HPD Uniform Standards and Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide

This document outlines the official policies and specifications governing the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) uniforms, equipment, and firearms. It serves as a guide for understanding the standards that HPD officers and civilian employees must adhere to, ensuring professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

Definitions of Uniform Items

To clarify the different categories of uniform components, the following definitions are essential:

Allotted Items: These are uniform items initially provided to each employee. Replacements are possible annually, with the city covering a significant portion (typically 75%) of the cost, and the employee responsible for the remaining balance. This system applies to core uniform pieces like shirts and trousers.

Issued Firearm: This refers to any firearm authorized by the Chief of Police for official police duty and provided to officers by the Finance Division.

Issued Items: These are items provided by the department at no cost to the employee through the Finance Division. Only items precisely matching the department’s specifications are permitted as part of the standard uniform, unless explicitly authorized substitutions are defined.

Nonissued Items: These are items that individual employees must purchase themselves. This category includes footwear, socks, and other required or permitted accessories that must comply with departmental policies and specifications.

Supplemental Firearm: This is a privately owned firearm authorized by the Chief of Police for police use, supplementing the issued firearm.

General Uniform Policy for HPD Personnel

Strict adherence to departmental specifications is mandatory for all garments, accessories, and equipment. Substitutions are prohibited unless an item meets the exact departmental specification or is explicitly authorized within official directives. Detailed specifications for issued items are maintained in the Finance Division’s manual of operations.

Components of the Standard Police Uniform

The standard Hpd Uniform comprises several categories of items, each with specific guidelines:

Allotted Items: Core Uniform Garments

1. Shirt: The official HPD uniform shirt, meeting specific departmental standards for material, color, and design.
2. Trousers: Official HPD uniform trousers, adhering to departmental specifications for material, color, and style.

Issued Items: Department-Provided Accessories

1. Service Stars:

   • Wearing service stars is mandatory to denote years of service.
   • Each gold star represents five years of continuous service with the department.
   • Stars are centered horizontally above the right breast pocket of the shirt.
   • Officers with 35 years of service may wear two rows: three stars on top and four below.
   • Officers with 40 years of service may wear two rows of four stars each.

2. Hat:

   • Regulations for wearing the hat are detailed in the bargaining unit contract.
   • The official cap shield must be affixed to the hat at all times.
   • Gold braid on the visor indicates rank: Lieutenants have one row, while Captains and ranks above have two rows.

3. Gloves:

   • Gloves are required for ceremonies, inspections, traffic duties, and special assignments when directed.

4. Metal Accessories and Rank Insignia:

   • Specific metal accessories and rank insignia are outlined in departmental directives, signifying officer rank and authority.

5. Uniform Belt and Leather Accessories:

   • The uniform belt and all leather accessories must conform to departmental specifications for material, color, and design.

6. Body Armor:

   • All body armor worn by HPD officers must meet department-approved specifications to ensure adequate protection.

Nonissued Items: Employee-Purchased Essentials

1. Shoes:

   • Standard black police shoes (refer to departmental specifications) are mandatory at all times.
   • Optional shoes (refer to specifications) may be authorized for patrol, receiving desk, and specific field duties but are prohibited during ceremonies or formal inspections.

2. Socks:

   • Visible sock portions above the shoe must be black or navy blue, maintaining a professional appearance.

3. Department-Authorized Baseball Cap:

   • Optional police baseball caps are authorized, but must be department-specified types from approved vendors.
   • Caps can be worn only while directing traffic or on special duty, with the bill facing forward.
   • Gold badge caps are for supervisors (Sergeants and above), while silver badge caps are for Corporals and below.

Metal Accessories and Rank Insignia Details

1. Ownership of badges and cap shields is strictly controlled. Unauthorized possession of duplicates is prohibited.
2. Metal items for Sergeants/Detectives and above are gold-filled or gold-plated, denoting higher ranks.
3. Items for ranks below Sergeant/Detective are silver, chromium, or rhodium-plated.
4. All metal accessories are issued by the Finance Division unless stated otherwise.
5. Badge: The badge design is officially approved and on file at the Chief’s Office, with each badge bearing a unique number and the wearer’s rank.
6. Cap Shield: The cap shield design is also officially approved and on file, bearing the same number as the officer’s badge and worn on the hat crown.
7. Uniform Belt Buckle: The belt buckle is a specified metal accessory, contributing to the uniform’s standardized appearance.
8. Rank Insignia:
   • Sergeant’s stripes are worn on each sleeve.
   • Corporal’s stripes are worn by PO-9 officers.
   • “Kukui Nuts” are used for Lieutenants (one), Captains (two), and Majors (three) on each epaulet.
   • Stars are used for higher ranks: Assistant Chiefs (two), Deputy Chiefs (three), and Chief of Police (four) on each epaulet.

Award Medals, Insignia, and Pins

1. Policy: Only officially approved and listed awards may be worn on the HPD uniform. Issuing departments maintain specifications in their manuals.
2. Placement: Approved items are worn centered, starting 1/4 inch above the right breast pocket or service stars.
3. Types: Authorized awards include Valor/Merit Medals, FTO Pins (Field Training Officer), SWAT Pins (Special Weapon and Tactics), D.A.R.E. Pins (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), AFIS Pins (Automated Fingerprint Identification System – limited duration), and DRE Pins (Drug Recognition Expert).

Leather Accessories Specifications

All leather accessories must be plain, smooth, black leather with a glossy or matte finish. The Training Division specifies the order for wearing leather accessories on the uniform belt:

1. Uniform belt
2. Holster
3. Ammunition carrier
4. Handcuff pouch
5. Chemical agent carrier
6. Baton holster

Equipment Regulations

1. 26-inch Metal Expandable Baton: Issued only after proper training, and only department-approved batons are authorized.
2. Flashlight: Issued flashlights are for inspections and ceremonies. Optional flashlights (specified in Attachment 1) may be purchased for general duty but not for formal events.
3. Chemical Agent: Department-issued chemical agents are part of the standard equipment.
4. Pistol: Department-issued pistols are standard for uniformed officers.
5. Pager and Cellular Telephone: If carried, pagers or cell phones must be worn in a pocket or on the uniform belt, not on epaulets or in a way that interferes with equipment or safety.

Other Issued Clothing Accessories

1. Traffic Vest: Issued for high-visibility traffic control duties.
2. Cold Weather Jacket: Issued jackets can be worn by plainclothes officers, requiring badge, HPD patch, name, and rank insignia.
3. Raincoat: Only department-issued or partially funded rainwear is authorized with the standard uniform.

Specialized Uniforms for Specific HPD Units

Standard Uniform for Solo Motorcycle Officers

• Allotted Items: Shirt, Breeches, Training utility uniform
• Issued Items: Boots, Motorcycle helmet, Rain suit
• Badges, HPD patches, rank insignia, leather accessories, and equipment are also required.
• Body armor is mandatory.

Standard Uniform for Police Helicopter Crew

• Issued Items: Flight Suit
  • Badges, HPD patches, rank insignia, leather accessories, and equipment are required.
  • Police aircrew wings are worn centered and below the badge, with gold-plated wings for officers in charge and rhodium-plated for flight crew.
• Headgear:
  • White Gentex flight helmet during flight.
  • Navy blue baseball cap with badge emblem when not in flight.
• Body armor is standard.

Standard Uniform for Police Chaplains

• Policy: Chaplains wear a specific uniform, a “CHAPLAIN” badge, and a departmental ID card. They are prohibited from carrying firearms, batons, chemical agents, or handcuffs.
• Allotted Items: Trousers or skirt, Shirt

Alternative Uniforms for Varied Duties

Utility Uniform

1. Patrol: Utility uniforms may replace standard uniforms during emergencies, inclement weather, fatigue duty, training, roadblocks, receiving desk duties, or other authorized situations. The top (coat) is tucked into the pants.
   • Badges, HPD patches, rank insignia, name, and equipment are required.
2. Nonpatrol: Commanders authorize utility uniform use and set guidelines. Standard uniforms take precedence for specific assignments. Utility uniforms are generally worn with the top tucked in, except for SSD officers.
   • Badges, HPD patches, rank insignia, name, and equipment are required.
3. Headgear: Optional unless required for specific duties like motorcycle or riot control. Options include helmets and navy blue baseball caps. These caps are not for use with standard police uniforms.
4. Footwear: Optional shoes as per specifications.
5. Body Armor: Body armor is also required with utility uniforms.

Training Division Instructors

Instructors may wear department-issued polo shirts (navy blue or red with academy logos) and full or partial utility uniforms. Range personnel wear red shirts.

Police Activities League (PAL) Officers

PAL officers can wear PAL uniforms during PAL activities, including shorts, shirts, trousers, and jackets. Nonissued items include white athletic shoes and socks.

SSD Officers, Crowd Control Team, and Bicycle Patrol Officers

Specific uniform regulations and issued items apply to SSD officers, Crowd Control Teams, and Bicycle Patrol Officers, detailed in referenced attachments. Bicycle patrol uniforms are restricted from court appearances or formal legislative settings.

Navy Blue “HPD” T-shirt

Department-issued navy blue HPD T-shirts are authorized for specific assignments with commander approval, under divisional guidelines, and do not supersede standard uniform mandates.

Uniforms for Civilian Personnel

• Evidence Specialist Tunic: Optional for on-duty evidence specialists.
• Vehicle Maintenance Shirt: Mandatory regulation shirt for vehicle maintenance personnel on duty, with specific wear guidelines in Policy 3.22.

Care and Custody of Weapons and Equipment

Responsibilities for All Officers

Officers are responsible for the care and secure storage of all issued uniforms, equipment, and firearms to prevent loss, theft, or misuse. Court rules regarding firearm security must be observed, and cellblock protocols followed.

On-Duty and Off-Duty Equipment Carriage

• On-Duty: All on-duty officers must carry required equipment, including pistols in holsters for immediate access.
• Off-Duty: Off-duty officers must possess their badge, ID card, holstered pistol, and handcuffs at all times, except in specific situations like consuming alcohol, when conspicuous carry is impractical, or where prohibited by private entities. Impaired officers must request on-duty assistance if police services are needed and are restricted from carrying issued pistols during outside employment.

Body Armor Policy

• Mandatory Wear: Body armor is mandatory for enforcement and field patrol duties, as well as special duty assignments. Officers in administrative or investigative roles must wear body armor when potential weapon injury exposure exists. Exceptions are determined by the Chief of Police.
• Maintenance: Officers are responsible for cleaning, storing, and maintaining their body armor according to manufacturer guidelines and regular inspections for damage and cleanliness.

Firearms Regulations

General Firearms Policy

All firearms for police service must meet manufacturer specifications. Officers receive training and policy instructions on use of force before firearm authorization.

Uniformed Duty and Firearm Carriage

Officers in standard police uniforms must wear their issued firearm as part of the uniform. City-owned firearms are issued only to qualified officers.

Firearms for Off-Duty and Plainclothes Officers

Off-duty and plainclothes officers may carry authorized .40 caliber or 9mm semiautomatic pistols, or .38 Special revolvers, meeting specific departmental specifications. Supplemental rifles and shotguns are also regulated and listed in attachments.

Prohibited Firearms and Modifications

Unauthorized firearms, fully automatic firearms (unless department-issued), and certain Smith & Wesson Performance Center pistols are prohibited. Specific trigger and stock modifications are also banned for safety reasons. Alterations or repairs to issued firearms are prohibited, and only factory-specified parts can be used for replacements.

Firearm Handling and Safety

Strict protocols for cleaning, loading, and unloading firearms are in place to minimize risks of accidents. Safe handling practices are mandatory at all times, referring to Policy 1.04 for detailed guidelines.

Supplemental Firearms for Police Service

Officers must qualify with each supplemental firearm and obtain approvals via form HPD-473A before police service use. Records are maintained by the Training Division. Verification of employment for purchasing supplemental weapons requires commander approval and specific firearm details.

Firearm Qualification Requirements

• Annual Qualification: All officers must annually qualify with their issued firearm, AR-15 rifle, and Remington 870 shotgun. Specific schedules and grace periods are in place for anticipated and unanticipated absences. Supplemental firearms also require annual qualification.
• Qualification Testing: Pass/fail system monitored by certified instructors. Prescribed courses are designed by the firearms training sergeant and approved by the Training Division. Passing officers receive a Firearms Qualification Card (HPD-473).
• Failure to Qualify: Officers failing qualification are temporarily reassigned to the Training Division for remedial training. Failure to qualify with supplemental firearms prohibits their use until qualification is achieved.
• Emergency Qualification: Available for officers with expiring qualifications before scheduled annual training, valid for 90 days, requiring subsequent annual recall training.

Firearm Inspections and Maintenance

Annual inspections by department armorers ensure all firearms meet factory specifications. Unserviceable firearms are removed from service, with department-issued firearms repaired or replaced. Officers are responsible for maintaining their firearms in serviceable condition and reporting any unsafe weapons. Regular inspections by commanding officers are mandated.

Ammunition Policy

Department-issued ammunition is provided for training and qualification. Privately owned firearm ammunition cannot be supplied by the department. Only specified ammunition types are authorized for police service, with reloaded or altered ammunition strictly prohibited. Quality control inspections are performed on each ammunition lot. Certain ammunition types like full-jacketed bullets and frangible rounds are restricted to training only.

Record Keeping for Firearms

The Finance Division maintains a comprehensive inventory of all department-issued firearms, including descriptions, models, serial numbers, and assigned officers.

Acquisition, Return, and Replacement of Uniforms, Equipment, and Accessories

Acquisition and Responsibility

Employees endorse documents upon receiving equipment from the Finance Division, accepting responsibility for proper care. New officers must obtain required uniforms and accessories within 30 days of appointment.

Return Procedures

• General Policy: All equipment must be returned to the Finance Division upon leaving the department.
• Retirement/Resignation: Officers may return badges to commanders or supervisors, treated as a solemn event, with immediate notification to the Finance Division.
• Termination: Terminating employees must return all listed items (HPD-456 form) or pay replacement costs. Final payments may be withheld until accounts are settled.
• Death in Service: Department property is retrieved or paid for by the deceased’s command, with final payments withheld until settlement.

Missing Items, Criminal Damage, and Replacement

Missing equipment requires a police report and e-form within 24 hours. Damage due to criminal assault requires supervisor notification and documentation. Replacement requests (e-form) are submitted to the Finance Division, with potential assessments for replacement costs depending on circumstances.

Uniform Allotment and Replacement

• Initial Allotment: New officers receive initial uniform sets upon academy graduation (three for regular officers, two for reserve officers).
• Annual Replacement Policy: Employees can purchase replacement units annually at a reduced cost (approximately 25%), with the department covering the balance. Eligibility for replacement is one year from the previous acquisition date.
• Replacement Procedures: Employees submit an e-form for Finance Division approval before ordering replacements, then present approved forms to suppliers for order processing and payment of their portion.

This comprehensive guide ensures that all HPD personnel understand and adhere to the stringent standards for their uniforms, equipment, and firearms, maintaining a professional and well-regulated police force.