15-16 Uniform, Equipment and Appearance Standards Flashcards
What is the Rationale?
The Toronto Police Service (Service) uniform is readily recognized and respected within the community we serve.
This Procedure sets out the approved uniform, equipment and appearance standards for members. These standards have been developed to ensure compliance with specific legislation and for maximizing safety.
As such, it is imperative that members who wear a uniform of the Service do so with pride and adhere to the standards set out by the Service.
All members SHALL have all the articles of Service issued clothing and equipment required for uniform duties at the ready, regardless of the current function to which they are assigned.
Procedure -
This Procedure sets out uniform and appearance standards as described in the following appendices
Appendix A Uniform and Equipment Standards – Uniformed Command Officers and Uniformed Senior Officers
Appendix B Uniform and Equipment Standards – Police Constable to Staff Sergeant (includes Police Constables, Sergeants/Detectives, Staff Sergeants/Detective Sergeants)
Appendix C Uniform and Equipment Standards – Uniformed Civilian Members (includes Cadets–in–Training, Parking Enforcement Officers, Court Officers, Special Constables, Document Servers, Station Duty Operators and Duty Desk Operators)
Appendix D Uniform and Equipment Standards – Auxiliary Members and Volunteers
Appendix E Uniform and Equipment Standards – Officers – Specialized Functions
Appendix F Appearance Standards – Officers and Civilian Uniformed Members
Appendix G Wearing of Decorations and Medals
Appendix H Wearing of Name Badges
Procedure - Appendices A to D above contain the approved order of dress for each category and list the various articles of issued uniform and equipment. Also listed are the approved
non–issued articles of uniform and equipment and a description of how specific articles of issued clothing and equipment are to be worn.
Procedure - Appendix E contains various articles of uniform and equipment issued when performing specific duties including
bicycle and motorcycle duties.
Procedure - A listing of the approved uniform and equipment for specialized units will be maintained and updated as required at the unit level. __________ will maintain a listing of all approved uniform and equipment, for specialized units. The listings of uniform and equipment contained in the appendices of this Procedure will be amended as required by
Specialized Operations Command
Professional Standards Support – Governance.
Procedure - Members SHALL not purchase, acquire, wear or use any item of clothing or equipment that has not been
approved by the joint management/association Clothing and Equipment Committee and authorized by the Chief of Police.
Procedure - Any jewellery or non–issued articles lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed SHALL not be repaired or replaced at the expense of the Service, except when
otherwise authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer.
Appearance Standards - Order of Dress -
The order of dress for uniform members include
Uniform of the Day
Formal
Appearance Standards - Uniform of the Day – Operational - To be worn by members during regular duties including _____________
With the permission of the Chief of Police, specialized units, including but not limited to ______________, may deviate from the prescribed uniform due to the function being performed. Specialized Operations Command will maintain a current listing of approved items of clothing and equipment for each specialized unit.
Members performing specialized functions such as ___________may also deviate from the prescribed uniform, with the permission of the Chief of Police. (Refer to Appendix E)
Each deviation from the standard uniform of the day must be
court and when directed by the Chief of Police. Includes seasonal variations.
*Specialized Emergency Response – Emergency Task Force (ETF), Specialized Emergency Response – Marine, Specialized Emergency Response – Police Dog Services, Emergency Management & Public Order, the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit, and Traffic Services
bicycle duties and motorcycle/ATV duties
requested in writing and authorized by the Chief of Police.
*For ease of identification, the grey tactical uniform has been reserved for ETF only.
Appearance Standards - Uniform of the Day – Administrative - To be worn by members during regular duties performed in a secure area of a police facility, including when attending the Toronto Police College for training, unless otherwise instructed, or when an officer has a medical exemption from carrying a service weapon. An armed member must accompany members wearing the “Administrative Uniform of the Day” when not in a secure area.
The following equipment is not required with Administrative dress
baton – ASP collapsible and scabbard
bio hazard pouch and mask
firearm, holster and magazine pouch
flash light and holder
gunbelt and keepers
handcuffs, handcuff pouch and handcuff key
OC spray and holder
portable radio case and holder
soft body armour and carrier
taser and holster
whistle
Members have the option of wearing black leather oxfords in lieu of dress boots.
Appearance Standards - Formal - To be worn by members when being presented to the
Toronto Police Services Board or
appearing before a promotional board,
attending a police funeral, a church service or an awards ceremony,
and when directed by the Chief of Police.
Some articles of clothing and equipment are available on loan from Fleet & Materials Management (FLT) and must be returned as directed by FLT.
Appearance Standards - Mess - To be worn by Command Officers and Senior Officers when attending a
mess dinner, an evening function and when directed by the Chief of Police.
Court Dress – In Uniform -
When attending court in uniform, members SHALL wear the
uniform of the day, except that of the multi–purpose patrol jacket (bomber style) and rainwear SHALL not be worn when giving evidence.
Court Dress – In Uniform - Members who have been assaulted or obstructed while in uniform, in the execution of their duties, SHALL
appear in court respecting such charge in the uniform of the day.
Court Dress – Not in Uniform Members attending court while not in uniform SHALL be neat and clean in appearance and wear
a two or three piece suit, shirt, tie, dress socks and dress shoes, or
a sport jacket or blazer, trousers, shirt, tie, dress socks and dress shoes, or
a jacket, skirt, blouse/sweater, appropriate hosiery and dress shoes, or
a dress, appropriate hosiery and dress shoes, or
a jacket, slacks, blouse/sweater, appropriate hosiery and dress shoes.
Summer Dress -
The summer dress options will be in effect during the period of ______. For the purposes of this Procedure any date outside of the summer dress period SHALL be referred to as winter.
April 01 to October 31
Summer Dress - During this period, members in uniform, wearing the uniform of the day (administrative or operational), have the option of not wearing a
tie. This option is not available to Uniformed Senior Officers and Uniformed Command Officers.
Summer Dress - Although long–sleeved or short–sleeved shirts may be worn, the best method of preventing acute exposure to UV radiation is by limiting exposure. Use of a
short–sleeved shirt and sunscreen would achieve this objective while mitigating the risk of heat stress.
Summer Dress - Only the ________of the uniform shirt SHALL be left open when the tie is not worn. Furthermore, if the member chooses to wear a T–shirt underneath the uniform shirt,
collar button
no part of the T–shirt may be visible.
Summer Dress - When climatic conditions demand that other authorized article of uniform is worn as the exposed article of clothing, the
no tie option is still available with the ‘Uniform of the Day’ order of dress.
Member - When performing non–uniformed duties SHALL be
neat, clean and attired in court dress unless otherwise directed by their Unit Commander.
Member - When required to perform duties in uniform SHALL
wear issued articles of uniform and equipment and/or the non–issued clothing and equipment approved by the Chief of Police as contained in this Procedure
parade for duty at scheduled time unless otherwise instructed
wear the issued reflective vest when performing traffic duties, high visibility activities or as directed by a supervisor
Member - When issued with articles of uniform and/or equipment SHALL
be responsible for the good care, serviceable condition and safe storage of issued articles of uniform and equipment, including temporarily assigned items
keep uniforms clean and pressed
keep leather boots and equipment polished, as applicable
keep their issued officer safety helmet in the trunk of the assigned police vehicle and wear it when
ordered to do so by a supervisor
it is believed there is a potential for serious bodily harm to themselves
not use articles of uniform or equipment issued to another member, nor lend their issued articles of uniform and equipment to another member, except when authorized by a supervisor
not use or wear their issued uniform or equipment while off-duty without obtaining prior approval from the Chief of Police, except when commuting to and from work
not apply any substance to, or alter, any article of uniform or equipment so as to affect its reissuance
Member - While in uniform, officers carrying firearms SHALL comply with
Procedure 15–03. NIP
Member - While in uniform, members SHALL
at all times be clean and tidy in appearance
at all times wear their approved headdress in the prescribed method (refer to Appendix F), except when in a Service building, when driving or riding in a Service vehicle or in circumstance when courtesy dictates
Members may exercise discretion on the type of approved headdress they decide to wear, as approved for weather conditions of the day.
at all times Sikh members wear their approved head dress in the prescribed method (refer to Appendix F), except when in a Service building may wear their Dastar (turban) without the band or badge, unless otherwise directed
at all times wear their issued name badges in compliance with Appendix H
only wear hose and/or scarves of plain black or plain navy blue
only wear plain black gloves except for traffic duties, parades or designated functions
not wear other than authorized apparel exposed to view
not carry parcels, umbrellas or other articles except as required in the performance of duty
not conceal from view or remove their issued numerals from its prescribed location on their headdress or epaulette sleeves, from the prescribed outerwear or shirt
not wear any substitute article of uniform or equipment except as authorized by the Chief of Police
not wear jewellery other than a wristwatch, rings, Medic–Alert bracelet, health-benefit type items, or a maximum of two plain stud type gold or silver earrings, one stud per ear lobe. No other visible body piercing SHALL be allowed
Members may wear a necklace with a religious pendant provided it is not clearly visible or noticeable.
not wear excessive facial or other make–up
when required to wear prescription glasses, only wear glasses of a conservative design and colour
Members may, when necessary, wear sunglasses provided they are of a conservative design and colour. Mirror–type lenses SHALL not be worn while in uniform.
not display any tattoo or body art that is likely to bring discredit upon the reputation of the Service including tattoos that
depict nudity or violence
use profane words or phrases
may be perceived as gang related
may contravene any section of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Member - When assigned to a uniform function, members
may wear sideburns, beard, goatee and moustache as specified in Appendix F
SHALL keep their hair, sideburns, beard, goatee and moustache neat, clean, well-trimmed and in compliance with Appendix F
required to wear any operational equipment for personal safety or to perform an assigned task, SHALL modify their facial hair, in whole or in part, to accommodate the wearing of equipment which specifies any facial hair restrictions
SHALL be cognizant of their responsibilities as found in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and these
responsibilities SHALL not be compromised by the wearing of facial hair
Member - When assigned to a uniform function, members SHALL
keep their hair neat, clean and well–groomed
ensure hair does not fall below the lower edge of the uniform collar
if hair is longer than prescribed standard, pin and place hair underneath the forage cap, or
ensure that longer hair is tied neatly in a bun below the forage cap so not to interfere with the proper wearing of the forge cap
ensure hair holding devices do not interfere with the proper wearing of the forage cap
Hair holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair and must be plain in colour or as close to the member’s hair colour as possible. Members SHALL not use hair holding devices for decorative purposes.
Authorized hair holding devices include, but are not limited to, barrettes, pins, clips, hair ties/bands, or plain scrunchies (elasticized hair bands covered with material).
ensure their hair does not impair their vision comply with Appendix F
Member - When assigned to a non–uniform function, officers may request to deviate from the prescribed standards of appearance by completing a
TPS 779 approved by their Unit Commander.
Member - Members initiated in the Sikh religion may wear the 5 Kakaarsor 5 Ks. These physical symbols of
Khalsa are the Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kachhera and Kirpan (which will be no more than 19.05 cm (7.5 inches) in length). The Kesh (uncut hair) SHALL be worn in accordance with Appendix F.
Member - The Kesh (uncut hair) to be covered by a police issued _________, wrapped in the members preferred manner with the issued rank specific coloured uniform band/stripe attached to the Dastar (turban). The rank appropriate ______ SHALL be affixed and visible from the front of the Dastar( turban) in accordance with Appendix F.
Dastar (turban)
TPS badge
Member - Members of the Muslim faith may wear an issued _____ as part of their uniform. The hijab SHALL be worn in accordance with Appendix F.
hijab
Member - Members of the Hindu faith may wear a _____ in accordance with their religious beliefs
nose stud
Member - Aboriginal members may deviate from the prescribed standards of appearance and wear their hair
braided as part of their spiritual practice. Braids SHALL be kept in a neat manner.
Member - Notwithstanding items 9, 10 and 12, a member is required to wear any ______ that is necessary for bona fide operational reasons or as required by law.
special headdress or safety equipment
Member - When requesting approval to wear their issued uniform or equipment while off duty, other than when commuting to and from work, SHALL
submit a request on an internal correspondence to their Unit Commander.
Member - When not in use, issued articles of uniform and equipment, other than firearms SHALL be stored in the member’s
secured personal locker or principal residence in compliance with Procedure 15–03.
Member - When an issued article of uniform and/or equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or unserviceable
SHALL promptly report it through internal correspondence to their Unit Commander
SHALL complete an appropriate occurrence, where applicable
may be required to pay the cost of replacement and be subject to disciplinary action when articles of uniform or equipment, including temporarily assigned items, are damaged or lost due to carelessness or neglect
Member - When requesting an issued article of uniform and/or equipment SHALL
if due to loss, theft or damage, complete a TPS 592, or
for all other reasons, complete a TPS 587
Member - When a member wants to recommend a new article of clothing or equipment or a change to a current article of clothing or equipment, including specialized units/functions, SHALL
prepare a TPS 649 including a description of the item, cost, reasons for recommendation and any other pertinent information
forward the TPS 649 to the Unit Commander for approval
Member - Upon resignation, retirement or dismissal SHALL return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with
Procedure 14–14. NIP
Member - When on secondment and not required to perform regular employment duties, or when on an extended leave of absence, SHALL
Return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with Procedure 14–15.
Member - When on a leave of absence for a period longer than ninety (90) consecutive days SHALL, unless otherwise directed by the
Chief of Police, return to their Unit Commander all of their Service issued use of force equipment.
Member - When suspended from duty SHALL return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with Procedures 13–08 or 13–10, as applicable.
The surrender of Service issued uniform and equipment is an administrative function. Members SHALL continue to comply with the PSA and all Service Governance. A member is an employee of the Service until resignation, retirement, termination or death.
In the event that a member knows in advance that they will be taking an extended medical leave for a period longer than ninety (90) consecutive days, the member SHALL advise their Unit Commander and return their use of force equipment directly to the Toronto Police College – Armament Section.
Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When members parade for duty SHALL ensure each member is
fit for duty and properly attired and equipped as prescribed in this Procedure.
Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When a member is suspended from duty, SHALL ensure compliance with
Procedure 13–08 or 13–10, as applicable.
Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When directed to retrieve Service issued uniform and equipment which a member has surrendered and/or returned SHALL
store memorandum books in compliance with Procedure 13–17, when applicable
forward the eToken, when applicable
via internal mail to the attention of “Token Administration, 5th Floor, IOSS” for Units within Headquarters, or
retain token in the spare pool for reconfiguration and use by another member for Units outside of Headquarters
return to the Toronto Police College – Armament Section all Service issued use of force equipment, when applicable
deliver any applicable Service issued uniform and equipment to FLT
Definitions - Appearance Standards
refers to the standards set by the Service with respect to hair, sideburns, beards, goatees, moustache, jewellery and clothing.
Definitions - Member – Uniform & Equipment
in reference to uniform, equipment and appearance standards, includes a police officer, civilian member, and auxiliary member.
Definitions - Secure Area
means an area in a police facility which has been designated by the Unit Commander as restricted access and which cannot be accessed or viewed by the public.
Definitions - Service Vehicle
means any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or bicycle owned or operated by the Service and used to perform duties on behalf of the Service. This includes vehicles leased, owned, or rented by or loaned to the Service, or a Service trailer which is towed by a Service vehicle.