Uniform Reimbursement???

[gofly]

How will this affect current and future CHP officers?

I'm not sure if the link will work (it's my first time, be gentle) but the story says the court ruled that government employees do not have to be compensated for uniforms that they are required to wear. WTF? I'm sure this is an important issue and I'd like to know what it really means to you as officers and what the union thinks. Maybe it's already been taken care of in the contract but the decision seems harsh for the workers.


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/10/13/BAG00F7GFG1.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea

Thanks. Good Luck. Be Safe.

[Your Mentor]

Thanks to Collective Bargaining (unions) it doesn't impact us one bit. If it is negotiated and written into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) it is binding. Besides, we've never been reimbursed for uniforms. Every graduating cadet has to buy his or her own. Think about $1000 to start. Don't worry, the uniform suppliers are more than happy to set up charge accounts. Our uniform allowance is meant to offset maintenance costs but we aren't likely to lose it. Again, the MOU is a binding contract between our union (California Association of Highway Patrolmen [yes, you read that right, PatrolMEN. I wasn't being politically incorrect]). The uniform allowance wasn't taxed when I first came on so you ended receiving a check for a little over $500 bucks a couple months past your anniversary date. A federal ruling caused it to be taxed so now it amounts to just over $300. Again, it isn't intended to replace uniforms and the Department only buys uniforms for officers if there is a change to a required uniform item. That provision is written into law. In the case you've cited, some employees sued rather than going through their union. Unions can negotiate ANYTHING and it is binding outside Department policy or case law (not an actual law though). In fact, if policy isn't updated to match the MOU, the MOU states that it supersedes policy. Pretty cool and worth the monthly union dues as far as I'm concerned. Our union is pretty powerful and really takes care of us. Although the union rag started the controversy over the Gay Pride Parade, but what are you going to do? Anyway, if you get into the Academy, join the Association. Association representatives have intervened on my behalf a couple of times and really gotten results (yeh, I tend to tell it like it is and subsequently get into trouble with supervision and management. Can't help it).

[gofly]

Mentor, thank you for your thourough response. I'm a little confused about the allowance though. You say it's about $1000 for uniforms and the allowance is $300 after taxes. I understand it will be more for a cadet/new officer because they need to purchace EVERYTHING at once. Is it enough of an allowance, or will a new officer be about $700 in the hole? I would think that there is a yearly allowance after that and was wondering if it is enough to cover all necessary uniforms, equipment, and cleaning?

How many uniforms do officers usually have or need? What other equipment do officers need to purchase? What equipment is issued? What do you officers find needs replacing or repairing most often?

Thanks. Good Luck. Be Safe.

[carcop]

In response to the $1000 to start. When you graduate from the academy you will be required to have a minimum number of uniforms on hand. Those uniforms are payed for out of your pocket (less the allowance amount). The minimum uniforms required will cost you around $1000, a bit more now I think. The uniform companies (thieves) will set up an account for you and you can "happily" pay for your uniforms by dirct payment from your paycheck. Most cadets spend around $1500 or all their uniforms and "gucci gear". If you go to the academy don't fall into the "need to buy all this cool gear" syndrome. Many cadets spend hundreds on stuff they will not need or use once. Get uniforms and a few leather items like, pinch book, extra cuff case. Don't worry once your in te field you will have plent of time to get gucci gear if you need it. The uniform companies will be more than happy to finace it for you though.

On the allowance. Once you are in the field you will recieve an annual uniform allowance of around $300 after taxes. That money is there to help offset the upkeep of your uniforms, like dry cleaning. Though it falls way short, it is something. Just to give you an idea, pants cost around $125 and shirts around $70-80 for short sleeves. (numbers not exact) If you ride a motorcycle it's a hell of a lot more for thier pants, I think around $200, and boots around $350-400.

Officers are issued basic leather gear which includes, Belt, weapon and holster, cuffs and cuff case, radio holster, OC spray and holder, magazine holder and baton ring with baton. Everything else is on you to purchase. You will need a good citation book case (pinch book), some sort of duty bag, and a posse box or some other type of clip board.

Most items that seem to need replacing are boot soles, pants and shirts. Uniform need depends on where you work. A good general rule would be at least 5 sets. If you work in the desert during days, chances are your not wearing a lot of long sleeve, but you need at least one. Likewise if your up in the mountains during winter your not wearing short sleeves often. Me personally, I almost always wear short sleeve regardless the weather, unless mandated otherwise for specific events.

[Capsicum]

Also, upon graduation the State will float you an interest free $700 loan to help get you started on your uniforms. The loan is deducted from your check over the course of your first year of employment if I remember correctly.

[Your Mentor]

gofly,
We're confusing you a bit, I think. That allowance you will not receive in the Academy. You don't receive your first uniform allowance until two months past your anniversery date. That's the date you get off probation. You should be wearing new uniforms during your rookie year and so there's no need for the maintanence allowance. None of it should be a problem. Remember, you're going to be making good money as a cadet and will have no housing expences. You'll have the money for those new uniforms in a couple of months. If not, as pointed out above, the uniform companies will set up accounts and you can offset that with a loan from the state. Over half of my class bought new cars the week before graduation. Carcop is right about the silly purchases. You don't need a wazoo backup gun (though that is a practical buy if, like me, you religiously carry a backup). You don't need a wazoo flashlight, the most expensive boots, ear piece for your radio, 7 keepers, or any other superfluous gear. I have to admit, the urge to buy all that stuff is overwhelming. Anyway, the uniform companies ARE making a huge profit because we're a captive market. So be it. Just buy what you need, not what you want.