DC firefighters can't wear DCFD on-duty. New York cops can't wear NYPD off-duty.
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The news from New York indicates that New York's finest are now dealing with the opposite problem that is facing DC's bravest. It's a story that is worth paying attention to whether you are police officer or a firefighter.
As we've covered extensively, a recent order in the Nation's Capital banned on-duty wearing of any firefighter provided outer wear that has the DCFD logo on it. In New York, the city's top cop says you can't wear or use any items that say NYPD while off-duty without getting special permission. Reports indicate this came about after Commissioner Raymond Kelly saw a shirt with the NYPD logo and a controversial quote.
The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association thinks this is infringing on the constitutional rights of police officers.
Here's coverage from a variety of sources.
From the AP:
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has issued an order saying the department must approve clothing branded with the New York Police Department logo before officers can wear it.
Kelly said Wednesday the order is meant to make sure nothing inflammatory or derogatory appears with the logo. There have been instances where clothing says "NYPD" and also states something negative. He says officers are still police, even when they're off duty.
Kelly says the order is common sense, and no employer would allow the brand name of the company or organization to be used without authorization.
Union officials say the directive goes too far. Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch says telling police officers what they can wear in their private lives is a violation of free speech rights.
Some of taboo shirts’ slogans included the 81st Precinct’s “Bed Stuy do or die’’ and a shirt popular with homicide detectives that says, “Our day begins when your day ends.”
But some shirts have caused offense — such as one worn by some cops in Harlem that dubs the 30th Precinct the “House of Pain.”
Others disliked by brass include one that calls the 32nd Precinct in Hamilton Heights the “Tomb of Gloom.”
According to the new rule, officers are not allowed to wear any sort of clothing or accessories with the department's image on them while off the clock.
Prohibited items include hats, pins, jewelry and clothing.
The ban also applies to non-clothing items like pens, mugs and ceremonial coins.
The order targets "any item of apparel which contains a Department logo or shield, or in any way identifies its wearer with the New York City Police Department unless approved by the Uniform and Equipment Review Committee, prior to being worn by a member of the service, uniformed or civilian, on or off-duty."
Pat Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, said that the order goes too far and threatens officers’ constitutional rights.
“Telling police officers what images or objects he or she can own or wear in their private lives is a clear violation of the officers’ free speech rights,” Lynch said in a statement. “Many private citizens proudly wear NYPD apparel — and police officers can’t? It makes no sense. The PBA believes the order is patently unlawful and we will defend our members’ rights.”
One police source confirmed that the new restrictions came on the heels of Kelly spotting an officer wearing a T-shirt with the NYPD logo and a controversial quote.
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