NARCOTICS BUREAU
DETECTIVE DIVISION
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Bureau Order Number: 1-14
Subject: COURT ATTIRE
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Effective Date: |
07/18/2009 |
Last Date Revised: |
05/09/2015 |
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Last Date Reviewed: |
04/01/2021 |
Next Review Date: |
04/01/2022 |
PURPOSE
Department policy requires employees making court appearances to wear appropriate business attire, Manual of Policy and Procedures Section 3-01/050.80. Recognizing the unique requirements and the nature of narcotics investigations, this order further defines this policy for Narcotics Bureau personnel attending court as part of their duties.
POLICY
At times, Bureau personnel have been criticized for appearing in court in inappropriate attire. Criticism has been received from judges and Deputy District Attorneys, but most importantly, some jurors when polled have indicated that a deputy’s appearance has had a direct influence on the jurors’ determination of the credibility of the law enforcement witnesses. Maintaining a professional appearance is critical to our law enforcement mission. The Bureau policy is:
1. COURT APPEARANCES
When Narcotics Bureau personnel are called to give testimony in court or for any other formal court proceeding, (e.g. in camera hearings, motions, depositions at non-court locations, etc.) appropriate business attire shall be worn at all times.
2. ROUTINE COURT BUSINESS
When conducting routine business with any court, (processing a search warrant for signature, filing cases with the DA, etc.), personnel shall wear modified business attire, consisting of long slacks and collared shirt. Per Department policy, all tattoos shall be covered while conducting business at a courthouse. See Section B. Personnel may also wear a Department authorized raid jacket over this modified business attire. However the raid jacket must be neat and clean with all emblems and patches intact.
NOTE: Blue jeans or denim pants are not considered modified business attire and shall not be worn to court. Shorts shall also not be worn to court.
A. Bureau personnel are required to maintain a set of modified business attire for unanticipated visits to court, (e.g. at their unit of assignment, in their personal or county vehicle, etc.), for easy access. If personnel are conducting operations away from their home assignment and there is a remote possibility that one or more team members may have to go to visit a court as part of that operation, they must take a set of modified business attire along with them.
NOTE: Any deviation from the above policy must be pre-approved by an appropriate Zone Lieutenant and shall be based upon sound judgment and reasoning.
B. TATTOOS - Bureau personnel making court appearances in any capacity must comply with the requirement to completely cover all tattoos. Any deviation from the tattoo policy must be approved by the Unit Commander and the Detective Division Chief.
ORIGINAL SIGNED
LOY L. MCBRIDE, CAPTAIN
NARCOTICS BUREAU