Understanding the Debate About Equipment

 by Justin Edson, CCEA, COSS

 

The results are in from the national survey and the data proves a positive trend.

 

The Foundation created a simple survey to understand the current data on what uniforms, equipment, and training is provided to agencies. The survey received 224 responses across 41 states (and our friends in British Columbia). Great turnout!

The highlights include:

• 78% wear uniforms
• 49% have metal badges
• 37% have body armor (25% external & 12% concealed)
• 39% have police radios
• 30% have OC Spray

Reviewing unbiased data is important. Understanding other people's point of view is important. I have worked at or supervised teams across 5 municipalities. The uniforms and equipment we were provided varied across all 5 agencies. Code Enforcement is not what it was 10 years ago. A decade ago I would never have imagined we would take a leading role in sidewalk vendors, homeless camps, marijuana regulations, etc. At one agency, due to low law enforcement staffing, they had us respond to firework calls from dispatch. 

As duties change and evolve, our mentality needs to shift as well. Do we need certain equipment like body armor, OC Spray, bite sticks, or tasers? I will be honest, I agree every agency and state is different, but I also agree there should be some minimum standard to create consistency in our profession. 

Uniforms & Badges

I am still shocked to hear the opposition to uniforms and badges. Uniforms can be comfortable polo shirts with City logos and "Code Enforcement" embroidered underneath. I personally do not see any issues with jeans and safe work boots. To be a Code Official (Code Enforcement, Fire, Building, Health, Housing, etc.) that goes onto private property or into businesses and not wear a clear uniform baffles me. Even Amazon drivers have a uniform vest. As government employees that are conducting official inspections, we should be identifiable with ID/business card upon request. I always hand my business card to the person as I make contact. 

Badges serve a purpose to enhance your credibility and designation. Whether you carry it in your wallet, around the neck, or clipped to your belt, it again enhances your legitimacy to the public. I have seen numerous Ring videos and news article about crooks who act as Code Enforcement, Fire Dept personnel, or utility company employees to get access to your house. They typically show up in neon vests or some simple shirt/hat. No official ID card or badge is seen, but many residents don't question the imposter. Additionally, if you are assaulted while legally performing your duties, it does help the criminal case when you are uniformed and clearly identified as a government employee. This way the citizen can't claim they did not know who you were. Lastly, a badge does not make you a Police Officer or increase your risk of harm. Violence can strike anywhere and so many professions have badges - security, Fire, private ambulance, and others. Many Code Officials that were murdered did not have badges or even uniforms. None of them had body armor.

I am glad to see that 78% of the responses have some form of an official uniform. I think as our profession grows, this will continue to improve. 

Body Armor

Seeing 37% of responses saying they have body armor is such positive data! We would not see it this high 5 years ago. As our job duties have evolved and strong leaders have supported their staff with safety equipment, we will continue to see this grow. At the very least, allow staff to have an external vests in their car that they can throw on for high risk inspections or special enforcement like vendors and homeless camps. 25% have the external vests that easily go over your shirt and 12% wear it under the shirt. It is purely preference. Many folks love the external because it is easy to take on and off. Agency also like the concealed under the shirt version to offer safety with very little optics. Again, these vests come in all colors and styles to not scare the public or elected officials. This includes blue, red, green, neon, white, and more. 

Equipment & Training

It is also great to see nearly 40% of responses have access to a Police radio - a direct line to help. Nearly one third (30%) said they have OC spray. This is also carried by Animal Control, Parking Enforcement, security, and even front desk personnel. Roughly 15% carry ASP/bite sticks and 8% have tasers. Your state laws and general support from HR/legal can play into this as well. Based on the survey, 28% responded that they receive specialized training from their local law enforcement agency. This is a great practice and can be helpful when looking for a template policy. State POST academies or security guard academies can be resources for training as well. The best advice is to get the support of your local law enforcement, legal team, and HR and draft a template policy to help move the equipment in the right direction. 

Let me conclude by reinforcing my opinion that every agency is different and the level of equipment can vary. But, the equipment needs to match the duties assigned to your role. If the agency needs you to help with homeless camps, marijuana grows, and even vendors at night; I would say body armor, OC spray, and radios are warranted. At the very least we should strive for some type of uniform, police radios to a monitored dispatch, and OC spray. Add an external vest as needed and I think you are off to a great start! Focus on the three pronged approach - communicate threats/needs, draft policies, and find training. 

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About the Author

Justin Edson is a Community Improvement Manager in California and previously served as a Building, Neighborhood Services, Public Safety, and Code Enforcement Manager across several cities. He is an ICC Certified Code Enforcement Administrator and a POST Field Training Officer. Prior to his 8+ years in Code Enforcement, he was with a Police Department for nearly 10 years. Justin was the Founding President of the Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation.