GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL
TITLE: UNIFORMS & ATTIRE
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
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UNIFORMS & ATTIRE
1024.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for Lincoln 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 Badges, Patches and Identification, Department-Owned and Personal Property, and Personal Appearance Standards policies.
1024.2 POLICY
The Lincoln Police Department will provide uniforms for all employees who are required to wear them. 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, resignation, or retirement as designated by the Chief of Police.
1024.3 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) Uniforms 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 uniforms specified for their ranks and assignments.
(e) Civilian attire shall not be worn in combination with any distinguishable part of a 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, working off-duty jobs that require a member to be in uniform, or when authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
(g) Members shall not purchase or drink alcoholic beverages while wearing any part of department-issued uniforms, including the uniform pants.
(h) All supervisors shall perform periodic inspections of members under their command to ensure conformance to this policy.
1024.3.1 ACCESSORIES
Members shall adhere to the following when wearing department uniforms:
(a) Jewelry shall be in accordance with the specifications in the Personal Appearance Standards Policy.
(b) Badge and all metallic items shall maintained with a high luster.
(c) Articles carried in the pockets of the uniform shall be concealed, with the exception of pen.
1024.3.2 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 or attached with a velcro backing, if applicable, to the sleeves of all uniform shirts and jackets.
(b) Badge - The department-issued badge, an authorized sewn-on cloth replica, or a synthetic replica with a velcro backing (as applicable) must be worn and visible at all times while in uniform. The badge is to be worn in the space provided by the shirt manufacturer above the left pocket where the bottom of the badge shall rest upon the top seam of the pocket.
(c) Nameplate - The regulation nameplate, or an authorized sewn-on cloth nameplate, shall be worn at all times while in uniform. The nameplate shall be centered with the pocket button when applicable. The bottom of the nameplate will be online with the top seam of the right pocket. The nameplate may also be attached to a "serving since" bar.
If a nameplate is to be worn on a jacket, 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 rank of Lieutenant and above shall wear collar rank insignia pins on the uniform shirt, indicating their rank. The rank of Sergeant shall wear their rank as an old gold patch on the sleeves just below the department patch of their uniform shirts.
Lieutenant and above the rank on jackets may be sewn on or pinned on the collar, centered with the tip of the collar.
The rank of Sergeant shall wear their rank as an old gold patch on the sleeves just below the department patch.
(e) Service Stripes or Stars 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 to the left sleeve of the uniform.
Service Stripes shall indicate two years of service per stripe. The color shall be silver for non-ranking officers and old gold for ranking officers.
Service Stars are to represent five years of service per star. They shall be worn on the left sleeve of the long-sleeve shirt or jacket, and the color shall be silver for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
(f) Assignment insignias - Assignment insignias (e.g., Field Training Officer (FTO)) may be worn as designated by the Chief of Police.
(g) American flag pin - An American flag pin may be worn, centered above the nameplate.
(h) Award/commendation insignia - Insignia representing an award or commendation received under the Commendations and Awards Policy, or other recognition authorized by the Chief of Police, may be worn, centered above the nameplate. If more than one award is worn, or an American flag pin is worn, the insignia shall be equally spaced in one or two horizontal rows when using a three-in-a-row bar holder or three horizontal rows when using a two-in-a-row bar holder, centered above the nameplate in a manner that provides a balanced appearance.
1024.3.3 MOURNING BAND
Uniformed members shall wear a black mourning band across the department badge whenever a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty or as directed by the Chief of Police. The following mourning periods will be observed:
(a) Lincoln Police Department officer - From the time of death until midnight on the 14th day after the death.
(b) An officer from this or an adjacent county - From the time of death until midnight on the day of the funeral.
(c) Funeral attendee - While attending the funeral of an out-of-region fallen officer.
(d) National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day (May 15) - From 0001 hours until 2359 hours.
(e) As directed by the Chief of Police.
1024.4 UNIFORM CLASSES
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall determine the uniform to be worn by each department member or any deviations that may be authorized.
Uniforms are classified as follows:
(a) Full Dress - uniform to be worn by designated department members on special occasions, such as funerals, graduations, ceremonies, or as directed by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
(b) Class A - Standard issue uniform to be worn daily by designated department members.
(c) Class B - General utility uniform to be worn by designated Department members.
(d) Specialized assignment - Specific uniforms to be worn by members in special assignments or divisions.
1024.4.1 FULL DRESS COMMAND UNIFORM
Command Full Dress uniform consists of the following (Optional for Administrative Lieutenants):
(a) Dress Hat
The approved hat shall be an Air Force style in dark blue with a black polished rim.
(a) The bands shall be gold.
(b) The hat badge shall be gold.
(c) Dark Navy Dress Uniform Coat:
w/Gold State Seal Buttons
3/8" Old Gold Strips all the way around the Sleeves
No patches
(c) Dress Shirt
White Long Sleeve Patch Both Sleeves
Collar rank insignia pins are to be worn centered with the tip of the collar
(d) Tie
Navy clip-type
(e) Trousers
Navy Dress Uniform Pants with ½" Old Gold Strip
(f) Belt
Black 1 ¾" BW Garrison Belt w/Gold Buckle
(g) Socks
Shall be black and extend above the hem of the pants when in a seated position.
(h) Black Lincoln dress shoes
Lincoln dress shoes must be able to be polished or have a High Gloss finish
1024.4.2 FULL DRESS UNIFORM
The Full Dress uniform consists of the following:
(a) Dress hat
The approved hat shall be an Air Force style in dark blue with a black polished rim.
(a) The bands shall be silver for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
(b) The hat badge shall be silver for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
(c) Long-sleeve shirt
Dark (navy) blue with a Police Department patch to be worn on both sleeves.
The uniform shirt shall consist of a polyester class A-styled shirt with sewn epaulettes and military creases.
The rank of Lieutenant shall wear collar rank insignia pins on the uniform shirt, indicating their rank.
The rank of Sergeant shall wear their rank as an old gold patch on the sleeves just below the department patch of their uniform shirts.
Gold/Brass metal buttons may be worn by supervisors on epaulets and/or pockets.
(c) Tie
Shall be dark (navy) blue that matches the Class A shirt.
The approved tie shall be clip-on or Velcro style in navy blue.
(d) Tie tack or tie bar
Shall be the Alabama State Seal or plain with no design.
The pin/clasp shall be centered on the tie between pocket flaps.
Other pins/clasps may be acceptable upon approval of the Chief of Police.
(e) Trousers
Dark blue for non-ranking officers and Patrol Lieutenants..
Trouser length shall be no shorter than 3" above the bottom of the heel.
(f) Under Belt
An underbelt shall be black and worn underneath the Sam Browne belt and should not have a visible buckle.
(g) Black Duty belt
Duty belts shall be equipped as needed for the member's assignment.
Duty belts shall be Basket weave unless approved by the Chief of Police.
(h) Socks
Shall be black, and extend above the hem of the pants when in a seated position.
(i) Black Lincoln dress shoes or approved boots
Boots with pointed toes or stacked heels are not permitted.
Boots must be able to be polished or have a High Gloss finish
Lincoln dress shoes must be able to be polished or have a High Gloss finish
(j) White gloves upon approval of the Chief of Police.
1024.4.3 CLASS A UNIFORM
The Class A uniform consists of the following:
(a) Long- or short-sleeve shirt with the collar open and no tie(is optional)
Dark (navy) blue with a Police Department patch to be worn on both sleeves.
The uniform shirt shall have sewn epaulettes and military creases.
The rank of Lieutenant and above shall wear collar rank insignia pins on the uniform shirt, indicating their rank.
The rank of Sergeant shall wear their rank as a old gold patch on the sleeves just below the department patch of their uniform shirts.
Gold/Brass metal buttons may be worn by supervisors on epaulets and/or pockets.
A crew neck black t-shirt must be worn under the uniform shirt. V-neck undershirts are not allowed.
All shirt buttons must remain buttoned except for the top button at the neck.
Long sleeves must be buttoned at the cuff.
(b) Tie
The tie is optional
The approved tie shall be clip-on or Velcro style in dark navy blue.
Shall be worn only with the winter uniform.
(c) Trousers
Trouser length shall be no shorter than 3" above the bottom of the heel.
(d) Under Belt
An under belt shall be black and worn underneath the Sam Browne belt and should not have a visible buckle.
(e) Black Duty belt
Belts shall be equipped as needed for the member's assignment.
Duty belts shall be Basket weave unless approved by the Chief of Police.
(f) Bullet-resistant Vest
Bullet-resistant vests shall be worn in a manner so as not to be visible.
Exception will be an outer vest carrier
(a) Bullet-resistant vest panels will be inserted into the outer vest carrier
(b) A hybrid Class A shirt designed specifically for outer vest wear shall be worn under the outer vest carrier.
(c) The hybrid Class A shirt shall have the Police Department patch sewn on both sleeves
(g) Socks
Shall be black, and extend above the hem of the pants when in a seated position.
(h) Black Lincoln dress shoes or approved boots
Lincoln dress shoes must be able to be polished or have a High Gloss finish
Boots must be able to be polished or have a High Gloss finish
Boots with pointed toes or stacked heels are not permitted.
(i) Hats
The Air Force style in dark blue with a black polished rim.
(a) The bands shall be silver for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
(b) The hat badge shall be silver for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
Ball cap style hats are also allowed.
(a) These caps shall be embroidered to read "Lincoln Police" on the front and shall be silver lettering for non-ranking officers and gold for ranking officers.
(b) All ball cap style hats not furnished by the police department shall be approved by the Chief of Police prior to use.
(j) Weather-appropriate items
Jacket
(a) Dark blue (reversible to lime green with reflective strip) with silver buttons on packet flaps and gold/brass for ranking officers.
The jackets shall have the approved departmental patch sewn on both sleeves.
A deviation of this may be made upon approval of the Chief of Police.
Gloves
(a) Must be black in color.
(b) May be worn during inclement weather or situations that protect the officer
Rain gear
(a) Dark blue/Black reversible to lime green with reflective strip. A deviation of this may be made upon approval of the Chief of Police.
1024.4.4 CLASS B UNIFORM
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee will establish the specifications, regulations and conditions for wearing the Class B uniform.
1024.4.5 SPECIALIZED ASSIGNMENT UNIFORM
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee may authorize certain uniforms to be worn by members in specialized assignments, such as SIU, canine handlers, TSU, ASU, and other specific assignments. Members shall refer to their Unit Commanders for the appropriate attire while performing duties within these Units.
1024.5 COURT ATTIRE
When a member of the department is required to appear in a Municipal, Circuit, or Federal Court trial, they are expected to dress in a professional manner. The dress code for such occasions includes either a Class A police uniform or business attire.
(a) The Class A police uniform must be clean, well-fitted, and properly pressed.
(b) Business attire must also be clean and well-fitted, It shall include a collared dress shirt, dress pants, a tie, and dress shoes.
Members must ensure that their clothing is appropriate for a courtroom setting and reflects positively on the department.
1024.6 CLASS A/B UNIFORM FOR SELECT EVENTS
When not in a full Class A uniform working:
(a) Choccolocco Park or Lincoln Civic Center details, the Class B uniform will consist of:
a lime green bike-style polo
a department patch on each sleeve
Sewn on department badge
Lincoln POLICE in reflective lettering heat-pressed on the back of the shirt
5.
and if a ranking office the rank sewn on the collar of the shirt
6.
The paints will be Class A/B style in dark navy. Bike Patrol officers have the option of bike shorts or bike style pants.
(b) Away football games for non-ranking officers,the Class B uniform will consist of:
Dark navy polo
A department patch on each sleeve
Sewn on the department seal on the left chest area
Sewn on officer's last name on the right chest area
Lincoln POLICE in reflective lettering heat-pressed on the back of the shirt
The pants will be Class A/B style in dark navy.
(c) Away football games for ranking officers,the Class B uniform will consist of:
White polo
a department patch on each sleeve
Sewn on the department seal on the left chest area
Sewn on officer's last name on the right chest area
Sewn on officer's rank on the collars
The pants will be Class A/B style in dark navy.
1024.7 LIEUTENANT'S ATTIRE
All administrative personnel are required to adhere to the following dress code guidelines:
(a) Monday-Thursday:
Administrative personnel shall wear a minimum of slacks and a sports coat or department uniform. This attire should reflect professionalism and present a polished appearance.
(b) Friday:
Administrative personnel shall wear a minimum of a department polo shirt.
This relaxed dress code aims to promote a more casual atmosphere while maintaining a sense of unity within the department.
1024.8 CIVILIAN SUPPORT PERSONNEL ATTIRE
Assignments within the Department that are filled by non-sworn civilian support personnel shall adhere to the following:
(a) Civilian attire shall fit properly, be clean and free of stains, and not be damaged or excessively worn.
(b) Members assigned to administrative, investigative and support positions shall wear business-appropriate, conservative clothing.
(c) Variations from this policy are allowed at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
(d) No item of civilian attire that would adversely affect the reputation of the Lincoln Police Department or the members' morale may be worn while on-duty.
(e) The following items shall not be worn while on-duty or when representing the Department in any official capacity:
Clothing that reveals cleavage, the back, chest, stomach, or buttocks
Sleeveless shirts
T-shirt alone or exposed undergarments
Swimsuits, tank tops, tube tops, or halter tops
Sweatshirts (exception for sweatshirts is Fridays), sweatpants, or similar exercise clothing
Overly tight-type pants, leggings, or transparent clothing
Sleepwear or lounging-type clothing
Shorts
Slides or Flip-flop style shoes
Clothing, buttons, or pins displaying racial, sexual, discriminatory, gang-related, obscene language or that may be construed as offensive to any other race, religion, or sexual orientation.
(f) Exception: Denim pants may only be worn on Friday of each week. The objective of this relaxed dress code is to encourage a more casual atmosphere while upholding a sense of cohesion within the department. The implementation of this dress code aims to provide a more comfortable and relaxed work environment for our staff while also promoting an atmosphere of unity and professionalism.
1024.9 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Any items that are allowed by the Lincoln Police Department but that have been identified as optional shall be purchased entirely at the expense of the member. No part of the purchase cost shall be offset by the department.
Maintenance of optional items shall be the financial responsibility of the purchasing member (e.g., repairs due to normal wear and tear).
Replacement of items listed in this policy as optional shall be managed as follows:
(a) When the item is no longer functional because of normal wear and tear, the member bears the full cost of replacement.
(b) When the item is no longer functional because of damage in the course of the member's duties, it shall be replaced in accordance with the Department-Owned and Personal Property Policy.
1024.10 UNAUTHORIZED UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
Department members may not wear any uniform item, accessory or attachment unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
Department members may not use or carry any safety item, tool or other piece of equipment unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.
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