HPM 73.5

Question 1

What are the four types of uniforms authorized for wear by uniformed employees of the California Highway Patrol (CHP)?

Answer 1

• Formal Uniform (Class A)
• Work Uniform (Class B)
• Utility Uniform
• Cold Weather Uniform

Each type of uniform has specific guidelines and requirements for wear.

Question 2

What is the material composition required for the Utility Uniform shirt and trousers?

Answer 2

65 percent polyester/35 percent cotton “ripstop” material

Wearing any other type of utility uniform or commercial uniform is prohibited.

Question 3

True or false: The CHP back patch is authorized for wear on the Utility Uniform.

Answer 3

FALSE

The CHP back patch is no longer authorized.

Question 4

What are the approved primary wearers of the Utility Uniform?

Answer 4

• Uniformed personnel assigned to the Commercial Program
• Level 1 or 2 trained commercial officers driving SMPV full-time
• Personnel permanently assigned to the Canine Program
• Bomb detection officers who are canine-equipped
• Full-time VIN officers
• Division personnel assigned to MAIT
• MAIT associate members performing approved incidental wear

These roles have specific responsibilities that necessitate the Utility Uniform.

Question 5

What is the prohibition regarding the wearing of the Utility Uniform during weather conditions?

Answer 5

Prohibited during normal weather patterns such as fog, rain, mist

Exceptions may apply to severe or extended weather events.

Question 6

What are the conditions under which the campaign hat must be worn by uniformed employees?

Answer 6

• As part of the formal uniform at official functions
• While performing traffic or crowd control duties
• On the grounds of the State Capitol

The campaign hat is essential for peace officer recognition.

Question 7

What is the only authorized accouterment for the blue patrol jacket?

Answer 7

The badge

All other items may damage the integrity of the material.

Question 8

What items are required regardless of the type of uniform worn?

Answer 8

• Departmental badge
• Departmental identification card
• Valid driver license
• Duty belt with specific items
• Primary weapon
• Soft body armor
• Approved baton
• Handcuffs and key
• Flashlight
• Aerosol projector holster
• Approved footwear
• Socks
• Trouser belt
• Pen or pencil
• Insignia of rank
• Service stripes
• Nameplate
• Pocket or wrist watch

These items ensure uniformed employees are equipped for their duties.

Question 9

Under what exceptions can uniformed employees wear civilian attire?

Answer 9

• When attending court
• When authorized by commanders for representation
• For pregnant employees on limited duty
• At the discretion of Division commanders for ranks captain and above

Civilian attire must not detract from the public image of the Department.

Question 10

What are the grooming requirements for hair for uniformed employees?

Answer 10

• Hair must be neat, clean, and trimmed
• Cannot extend below the uniform shirt collar
• Must not cover ears
• Must not be styled in extreme or faddish ways

Hair clips and pins matching hair color are permitted.

Question 11

What are the requirements for sideburns and mustaches for uniformed employees?

Answer 11

• Clean-shaven required
• Neatly trimmed sideburns allowed
• Sideburns must not extend below the bottom of the ears
• Mustaches must not extend beyond specific limits

Waxed ends or points are prohibited.

Question 12

What type of cosmetics are permitted for uniformed employees?

Answer 12

Subdued and blended to match natural skin color

False eyelashes are prohibited.

Question 13

What is the policy regarding body art for uniformed employees?

Answer 13

Prohibited from displaying any body art, tattoo(s), brand(s), intentional scarring, or dental ornamentation while on duty

Options for covering visible body art include long-sleeve uniforms or skin tone patches.

Question 14

Who is required to wear soft body armor?

Answer 14

• All personnel assigned to field enforcement duties
• All personnel operating marked patrol vehicles in uniform
• All personnel participating in live-fire weapons training

Wearing soft body armor is encouraged for all employees.

Question 15

What is the replacement policy for soft body armor?

Answer 15

Shall be replaced within 5 years from the date of manufacture

Serial numbers and other details must be recorded in the Employee Training Records System.

Question 16

What is the maximum time frame for reporting a soft body armor incident?

Answer 16

10 working days

The report must be forwarded to the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) concerning ballistic protection.

Question 17

What information must be included in the report after a soft body armor incident?

Answer 17

• Type, size, and serial number of the soft body armor
• Number of panels worn
• Location of the hit(s) or area of damage
• Number of layers of ballistic material penetrated
• Type, model, caliber, and barrel length of the firearm or description of the instrument used
• Manufacturer of the ammunition, bullet weight, and powder if applicable
• Distance between the officer and the perpetrator if appropriate

The carrier should not be counted as a layer of ballistic material.

Question 18

True or false: The carrier of the soft body armor is considered a layer of ballistic material.

Answer 18

FALSE

The carrier is made of cotton/polyester and has very low tensile strength.

Question 19

What should happen to the state-issued soft body armor when it is no longer needed for evidence?

Answer 19

It shall be returned to the OLA

A CHP 266, Credit Memo - Equipment, must be attached with the officer’s details.

Question 20

What is required for a uniformed employee who is shot while wearing soft body armor?

Answer 20

A thorough physical examination by a physician

This is necessary to identify any injuries, external or internal.

Question 21

What must employees keep readily available within their patrol vehicle while performing patrol duties?

Answer 21

• Campaign Hat
• Formal Motor Cap
• High-Visibility Reflective Safety Vest (HRSV)

The HRSV must be worn under specific circumstances for safety.

Question 22

Under what conditions should the High-Visibility Reflective Safety Vest be worn?

Answer 22

• During traffic control at stabilized highway closures
• Investigating crimes or incidents near active traffic lanes
• Outside of a patrol vehicle during traffic control duties
• As directed by the on-scene commander

Wearing ANSI compliant rainwear does not require the HRSV.

Question 23

What optional uniform item can be worn during extraordinary storm or flood conditions?

Answer 23

Storm Clothing

Area commanders may authorize wearing other garments to protect uniformed employees.

Question 24

What is the only authorized utility cap to be worn with the appropriate uniform ensemble?

Answer 24

CHP Cotton Blue Utility (Baseball) Cap

This cap is available exclusively at the Academy PX for purchase.

Question 25

What is the procedure for uniform change proposals?

Answer 25

Submit a memorandum through channels to the Office of Assistant Commissioner, Staff (ACS) ## Footnote Each uniform proposal memorandum must be unique.

Question 26

What happens to the uniform allowance if a uniformed employee is absent for **30 or more consecutive calendar days**?

Answer 26

It will be decreased one month on a proportional basis for each full 30-day period ## Footnote This applies to absences due to sick leave, injury time, or military leave.