The Saint Paul Police Department is a uniformed organization.  Properly wearing the uniform enhances the department’s public image, and fosters individual officer pride, self-esteem, and professionalism.  All sworn members of the department will wear the designated uniform of the day while on duty. 

Exceptions:

  • Chief of Police

  • Assistant Chiefs

  • Deputy Chiefs

  • Personnel with a designated non-uniformed assignment, as authorized by the Chief of Police or designee

  • Command staff, for a specific temporary assignment or detail

  • Officer of any rank, for a specific temporary assignment or detail, when authorized by the applicable commander

  • Maternity uniforms: Approved maternity uniforms/ clothing will be worn by pregnant officers if their standard uniform no longer fits properly.

    Uniform Rules-General:
    Individual officers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their uniform items.  Uniforms will be neat, clean, and in good repair at all times.  Uniforms will be inspected periodically to ensure conformity with general orders.

    First-line supervisors shall be responsible for the appearance of those officers within their span of control.  It is also the responsibility of all police supervisors, regardless of their assignment, to address and correct any observed uniform or appearance related deficiency of a subordinate.

    Role and Responsibilities:

    The Deputy Chief of Operations is responsible for compliance with the city ordinance and union contract with regard to purchasing of uniforms.  Therefore, any requests for changes to the uniform or unit specific uniform/attire must be routed through the office of the Deputy Chief of Operations.   No change may be implemented prior to approval.  The policy and uniform guide must be updated to reflect the change prior the wearing of the new attire.

    The rules and regulations will establish standard, designate uniform items and delineate how, where, when and by whom the uniform shall be worn. (See Saint Paul Administrative Code 35.01 - 35.08 & 36.01 – 36.05 and G.O. 202.09) 

    Revised August 24, 2018

Last Edited: August 24, 2018