt with buckle) with an approved handgun and holster, handcuffs and extra magazine, while in regulation uniform. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 5 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes a. Lieutenants and above may choose to wear the Command Uniform Shirt (white) while in regulation uniform. b. While conducting field/patrol operations Lieutenants and above must wear the complete REGULATION UNIFORM, as per Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes, and Section.05, E., 1. Through 4 of this procedure..06 UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS (See Uniforms and Dress Codes Appendix A).07 BODY ARMOR - ISSUANCE AND REPLACEMENT A. All officers, regardless of the type of clothes worn, are encouraged to wear issued body armor. B. Probationary Police Officers are issued body armor in accordance with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. C. Officers may request the issuance or replacement of Department-issued body armor, provided: 1. They have never been issued body armor; 2. Their current body armor is damaged; or 3. Their current body armor is five (5) years old or older. D. Officers requesting new body armor shall submit a written report, along with their current issue of body armor, if applicable, to their Section and Division Commanders for inspection and written approval to order new body armor. E. Upon receipt of written approval by the Section and Division Commanders, officers shall take the approved report to the Department armorer. The armorer shall: F. 1. Verify the date of issuance of the officer's current body armor, if age is the reason for requesting new body armor; 2. Instruct the officer where to go to be fitted for new body armor; and 3. Notify the officer when the new body armor has been delivered. Officers will return old issued body armor to the Armory and Supply Office when picking up new body armor. G. Optional External Body Armor Carrier is composed of uniform material that can be worn directly over a uniform or approved polo style shirt. 1. The optional polo style shirt is not approved to wear without the body armor carrier in place. These uniform items will not be issued by the department and must be purchased by the officer. 2. Department patches and rank insignia on the polo style shirts are mandatory; however, the name and badge will not be authorized on the polo. The name and badge will be displayed on the body armor carrier. H. Optional Rifle Rated External Body Armor Carrier is of similar color to that of the duty uniform and is to be worn directly over the approved uniform. 1. Rifle Rated External Body Armor Carrier is authorized for wear at officer discretion when the officer is or may be confronting suspects that are armed with rifles, shotguns or active shooter events. 2. The wearing of rifle rated plate carriers shall be limited and are not to be worn except as described above. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 6 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 3. The Rifle Rated External Body Armor shall be marked in the following fashion. Front: Back Agency Identification Patch (Minimum 3 inch) Badge Patch Name Tab (Minimum 3/8 inch lettering) “POLICE” Patch (Minimum 3 inch).08 REIMBURSEMENTS FOR DAMAGED, DESTROYED, OR LOST UNIFORM OR ACCESSORY ITEMS A. The Department reimburses officers for uniforms or accessories destroyed, damaged, or lost in the line of duty in accordance with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). B. Officers assigned to plainclothes duty may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement of clothing damaged in line of duty incidents. C. Officers requesting reimbursement for destroyed, damaged or lost uniforms, accessories, or plainclothes must: 1. Submit a request for reimbursement on an Incident Report Form 65, Interoffice Memo together with a copy of the report on the police incident where the item was destroyed, damaged, or lost to his Division Commander through his chain of command. Damaged items shall be submitted along with reports to the Division Commander. 2. The request must be made within thirty (30) days from the date of the incident or from the date the officer returns to duty, if the officer is on injury leave. D. The Division Commander, upon inspection of the damaged item, determines the dollar amount to be reimbursed or the replacement cost of a lost item in accordance with the schedule on file in the Accounting and Personnel Office. If any reimbursement is warranted, the Division Commander has a request for payment form or petty cash voucher, depending on the amount of reimbursement, prepared and signed. E. If reimbursement is approved by the Division Commander, the officer, after replacing the destroyed, damaged, or lost item, submits the signed request for payment form or petty cash voucher with the receipt of purchase to the Accounting and Personnel Office for reimbursement..09 DRESS CODES FOR OFFICERS IN PLAINCLOTHES ASSIGNMENTS AND CIVILIAN MEMBERS A. Members may wear a United States Flag Pin with business apparel or casual apparel. The United States Flag Pin will be worn on the left lapel of the coat or jacket. The United States Flag Pin will be professionally displayed, will not be larger than 1” X 1” in size, and will not include any other images, opinions, depictions, statements, or representations. B. Business/Relaxed Dress Code 1. Members, both sworn and non-sworn, performing duties such as investigative assignments and duties involving any contact with the general public shall report for duty in conservative business/relaxed apparel appropriate to an office setting. (Please reference GM Procedure 311, Court Appearances for court dress requirements) 2. Business/relaxed apparel for male members shall consist of the following: a. Business suit, sport coat and slacks, or the approved long/short sleeve shirts/pullovers with a collar (please reference Appendix A). b. Long or short sleeve dress shirt with a tie. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 7 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 3. c. Belts without metal studs, excessive stitching, or other adornments. Belt buckles shall be in proportion with the width of the belt. d. Footwear will be polished dress shoes or boots worn with socks. Dress boots shall not have metal tips or stitching of an unusual design on the toe. e. Hats without ornamental accessories may be worn. Business/relaxed apparel for female members shall consist of the following: a. Dresses, suits, skirts, or tailored loose fitting slacks with dress shirts, sweaters, or blouses or the approved long/short sleeve shirts/pullovers with a collar (please reference Appendix A). Dresses and skirts will be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee. Sleeveless dresses and tops will not be worn unless they are covered with an outer garment. b. Footwear will be close-toed dress heels, flats, or boots. Dress boots shall not have metal tips or excessive stitching on the toe. C. Casual Dress Code 1. Members, sworn and non-sworn, assigned to office duties that do not involve any contact with the general public, may report for duty in casual apparel instead of business/relaxed apparel, to include maternity wear (as appropriate). 2. Casual apparel for male members shall consist of the following: 3. a. Casual slacks or jeans (with the Division Commander's approval); and b. Long or short sleeve shirts/pullovers with a collar. Casual apparel for female members shall consist of the following: a. Casual dresses, skirts, slacks, or jeans (with Division Commander approval); and c. Sleeveless dresses and tops will not be worn unless they are covered with an outer garment. D. Field Dress Code 1. Field apparel, determined by Unit Directors, may consist of any and all clothing necessary to perform any of the below listed job functions. 2. Members assigned to field duties are authorized to wear field apparel. Field duties include, but are not limited to, duties in any of the following job functions: a. Maintenance or inspection of equipment; b. Surveillance; c. Execution of arrest or search warrants; d. Duties involving strong physical exertion or activities; and e. Any undercover assignment. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 8 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 4. Raid Jackets and Raid Body Armor shall be marked as follows: Front: Back Agency Identification Patch (Minimum 3 inch) Badge Patch Name Tab (Minimum 3/8 inch lettering) “POLICE” Patch (Minimum 3 inch).10 AUTHORIZED ACCESSORIES FOR PLAINCLOTHES ASSIGNMENTS AND OFF-DUTY A. When carrying a firearm, officers in plainclothes assignments and off-duty Officers, shall carry their approved firearms in holsters that meet the following specifications: 1. Designed for the make and model of the firearm; 2. Secures the firearm; and 3. Allows the firearm to be readily available. B. Officers choosing to carry their firearms in containers other than a holster shall do so in accordance with GM Procedure 309, Weapons. C. Officers in plainclothes assignments shall carry extra authorized ammunition, in accordance with GM Procedure 309, in magazine holders that are designed for the make and model of the magazine..11 PERSONAL GROOMING A. Male Officers 1. Facial Hair. a. Clean Shaven - No facial hair. b. Mustache - Hair below the nose and above the upper lip, which shall be trimmed and not extend below the upper line of the upper lip. If worn alone, may NOT extend below the corners of the mouth, and extreme styles such as handlebar mustaches are prohibited. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 9 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 2. 3. c. Goatee - A mustache that extends down around the side of the mouth and joins hair on the chin; also referred to as a circle beard. This style of facial hair shall be worn with a mustache, and the cheeks, jawline, and neck shall remain clean shaven. d. Natural Beard - Also referred to as a full set. This style of facial hair shall be worn with a mustache, shall cover the complete jaw line, the cheeks shall be shaved on and above the cheekbone, and the neck shall be no more than one inch (1") below the jaw line. The following hair is not permitted: a. Chin Strap Beards - Beards that are trimmed to a thin line along the jaw without a mustache. b. Patchy Beards - Beards of uneven or patchy growth. c. Stubble - Beards shorter than one-quarter inch (¼") in length; also referred to as a "five o'clock shadow." The growth period for beards and goatees shall be as follows: a. Fall growth period – November 18th through December 15th of each year b. Spring growth period – March 1st through April 15th of each year. c. At the end of a growth period, if an officer's beard/goatee is still not a minimum of ¼" in length, that officer will be required to be clean shaven until the next growth period (except for approved mustaches). d. Growth period is not applicable for approved medical or religious exemptions. 4. Beard/Goatee Length and Color. a. It is important to note that the grooming standards will be strictly enforced, and beards/goatees will NOT be allowed to be less than ¼" in length AND not more than ½" inch in length. An officer will NOT be permitted to have what is known as a "five o'clock shadow." b. If an officer shaves his beard/goatee below the minimum ¼" in length, that officer shall be required to completely shave all facial hair (except for approved mustaches) and will NOT be permitted to grow a beard/goatee again until the next authorized growth period. Supervisors will ensure compliance with this directive. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 10 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 5. c. Beards should be maintained by the officer to not extend to any part of the neck. Facial hair should cover below the jaw horizontally but end before the downward curve of the neck at a clean shave line. below). d. The color of an officer's beard/goatee SHALL be consistent with the individual's regular hair color, and abnormal or multi-coloring is NOT be permitted. Exemptions: a. Duty assignment may impact an officer's ability to participate. The following classified employees are NOT authorized to wear and maintain a beard or goatee: i. Police Cadets and Probationary Police Officers ii. Full-Time Special Operations Unit iii. Honor Guard iv. Cadet Training Staff/ Counselors 6. Officer(s) called to perform a task that requires a clean-shaven appearance (Honor Guard, Special Assignment, exigent circumstances, response to civil unrest requiring the donning of a gas mask, etc.), that officer will be required to shave and will have to wait until the next growth period in order to regrow a beard/goatee. 7. Officers working in an approved undercover capacity (i.e., Narcotics, Vice, etc.) will NOT be governed by this policy. 8. If at any time a supervisor determines that an officer's beard/goatee is not in compliance with this policy, they may direct the affected employee to remove all facial hair (except for approved mustaches) and not be permitted to regrow their beard/goatee until the next approved growth period. 9. If an officer's beard/goatee is not in compliance and they are ordered by a supervisor to shave, the affected officer will be required to shave before reporting to their next shift after the order is given. 10. Supervisors are to ensure that employees conform to an approved style of facial hair, and Commanders SHALL conduct regular inspections to ensure employee's in their respective command are in compliance with this policy. 11. Consistent non-compliance with the approved standards will result in the revocation of this policy. 12. Any request for an exception to this policy must be submitted in writing through the officer’s chain of command up to the Deputy Chief level. 13. Hair Regulations: a. Hair is worn neatly trimmed. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 11 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes b. Hair is clipped on the sides and back to present an evenly tapered appearance. c. Hair is not overly long or brushed in such a manner that it interferes with the wearing of the prescribed headgear. d. Hair does not touch the shirt collar, except for the close-cut hair on the back of the neck. e. Hair may touch the back of the ear, but not extend over the edge of the ear. f. Hair does not extend below the prescribed headgear "headband" on the forehead. g. Hair ornaments are not acceptable. h. Hair is not dyed an abnormal color or multi-colored. i. Hair is not worn in unusual styles that might detract from the professional appearance of the uniform. B. Female Officers 1. Facial and eye make-up is conservative, neatly and thinly applied, and harmonizes with hair color and the color of the uniform or plainclothes worn. 2. Hair Regulations: a. Hair is not worn in unusual styles that might detract from the professional appearance of the uniform. b. Hair is not overly long, styled, or brushed in such a manner that it interferes with the wearing of the prescribed headgear. c. Hair does not extend below the prescribed headgear "headband" on the forehead. d. Hair is not dyed an abnormal color or multi-colored. If officers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose a natural hair color. Colors that detract from a professional appearance are prohibited. e. Hair ornaments which are black, dark navy blue, clear or tortoise shell in color. This includes small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair/head bands. Ornaments that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. f. While in regulation uniform, unit-specific uniform or Honor Guard uniform, the hair must be pulled away from the front of the face, and hair must be either secured naturally or with an approved ornament. g. The hair may not extend past the bottom of the shirt collar at the back of the neck when standing with the head in a normal posture. Ponytail hairstyle is an option, but the ponytail must not extend past the bottom of the shirt collar. h. Female employees working in business/relaxed attire or casual attire may wear their hair unsecured and below the bottom of the collar, but it will conform to all other standards. 3. Fingernail length for female employees will be no longer than 1/4 inch beyond the fingertip. If nail polish is worn it must be a conservative shade that presents a professional appearance. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 12 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes C. Body Modification 1. Unauthorized body piercings, intentional scarring and /intentional mutilation (a deliberate, intentional injury to one’s own body that causes tissue damage or leaves marks for more than a few minutes) are prohibited from being displayed while working or representing the Department in any capacity. 2. All visible piercings are prohibited with the exception of piercings as described in.11D3 &4 3. Sworn and civilian employees with existing visible intentional scarring/mutilation, in uniform and non-uniform assignments, are prohibited from displaying any, unauthorized body piercing, or intentional scarring/mutilation while on duty, working off-duty in a law enforcement capacity, or while representing the Department in any other manner. a. Members shall have the following options: 1. Regardless of type, no body modification shall be visible from the wrist, extending down to full length of the fingers; 2. If the unauthorized body piercings, intentional scarring, or intentional mutilation is on the leg(s), the employee will wear authorized full-length uniform or civilian attire pants, slacks, skirt, or dress in compliance with approved dress code standards; 3. Cover the surface of visible unauthorized body piercings, intentional scarring, or intentional mutilation on the arm(s) with a plain skin-toned (matches skin tone of the employee) bandage/patch not to exceed 4”x6” (No more than one bandage/patch may be worn on a single arm); 4. While wearing the short sleeve uniform shirt, a black or uniform colored compression long sleeve shirt (e.g. Under Armour, Nike, PBX Pro, etc.) may be worn only for the purpose of covering up any body modifications. a. The compression long sleeve shirt cannot have any visible insignia (i.e. logo, brand name, or trademark showing) and must be worn as a complete shirt (e.g. both sleeves). 5. Any tattoos that are on the hands (to include fingers and thumbs), anywhere on the neck, or anywhere on the head cannot be visible and must be covered completely with a skin-toned bandage/patch. 6. b. Options 1 through 5 are available only for the exclusive purpose of covering body modifications. Officers serving in undercover assignments may display body modifications when authorized in writing by their Division Commander. Upon returning to uniform duty, members must comply with this procedure. D. Jewelry 1. Wristwatches may be worn by all officers. 2. Rings may be worn, but only one (1) ring on each hand is permitted. A wedding set is considered one (1) ring. 3. Earrings may be worn only by female officers, except as noted in subsection 4 below. Earrings shall be navy blue, silver/gold-colored, or diamond stud type. No more than one (1) pair of earrings may be worn. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 13 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022 San Antonio Police Department GENERAL MANUAL Procedure 310 – Uniforms and Dress Codes 4. Earrings may be worn by male officers who are in undercover assignments. 5. Medical alert bracelets may be worn. 6. Except for wristwatches, rings, earrings, medical alert bracelets, and necklaces or tie tacks (worn by plainclothes officers and civilian members only), no other decorative jewelry that is visible is permitted. 7. Morale/tribute bands with non-offensive language and limited to one (1) on the arms/wrist and one (1) on equipment (i.e. holster, magazine case, equipment belt, etc.). E. Officers in undercover assignments and officers that have prior written permission from their Division Commanders may deviate or be exempt from the above personal grooming regulations. F. Officers who are exempt from these grooming regulations are prohibited from wearing a regulation uniform until they comply with the preceding grooming regulations..12 RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS A. Members who believe that for religious reasons they should be allowed to deviate from policy may request authorization from the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, for exemptions to the SAPD uniforms and dress codes procedure in order to wear articles of faith while on-duty or observe religious grooming customs. 1. Such request shall be in writing through SAPD Form 310-RF0 and shall include the employee’s name, present assignment, and the reason why an accommodation is being requested. B. The Chief of Police, or his/her designee, shall make a determination regarding all requests for religious exemptions to SAPD’s uniforms and dress codes procedure on a case-by-case basis, taking into account any potential safety issues and/or operational concerns that the article(s) of faith or religious grooming custom may present to the member or to the public. C. If the employee is not satisfied with the ruling by the Chief of Police or his/her designee, the employee may request a meeting with the Chief of Police or his/her designee to personally present his/her reason for the request for accommodation or objections to the specific nature of the approval or denial. D. Members who are approved to wear an article of faith in addition to or in place of the uniform required by SAPD procedure shall bear all costs associated with procuring and maintaining their article of faith. E. Articles of faith that are approved by the Chief of Police are outlined in Appendix B of this procedure. General Manual Procedures – Section 300 Administrative Procedures Page 14 of 14 Effective Date: December 23, 2022