It is the responsibility of each employee of this Office to comply with the grooming and dress standards (TCSO Policy 1.8.2) while attending any Training Academy course. Employees who do not meet these minimum standards will be directed by the Academy Staff to immediately conform to the policy. Those unable to confirm will be directed to leave the training class and report back to their immediate supervisor as soon as practical. If the employee can make the necessary adjustments to meet the policy requirements, he/she may be allowed back into the class. The Academy Supervisors exercise discretion on issues of appropriate grooming and dress for all students. Supervisors will receive electronic documentation of their employees’ inability to comply with the authorized dress code.
Regardless of the dress requirement, all clothing will be neat, clean, in good condition, and will be consistent with the presentation of a professional image. It will not bear writing or pictures that are obscene or offensive. No hats/caps will be worn in the classrooms. If you are in doubt about your attire, simply do not wear it. Dress requirements are further identified in four distinct categories and may supplement the established standards for practical purposes: Uniform; Casual; Field and JST Attire.
Note: Academy Staff can be readily identified by their red shirts worn on a daily basis. Should an emergency occur, please immediately notify an Academy Staff member. For this reason, we respectfully request that students refrain from wearing a red shirt to any academy class.
1. The Dress Code category “Uniform” is defined as:
- The student’s issued Class B or Class C Uniform as worn on duty.
- If the student wears a firearm and duty belt while on duty, the student may, but is not required, to wear it while in the classroom. Firearms will remain secured in the holster at all times unless directed otherwise by the instructor.
2. The Dress Code category “Casual” is defined as:
- Long sleeve or short sleeve dress shirts, blouses, mandarin collar shirts, golf, polo or sport shirts with collars. Shirts or blouses will be worn tucked into the trousers or skirt, unless designed for outer wear.
- Trousers or slacks, dresses, skirts, or other female attire consistent with business attire. No denim attire, unless waived by Sheriff, i.e., blue jean Fridays.
- Footwear will be appropriate for duty, training, safety and/or business professional complimenting the level of dress. Sandals, flip-flop or shower shoes are prohibited.
- Absolutely no athletic attire, i.e., no sweats, wind suits, tank-tops, muscle shirts, etc.
3. The Dress Code category “Field” is defined as:
- Tactical Dress Uniforms, BDU’s, etc. which are suitable for physical activity. Clothing should be able to accommodate a duty belt, if applicable.
- T-shirts, sweatshirts or tactical shirts that portray a positive public image may be worn. No tanktops or muscle shirts.
- Footwear will be appropriate for duty and safety, which is consistent with the indicated training.
4. The Dress Code category “JST Attire” is defined as:
- Acceptable ONLY on Day 5 of Corrections (CO) and Law Enforcement (LE) In-Service.
- Athletic attire such as sweatsuits, windsuits, shorts, pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts appropriate for physical activity may be worn.
- T-shirts, sweatshirts or tactical shirts that portray a positive public image may be worn.
- No tank-tops or muscle shirts. Any spandex-type material will be covered by shorts or pants that are appropriate for physical activity. Sports bras will be covered by t-shirts or sweatshirts appropriate for physical activity.