Policy Text
Policy
1019San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentUniforms and Civilian Attire - 1Uniforms and Civilian Attire
1019.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for San Luis Obispo Police Department-authorized uniforms and
civilian attire regulations. It is established to ensure that uniformed members will be readily
identifiable to the public through the proper use and wearing of department uniforms, and that the
appearance of members who wear civilian attire reflects favorably on the Department.
This policy addresses the wearing and maintenance of department uniforms, accessories,
insignia, patches and badge; the requirements for members who wear civilian attire; and the
authorized use of optional equipment and accessories by members of the Department.
Other related topics are addressed in the Department-Owned and Personal Property, Personal
Appearance Standards, Visible Display of Identification, and Facial Coverings policies.
The Uniform and Equipment Specifications Manual is maintained and periodically updated by the
Chief of Police or the authorized designee. The manual should be consulted regarding authorized
equipment and uniform specifications.
1019.2 POLICY
The San Luis Obispo Police Department will provide uniforms for all employees who are required
to wear them in the manner, quantity, and frequency agreed upon in the respective employee
group's memorandum of understanding. The Department may provide other department members
with uniforms at the direction of the Chief of Police.
All uniforms and equipment issued to department members shall be returned to the Department
upon termination or resignation.
1019.3 UNIFORMS
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall maintain and update uniform and equipment
specifications, which should be consulted by all members as needed. Uniforms shall be worn as
described therein and as specified in this policy.
The following shall apply to those assigned to wear department-issued uniforms:
(a)Uniform and equipment shall be maintained in a serviceable condition and shall be
ready at all times for immediate use. Uniforms shall be neat, clean, and appear
professionally pressed.
(b)Officers in a non-uniformed assignment shall possess and maintain at all times, a
serviceable uniform and the necessary equipment to perform uniformed field duty.
(c)Uniforms shall be worn in compliance with any applicable department specifications.
(d)Members shall wear only the uniform specified for their ranks and assignments (Penal
Code § 13655).
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Uniforms and Civilian Attire
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/22, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentUniforms and Civilian Attire - 2(e)Civilian attire shall not be worn in combination with any distinguishable part of the
uniform.
(f)Uniforms are only to be worn while on-duty, for court, at official department functions
or events, while in transit to or from work, or when authorized by the Chief of Police
or the authorized designee.
1.When the uniform is worn while in transit, a non-uniform outer garment shall be
worn over the uniform shirt to avoid bringing attention to the member while they
are off-duty.
(g)Members are not to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages while wearing any part of
the department-issued uniform, including the uniform pants.
(h)All supervisors will perform periodic inspections of members under their commands
to ensure conformance to this policy.
1019.3.1 ACCESSORIES
Members shall adhere to the following when wearing department uniforms:
(a)Mirrored sunglasses will not be worn.
(b)Jewelry shall be in accordance with the specifications in Personal Appearance
Standards Policy.
1019.3.2 INSIGNIA, PATCHES, AND BADGE
Only the following elements may be affixed to department uniforms unless an exception is
authorized by the Chief of Police:
(a)Shoulder patch - The authorized shoulder patch supplied by the Department shall be
machine stitched to the sleeves of all uniform shirts and jackets, three-quarters of an
inch below the shoulder seam of the shirt and be bisected by the crease in the sleeve.
(b)Badge - The department-issued badge, or an authorized sewn-on cloth replica, must
be worn and visible at all times while in uniform.
(c)Nameplate - The regulation nameplate, or an authorized sewn-on cloth nameplate,
shall be worn at all times while in uniform (Penal Code § 830.10). The nameplate
shall display the employee's first initial and last name. If the employee desires other
than the legal first name, the employee must receive approval from the Chief of
Police. The nameplate shall be worn and placed above the right pocket located in the
middle, bisected by the pressed shirt seam, with equal distance from both sides of the
nameplate to the outer edge of the pocket. The nameplate may be removed at the
direction of the Chief of Police or the authorized designee during protests or rallies
or other events
1.When a jacket is worn, the nameplate, or an authorized sewn-on cloth
nameplate, shall be affixed to the jacket in the same manner as the uniform.
(d)Rank insignia - The designated insignia indicating the member's rank must be worn
at all times while in uniform. The Chief of Police may authorize exceptions.
(e)Service insignia - The designated insignia indicating the member's length of service
may be worn on long-sleeve shirts and jackets. The insignia shall be machine stitched
San Luis Obispo Police Department