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EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: An Ordinance Concerning Standards for Police Uniforms; Adding Section 2.665 to the Eugene Code, 1971; and Providing for an Effective Date Meeting Date: May 11, 2005 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Eugene Police Department Staff Contact: Jeannine Parisi www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5852 ISSUE STATEMENT The Police Commission has requested a work session with City Council to discuss a proposed ordinance to the Eugene Code to set standards for police uniforms. This would add Section 2.665 to the Eugene Code, 1971 and provide an effective date for the ordinance. BACKGROUND The purpose of the police uniform is to ensure that the officer is easily identifiable to the public and other law enforcement personnel. Police uniforms standardize officers' appearance to convey a sense of authority, professionalism and trust to the public. Uniform color, style, badges and other insignia vary among agencies to reflect the culture of the organization and the community it serves and to establish an identity unique to that organization. Within any community multiple agencies may exist whose uniformed personnel have varying levels of enforcement and/or legal authority. These can include State, County and local law enforcement agencies, college campus security, and private security services. When other agencies wear uniforms that closely resemble those worn by sworn police officers, civilians may misperceive which agency they are interacting with (particularly since such contacts can cause heightened anxiety in people). Individuals may have problems with follow-up questions or concerns after an interaction with law enforcement or security firms if they cannot easily determine the agency with which they have been in contact. The safety of non-sworn uniformed personnel is another concern. In situations where multiple police/security agencies are involved, law enforcement personnel may not be able to distinguish their colleagues from other uniformed personnel, particularly at night. As these employees are not authorized to carry a firearm, if they are mistaken for a law enforcement officer by a hostile suspect they could be at serious risk of injury or death if unable to defend themselves. In April 2004, a Police Commission task group was convened to explore options to ensure that Eugene Police officers are easily distinguishable from other public safety agencies in Eugene, campus security and private security employees. An Internet search on the topic indicated that other cities have enacted ordinances and/or state legislation to address this issue. There has been no prior City Council action on the specific issue of police uniform standards, although there is existing city code that addresses "criminal impersonation." The Police Commission believes that given the growth in the number and L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050511\S05051 iA. doc