Broward County Sheriff's Policy Manual PDF

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3.2 UNIFORMS/BUSINESS ATTIRE 3.2.1 Definitions: A. Uniform: A uniform is defined as any required or adopted attire that is authorized by the Sheriff or designee and must be worn according to an approved protocol. Approved uniform pro...

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3.2 UNIFORMS/BUSINESS ATTIRE 3.2.1 Definitions: A. Uniform: A uniform is defined as any required or adopted attire that is authorized by the Sheriff or designee and must be worn according to an approved protocol. Approved uniform protocols (other than Class A, B or C uniforms for deputy sheriffs) will be detailed in the individual unit/division/department SOP. B. Business Professional Attire: Consists of the Class A uniform or civilian dress clothing (e.g., coat and tie, dress, slacks, skirt and blouse). C. Business Casual Attire: Consists of a collared shirt and/or knit top and slacks. D. Court/Meeting Attire: The Class A or B uniform/Business professional attire (civilians) will be worn to all court-related appearances. Appropriate attire for official public meetings is at the discretion of command. E. Exceptions may be approved by the department’s executive director or designee. F. Field Activities: Duty assignments, events, or tasks that place or could reasonably be expected to place deputies in situations where they would be required to act in enforcement rather than administrative or support capacities. 3.2.2 General Uniform Policy: Uniforms will be worn only by authorized employees when on duty, coming to or from work, or on an authorized special assignment. A. Wearing the regulation uniform: 1. Uniformed employees will wear the Class B uniform unless: a. Their duty assignment requires or allows the Class A or Class C uniform. b. Directed by their supervisor to wear other clothing per unit SOP. c. They are on a light duty or restricted status. In either of these statuses the employee will wear business professional attire. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 1 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2. Uniformed employees will wear the entire regulation uniform. Wearing a partial uniform will be prohibited except during emergency situations or under supervisory order. 3. Deputies may purchase a black long-sleeve undergarment to be worn with the uniform shirt during cold weather. The black undergarment will not have any logos or brand names visible. The only allowable logo, if desired, is “BSO” in gold block letters on the neckline. B. Civilian Employees Uniforms and Accessories: Civilian employees required to wear a uniform will wear only authorized BSO uniforms and accessories. Refer to individual SOPs and relevant collective bargaining unit agreements for further information on civilian employee uniforms and accessories. C. Non-Uniformed Employees: Employees not required to wear uniforms will wear suitable business professional/business casual attire while performing normal office duties or investigations at the discretion of the employee’s department director or designee. D. Maintenance of Uniforms and Accessories: Uniformed personnel will be responsible for maintaining their uniforms and accessories. Uniformed personnel will replace and repair their personally purchased items at their own expense as needed. BSO-issued logistics items will be replaced as needed in accordance with Central Supply procedures and/or applicable bargaining unit agreements. Fire Rescue employees will coordinate the replacement of items through Fire Rescue Logistics. E. Exchange/Return of Uniforms: All uniforms including traffic vests and body armor are the property of BSO and are to be returned to Central Supply upon leaving the agency. All BSO-issued clothing items must be clean and dry when returned to Central Supply. 3.2.3 Deputy Sheriff Class A Uniform: Class A uniforms will only be worn by deputy sheriffs and are comprised of the following: A. BSO-issued long-sleeve green shirt and long black tie or optional women’s petite cross-over tie with the following: 1. Law enforcement or detention badge Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 2 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2. BSO shoulder patches 3. Name tag 4. Rank insignia if applicable 5. Specialization emblems if applicable 6. Ribbon bars (optional) 7. Bargaining unit emblems (optional) B. BSO-issued green pants with black stripes C. Black basket weave belt with reversible Velcro inner belt D. Black patent leather shoes, police/military type boots, or other footwear stipulated by bargaining unit agreements E. Plain black socks (crew-length or higher) 3.2.4 Deputy Sheriff Class B Uniform: Class B uniforms will only be worn by deputy sheriffs and are comprised of the following: A. BSO-issued green short/long-sleeve shirt with the following: 1. Law enforcement or detention badge 2. BSO shoulder patches 3. Name tag 4. Rank insignia if applicable 5. Specialization emblems if applicable 6. Ribbon bars (optional) Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 3 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 7. Bargaining unit emblems (optional) B. BSO-issued green short/long-sleeve hybrid shirt (optional), may be worn as a substitute for the Class B long/short sleeve shirts. The hybrid shirt may only be worn under the uniformed load bearing vest carrier and will include the following: 1. Authorized embroidered badge logo on the left chest 2. Name strip on the right chest 3. BSO shoulder patches 4. Rank insignia if applicable C. Black crewneck or black/white V-neck undershirt D. BSO-issued green pants with black stripes E. Black basket weave belt with reversible Velcro inner belt F. Black patent leather shoes, police/military type boots, or other footwear stipulated by bargaining unit agreements G. Plain black socks (crew-length or higher) 3.2.5 Deputy Sheriff Class C Uniform (For Approved Personnel): Class C uniforms will only be worn by deputy sheriffs (e.g. road patrol, detectives, DOD) if the uniform will not jeopardize their assignment and when authorized by command. A. Class C uniforms will be comprised of the following: 1. Authorized green short-sleeve or long-sleeve collared pullover shirt with the sworn Sheriff’s logo on the left chest and the name embroidered on the right. Collared shirts with the Sheriff’s logo are not considered Class C shirts unless worn with the following: a. Black crewneck or black/white V-neck undershirt (optional) Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 4 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL b. BSO-issued green pants with black stripes. At the discretion of command, authorized employees may wear BSO-issued green tactical BDU-type pants. c. Black basket weave with reversible Velcro belt d. Black patent leather shoes, police/military type boots, or other footwear stipulated by bargaining unit agreements e. Plain black socks (crew-length or higher) 3.2.6 Holsters, Gun Belt and Accessories: Uniformed deputies will only wear holsters, gun belts and accessories issued through Central Supply. A. Holsters: 1. Deputies on road patrol or any other uniformed enforcement unit (e.g., Department of Detention perimeter deputies, Civil, Marine Patrol, Bike Patrol, K-9) will only wear the BSO-issued holster. Holsters with retention capabilities will always be worn with all retention devices engaged unless reasonable circumstances would create a need to disengage one or more retention devices. 2. Detectives working in specialized enforcement units (e.g., SID, CST, and other tactical units) will wear the BSO-issued holster when participating in planned arrest/enforcement activities. Holsters with retention capabilities will always be worn with all retention devices engaged unless reasonable circumstances would create a need to disengage one or more retention devices. 3. Non-uniformed sworn personnel may purchase and wear a holster made specifically for their firearm. The holster must be equipped with an internal locking device and the trigger guard must be covered by the holster. Holsters having an index finger release are not authorized because of the potential to cause an unintentional discharge. 4. Deputies may also purchase concealable holsters for off-duty wear. Deputies must ensure that their firearm and holster are completely concealed when worn and do not show through their clothing. Deputies will Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 5 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL also be responsible for ensuring the holster used covers the trigger guard and is capable of retaining the firearm during normal movement. Deputies choosing to carry their firearm in this manner do so at their own discretion. 5. Drop holsters may be worn by SWAT, ERT or QRF while on duty if approved by the respective commands. 6. Shoulder holsters designed to ensure firearm retention and safety are authorized for on-duty Aviation Unit Pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. 7. Approved holsters will not be altered and should be periodically inspected to ensure proper working order (retention features not damaged, leather and nylon not torn, snaps working properly, etc.). 8. Due to the vast number of holsters available that fit our current guidelines, employees are to contact Central Supply with any questions regarding holster purchases. 9. Deputies will not affix holsters to tactical outer vests. This will not apply to SWAT personnel involved in a SWAT mission. B. Gun Belt and Accessories: 1. Mandatory Gun Belt Items: Mandatory gun belt items with the exception of firearms will be issued by Central Supply in accordance with policy and/or applicable bargaining unit agreements. All gun belt items must be consistent in respect to color, design, and fabric. Mandatory gun belt items are: a. Gun Belt: Belts must be black basket weave and Velcro-backed. b. Holster and Firearm: Must be in accordance with BSO policy and/or applicable bargaining unit agreements. c. Magazine Pouch: Pouches must be black basket weave. Magazine pouches positioned sideways with the opening to the front will be worn directly in front of the firearm holster. Magazine pouches positioned in the upright position will be worn on the front/side opposite the holster. Magazines will be fully loaded with BSO-issued ammunition. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 6 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL d. Handcuffs and Case: Handcuffs will be BSO-issued. Additional handcuffs purchased by the deputy must be from the same manufacturer as those issued by BSO and must be black or silver in color. Handcuff cases must be black basket weave and may be worn on the front side of the belt. Handcuff cases worn on the back side of the belt must be on the opposite side of the holster. Additional handcuffs purchased by the deputy must be from the approved handcuff list available through Central Supply. e. Radio and Holder: Holders may be BSO-issued or purchased by the deputy and worn on the side opposite the holster. If purchased by the deputy, holders must be black. f. Less Than Lethal Weapon: All uniformed deputies will carry at least one of the following: (1) Expandable Baton and holder: Expandable batons will be BSO-issued. Deputies may purchase a 21" or 26” expandable baton and black basket weave pouch. Additional expandable batons purchased by a deputy must be from the same manufacturer issued by BSO. A deputy may use an ASP, Monadnock, or Peacekeeper expandable baton. (2) OC spray and black basket-weave pouch (3) Taser and holster g. Tourniquet (TQ) and Tourniquet holder (DLE) (DOD where applicable) Note: Other style gun belts must be approved by the uniform committee and authorized by the Sheriff. 2. Optional Gun Belt Items: a. Flashlight and Ring: Flashlights may be BSO-issued or purchased by the deputy. If purchased by the deputy, flashlights must be black. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 7 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL Flashlight rings must be black basket weave with a black, gold, or silver ring. b. Mini-Flashlight and Pouch: Mini-flashlights must be black, and pouches must be black basket weave. c. Nightstick/Ring: Nightstick and nightstick ring must be BSO-issued. d. Keepers: Keepers must be black basket weave. e. Disposable Gloves Pouch: Pouches must be black basket weave. f. Knife and Pouch: Knives and pouches may be purchased by the deputy and must be black basket weave. The maximum closed length of the knife is not to exceed five inches. Pouches, if worn, must be black basket weave. g. Other Accessories: Other accessories carried on the gun belt must be authorized by the Sheriff or designee. C. Majors and above will have the option of wearing the full duty belt or the black basket weave trouser belt with approved firearm/holster with reloading devices. Accessories may be worn as desired. D. Deputies authorized to wear Class C uniforms may wear the regulation gun belt and accessories or the black basket weave trouser belt with authorized holster and firearm with reloading devices. 3.2.7 Rank Insignia for Law Enforcement: All rank insignia will be issued by BSO. It is the employee’s responsibility to properly place insignia on their uniform. Rank insignia will not be worn on the Class C uniform. A. Sergeant Chevrons: Chevrons will be worn centered on the sleeve of the uniform shirt with the top point of the chevron 2" below the BSO patch. B. Collar Rank Insignia (DLE and DOD): 1. Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel: Collar insignia will be worn as indicated in 3.2.7C. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 8 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL a. Small rank insignia will be worn on uniform shirts of lieutenants and above. b. Large rank insignia will be worn only on shoulder epaulets of BSO winter jackets. C. Proper Donning of Rank Insignias: COLONEL LT. COLONEL 3/4 Inch from Top Edge of Collar 3/4 Inch from Top Edge of Collar Aligned to Top Edge of Collar Aligned to Top Edge of Collar 3/4 Inch from Tie Edge 3/4 Inch from Tie Edge Oak Leaf stem points perpendicular to top Edge MAJOR CAPTAIN Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 9 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3/4 Inch from Top Edge of Collar 3/4 Inch from Top Edge of Collar Aligned to Top Edge of Collar Aligned to Top Edge of Collar 3/4 Inch from Tie Edge 3/4 Inch from Tie Edge Oak Leaf stem points perpendicular to top Edge LIEUTENANT 3/4 Inch from Top Edge of Collar Aligned to Top Edge of Collar 3/4 Inch from Tie Edge 3.2.8 BSO Shoulder Patches: Shoulder patches will be worn on Class A/B uniform shirts and the outer winter/cold weather jacket 1/4" below the shoulder seam. 3.2.9 Name Tag/ Ribbon Bar/ Pin/ Fraternal Emblem/ Specialization Emblem: Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 10 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL A. Name Tag: Worn centered with the bottom edge of the name tag resting on the top seam of the right- shirt pocket flap. B. Ribbon Bars: Worn centered 1/4" above the top edge of the name tag. Ribbon bars will be worn two abreast in descending order of precedence. C. Appurtenances will be added to each ribbon bar to represent receiving the award more than once. Appurtenances will be worn centered on the ribbon bar as follows: 1. One gold star for each added award up to four added awards 2. One gold leaf for five added awards 3. One gold cross for 10 added awards 4. One gold acorn for 15 added awards D. Bargaining unit emblems may be worn on the right-shirt pocket flap. E. Specialization Emblems: Worn centered on the left-shirt pocket flap. If two or more emblems are worn, they will be spaced an equal distance apart on the pocket flap. 3.2.10 Service Stripes (Hash Marks) for DLE and DOD: A. Service stripes may be worn with the green long-sleeve uniform shirt only. B. Service stripes for DLE and DOD will be gold/yellow in color, approximately 2 ¼ inches in length, and sewn onto a green background with a gold/yellow border. C. Service Stripes will be worn four inches from the bottom of the sleeve, along the inward center crease of the shirt. D. Each service stripe will represent a period of four years of sworn service and will only be authorized after completing the first four years of service. E. For each additional four years of service, another stripe is added. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 11 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL F. Sworn employees who have additional sworn service time with other law enforcement/detention agencies may consider that service time in displaying the appropriate number of service stripes. G. Service stripes will be issued by Central Supply. H. The service stripes will be presented to sworn personnel separate from the issuing of longevity service pin cycles. 3.2.11 Badges: A. Personnel assigned to the Department of Law Enforcement, Detention, or Communications will be issued badges. B. The badge will be worn centered over the left-shirt pocket and pinned through reinforced areas provided on the Class A/B uniform shirts. 3.2.12 Headwear: A. Authorized uniformed personnel may wear BSO-issued baseball-style caps. B. When worn, the baseball-style cap will be placed squarely on the head, with the cap bill centered over the wearer’s face. Caps may not be altered from their original appearance (i.e., bending down corners of the bill). C. The Executive Director of the Department of Detention and Community Programs or designee will be responsible for authorizing specific detention personnel or posts to wear the baseball style cap. Those authorized to do so will follow the above headwear policy. 3.2.13 Jackets: Only jackets issued/approved by BSO or authorized by the Sheriff will be worn with the Class A, B, and C uniforms. 3.2.14 Footwear for DLE and DOD: A. Authorized Footwear: The following styles of footwear will be authorized to wear with Class A, B, and C uniforms: 1. Black, clarino (or patent leather), plain toe, oxford, military-style shoes Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 12 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2. Black, low quarter-style shoes or black military/police style boots 3. Solid black athletic shoes B. Unauthorized Footwear: The following styles of footwear will not be worn with Class A, B, and C uniforms: 1. Moccasin-style shoes 2. Stitched or canvas-style shoes 3. Cowboy/Western style boots C. Exceptions: 1. In special assignments (Canine, SWAT, QRF, etc.), district/division commanders may authorize other applicable footwear. 2. Shoes specifically described in current bargaining unit agreements or contracts may be worn. 3. Employees wearing specific footwear prescribed by a physician must provide medical documentation to Human Resources. Human Resources will notify the employee’s command. 3.2.15 Socks: Socks will be plain black (crew-length and higher). If white socks are needed for medical reasons, employees will wear socks with a white foot and black upper section or may wear a black sock over the white sock. 3.2.16 Ties: Employees wearing the Class A uniform are required to wear the BSO- issued tie. All deputies or employees assigned to field operations will wear the BSO-issued tie for the safety of the deputy or employee. 3.2.17 Body Armor: A. Protective vests will be MANDATORY for deputies assigned to field activities and pre-planned or high-risk operations as defined by the Sheriff. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 13 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL B. Protective vests/body armor while on duty will be optional but must be kept readily available when: [CFA 14.10] 1. Wearing civilian clothing. 2. Wearing the Class C uniform. 3. Involved in formal training sessions. 4. Assigned to non-field activities. C. Uniformed Load Bearing Vest Carrier: 1. May be purchased by the employee through the current vendor before the current vest expires and is issued by BSO. 2. Can only be worn over a green Class A or B uniform shirt and must be the same material as the green uniform shirt and must be maintained in good condition. 3. Alterations of any kind are prohibited. 4. The following items must be worn on the uniformed LBV: a. The employee’s name tape in yellow. b. One “Sheriff Broward County” identification velcro patch with letters in yellow c. One radio pouch d. One medical / trauma pouch (IFAK) 5. The following items are optional on the uniformed LBV: a. One handgun reloading device pouch b. One handcuff pouch Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 14 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL c. One flashlight pouch d. Two side soft trauma plates 6. Additional authorized pouches can be purchased through the current vendor at the employees’ expense. 7. The vest carrier will be issued by Central Supply. 8. Employees who have other types of uniformed shirt styled outer vest carriers may continue to wear those until issued an approved vest carrier. Once an employee has been issued the uniformed load bearing vest carrier, it will be the only approved model for that employee. 9. Authorized rifle plates can be purchased through the current vendor by employees or BSO (if deemed operationally necessary and approved through the employee’s command). 10. Taser holsters are prohibited on the vest carrier. 11. No patches are allowed on the vest carrier other than the nametape and “Sheriff Broward County”. D. Tactical Load Bearing Vest Carrier (LBV): 1. An LBV carrier will be issued to investigative personnel assigned to non- uniformed positions for the purpose of an investigative/tactical response. 2. The tactical LBV will be worn with the following: a. Employee’s name tape b. Sheriff’s star c. “Sheriff” patches on the front and back d. No other patches are allowed on the vest carrier unless approved by command. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 15 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 3. It is mandatory for investigative personnel issued the LBV carrier to wear the carrier with the soft body armor on all tactical operations. 4. Personnel shall ensure the LBV carrier is always in operational ready status. 5. For additional information regarding vest specifications, pouches, equipment, etc., see the DLE SOP. E. Protective vests will be kept clean, dry, and in good repair. Deputies will immediately notify Central Supply of damaged or defective vests. F. Deputies have the option to pay out of pocket to upgrade their protective vest/body armor to a higher threat level. The protective vest/body armor will remain the property of BSO upon separation of employment from BSO or expiration of the protective vest/body armor. G. Central Supply will ensure that all protective vests are within the manufacturer’s recommended expiration date. H. Ballistic Helmets: May be worn during response to critical incidents such as active shooters or riots. Deputies will have the ballistic helmet readily available when on duty. 3.2.18 Tactical Gloves: A. Tactical gloves shall not be worn while on patrol, performing routine activity, or interacting with the public in a non-threatening encounter; however, nothing herein shall preclude a deputy from donning tactical gloves to perform a search of a person, vehicle, or property. B. Armored or weighted gloves are strictly prohibited unless approved by command for a specialized assignment. 3.2.19 Code Inspectors Uniform: Code inspectors will wear uniforms prescribed by the Uniform Committee in accordance with applicable collective bargaining unit agreements. 3.2.20 Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Uniforms: Fire Rescue and Emergency Service uniforms are prescribed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Refer to Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 16 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL the Fire Rescue and Emergency Services SOP and the Collective Bargaining Agreement for policy and procedures regarding uniforms, uniform items, accessories and the use of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Uniforms. 3.2.21 Court Bailiff Uniform: Court bailiffs will report for duty in the standard court bailiff uniform, consisting of the following: A. White short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts with standard BSO shoulder patches B. Black trousers C. Black tie D. Silver-colored name tag E. Court bailiff badge F. Handcuffs and key G. Black basket-weave style belt, 2" wide H. Black socks (crew length and higher) I. Solid black shoes (black clarino/plain-toe oxford, military-style shoes consisting of rubber or leather and oil-resistant soles or black low-quarter military-style leather, plain toe, consisting of leather or rubber and oil-resistant soles) 3.2.22 Mourning Bands/Civilian Mourning Pins: A. The authorized mourning band should be no larger than ½” in height and be either solid black or solid black with a “thin blue line” through the center. B. Mourning bands will be placed across the badge. C. Line of Duty Deaths: 1. The mourning band should only be worn following a line of duty death of a law enforcement/correctional officer or firefighter within the State of Florida upon notification of the death until the end of the day of the funeral. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 17 of 18  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2. For a line of duty death of a law enforcement/correctional officer or firefighter outside the State of Florida, the mourning band should only be worn while attending funeral and burial services. 3. Non-sworn employees are authorized to wear the civilian mourning pin following a line of duty death for a law enforcement/correctional officer or firefighter. Pins will be worn in accordance with the timetable designated for mourning bands. D. Non-Line of Duty Deaths: The mourning band may be worn only while attending funeral and burial services. E. The mourning band will be authorized to be worn during the National Peace Officers Memorial Day, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the State of Florida Memorial Day and the Broward County Memorial Day. F. Mourning bands and/or the civilian mourning pin will also be authorized to be worn at the discretion of the Sheriff or designee. Reviewed: 11/03/2021 Revised: 01/06/2022 Rescinds: 07/09/2021 Effective: 01/16/2022 3.2 Page 18 of 18