301490

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: June 25, 2010  Amends - GO 6.4.9 (January 28, 2008) Number: 6.4.9 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: September Reviewing Authority: SOD / Narcotics Subject: Wearing Of Masks This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide for wearing of concealing masks to preserve the identity of all undercover deputies while taking into consideration the public perception of the agency. 2. Policy A deputy sheriff in an undercover assignment may wear a mask to conceal his/her identity. 3. Definitions Mask - will be "ski -type", black in color. 4. Procedures A. The wearing of masks for concealment purposes is permitted only for deputies in actual undercover assignments where concealment of the deputy's identity is essential to the job task. B. Those personnel who are authorized to wear masks shall avoid such dur ing situations or actions where suspects or members of the public would have reasonable doubt that the deputy is a bona fide member of law enforcement. C. The deputy wearing the mask shall also wear an agency uniform (or) smock or other apparel which clea rly identifies him/her as a law enforcement officer. D. Masks are not to be worn on initial entries to homes or businesses. E. Masks are acceptable only if uniformed personnel are present, or at least one (1) deputy is unmasked and identifiable by apparel which clearly identifies him or her as a law enforcement officer. F. Supervisors of undercover units are charged with the responsibility to assess the benefits or liabilities associated with the wearing of masks and appropriately endorse or deny t he use. 6.4.9, Page 2 of 2 G. The above will not preclude the use of ballistic or concealment masks authorized by the SWAT Team Commander.