15-16 Uniform, Equipment and Appearance Standards

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Procedure -
This Procedure sets out uniform and appearance standards as described in the following appendices

Answer 2

 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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

non–issued articles of uniform and equipment and a description of how specific articles of issued clothing and equipment are to be worn.

Question 4

Procedure - Appendix E contains various articles of uniform and equipment issued when performing specific duties including

Answer 4

bicycle and motorcycle duties.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Specialized Operations Command

Professional Standards Support – Governance.

Question 6

Procedure - Members SHALL not purchase, acquire, wear or use any item of clothing or equipment that has not been

Answer 6

approved by the joint management/association Clothing and Equipment Committee and authorized by the Chief of Police.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

otherwise authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer.

Question 8

Appearance Standards - Order of Dress -
The order of dress for uniform members include

Answer 8

 Uniform of the Day
 Formal

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

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

Answer 10

 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.

Question 11

Appearance Standards - Formal - To be worn by members when being presented to the

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Appearance Standards - Mess - To be worn by Command Officers and Senior Officers when attending a

Answer 12

mess dinner, an evening function and when directed by the Chief of Police.

Question 13

Court Dress – In Uniform -
When attending court in uniform, members SHALL wear the

Answer 13

uniform of the day, except that of the multi–purpose patrol jacket (bomber style) and rainwear SHALL not be worn when giving evidence.

Question 14

Court Dress – In Uniform - Members who have been assaulted or obstructed while in uniform, in the execution of their duties, SHALL

Answer 14

appear in court respecting such charge in the uniform of the day.

Question 15

Court Dress – Not in Uniform Members attending court while not in uniform SHALL be neat and clean in appearance and wear

Answer 15

 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.

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

April 01 to October 31

Question 17

Summer Dress - During this period, members in uniform, wearing the uniform of the day (administrative or operational), have the option of not wearing a

Answer 17

tie. This option is not available to Uniformed Senior Officers and Uniformed Command Officers.

Question 18

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

Answer 18

short–sleeved shirt and sunscreen would achieve this objective while mitigating the risk of heat stress.

Question 19

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,

Answer 19

collar button

no part of the T–shirt may be visible.

Question 20

Summer Dress - When climatic conditions demand that other authorized article of uniform is worn as the exposed article of clothing, the

Answer 20

no tie option is still available with the ‘Uniform of the Day’ order of dress.

Question 21

Member - When performing non–uniformed duties SHALL be

Answer 21

neat, clean and attired in court dress unless otherwise directed by their Unit Commander.

Question 22

Member - When required to perform duties in uniform SHALL

Answer 22

 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

Question 23

Member - When issued with articles of uniform and/or equipment SHALL

Answer 23

 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

Question 24

Member - While in uniform, officers carrying firearms SHALL comply with

Answer 24

Procedure 15–03. NIP

Question 25

Member - While in uniform, members SHALL

Answer 25

 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.

Question 26

Member - When assigned to a uniform function, members

Answer 26

 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

Question 27

Member - When assigned to a uniform function, members SHALL

Answer 27

 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

Question 28

Member - When assigned to a non–uniform function, officers may request to deviate from the prescribed standards of appearance by completing a

Answer 28

TPS 779 approved by their Unit Commander.

Question 29

Member - Members initiated in the Sikh religion may wear the 5 Kakaarsor 5 Ks. These physical symbols of

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

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.

Answer 30

Dastar (turban)

TPS badge

Question 31

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.

Answer 31

hijab

Question 32

Member - Members of the Hindu faith may wear a _____ in accordance with their religious beliefs

Answer 32

nose stud

Question 33

Member - Aboriginal members may deviate from the prescribed standards of appearance and wear their hair

Answer 33

braided as part of their spiritual practice. Braids SHALL be kept in a neat manner.

Question 34

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.

Answer 34

special headdress or safety equipment

Question 35

Member - When requesting approval to wear their issued uniform or equipment while off duty, other than when commuting to and from work, SHALL

Answer 35

submit a request on an internal correspondence to their Unit Commander.

Question 36

Member - When not in use, issued articles of uniform and equipment, other than firearms SHALL be stored in the member’s

Answer 36

secured personal locker or principal residence in compliance with Procedure 15–03.

Question 37

Member - When an issued article of uniform and/or equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or unserviceable

Answer 37

 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

Question 38

Member - When requesting an issued article of uniform and/or equipment SHALL

Answer 38

 if due to loss, theft or damage, complete a TPS 592, or
 for all other reasons, complete a TPS 587

Question 39

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

Answer 39

 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

Question 40

Member - Upon resignation, retirement or dismissal SHALL return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with

Answer 40

Procedure 14–14. NIP

Question 41

Member - When on secondment and not required to perform regular employment duties, or when on an extended leave of absence, SHALL

Answer 41

Return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with Procedure 14–15.

Question 42

Member - When on a leave of absence for a period longer than ninety (90) consecutive days SHALL, unless otherwise directed by the

Answer 42

Chief of Police, return to their Unit Commander all of their Service issued use of force equipment.

Question 43

Member - When suspended from duty SHALL return their issued uniform and equipment in compliance with Procedures 13–08 or 13–10, as applicable.

Answer 43

 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.

Question 44

Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When members parade for duty SHALL ensure each member is

Answer 44

fit for duty and properly attired and equipped as prescribed in this Procedure.

Question 45

Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When a member is suspended from duty, SHALL ensure compliance with

Answer 45

Procedure 13–08 or 13–10, as applicable.

Question 46

Officer in Charge / Supervisor - When directed to retrieve Service issued uniform and equipment which a member has surrendered and/or returned SHALL

Answer 46

 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

Question 47

Definitions - Appearance Standards

Answer 47

refers to the standards set by the Service with respect to hair, sideburns, beards, goatees, moustache, jewellery and clothing.

Question 48

Definitions - Member – Uniform & Equipment

Answer 48

in reference to uniform, equipment and appearance standards, includes a police officer, civilian member, and auxiliary member.

Question 49

Definitions - Secure Area

Answer 49

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.

Question 50

Definitions - Service Vehicle

Answer 50

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.