Cost of Uniforms

[fifibag2]

Hey all, I'm wondering what to do about the uniforms that my guards are going to wear. Do I take the cost of the uniform, badge and patches out of their first paycheck? I curious to know what you guys do. Thanks in advance. Jason

[BadBoynMD]

Hey all, I'm wondering what to do about the uniforms that my guards are going to wear. Do I take the cost of the uniform, badge and patches out of their first paycheck? I curious to know what you guys do. Thanks in advance. Jason

Well, that is really up to you and your budget. Each company is different in how they operate in regards to uniforms. It's pretty much like this..

Company A - Will make you pay for your entire uniform and gear
Company B - Will make you pay for half of your uniform (pants, boots, belt, etc, and they will provide the shirt, badge)
Company C - Will make you put a deposit down on the uniform (which will be refunded if you leave the company). Some will take it on the first check, others will take a certain amount per check.
Company D - Will provide the uniform free of charge, with the understanding of being charged with theft if the uniform is not returned. Some companies are serious about this, some other don't enforce it.

So, really it's up to you and how you feel. Personally, the whole "free" uniform is a nice perk, especially if you're not paying too much ($8-$9) an hour.

[N. A. Corbier]

Many guards will not pay for their uniform. They will pay a uniform upkeep fee, a uniform deposit fee, but they will not pay for the uniform itself.

I do not recommend giving your patches out. The guy you terminate one day may be back in the uniform he paid for (You cannot keep it, he paid for it) to cause trouble on your property next day.

Factor your uniform costs into your bill rate. Honestly, if you're making the guards buy complete uniforms, you're not going to get quality guards.

[JSam21]

This is the way we do it here.

Your first alotment of uniforms is as follows

4 pants
4 short sleeved shirts
4 long sleeved shirts
1 coat
1 fur trooper hat
2 clip on ties
1 badge

Each year you get to get up to year 5
2 shirts your choice of length
2 pants
1 tie

After 5 years of service you get a yearly credit at the uniform shop to purchase anything you want.

Officers must supply their own boots, belts, and duty gear (Handcuffs, flashlights, guns, and all pouches), minus the baton, baton scabbard and gun holster (this part is new).

[Andy Taylor]

You are in California. I do not believe it is legal for you to charge for the uniform. I will check labor laws but my understanding is that if you want them to wear a specific uniform (ie this shirt, these pants, this jacket) you must provide it. If you simply say blue shirt, black pants, then the employee can pay for it, but it can be any blue shirt and any black pants, in good condition, the employee wishes. Now being that security uniforms are regulated it must be a specific shirt and pants therefore you must provide it. Some companies will do a refundable deposit, although most do not, at least not in the Sacramento area. And what was said about quality people will not pay for uniforms, you better believe it.

[WatnNY]

I believe it is FEDERAL law that if you require your employees to wear a uniform you HAVE to provide it. The place I work part time for now did charge me $50 for a deposit in case I didn't turn something back in. My law enforcement uniforms, of course, were free :D Replacement issue is twice a year.

[Andy Taylor]

It may be federal. I have been looking at the California codes trying to find it and have so far been unable to. I have heard this from many employers over the years.

[NRM_Oz]

In NSW it is illegal for an employer to charge an employee for a compulsory uniform. Most security companies for full time - 2 days + 2 nights is 4 shirts and 2 trousers + jacket, coat and other uniform items. I have worked for some companies who will ask you to work further days and give you only 3 shirts and you work 6 days straight (casual employment is rife).

I made all my staff pay a uniform deposit of $250 US as some of the items were big dollars and much wanted by other company staff (leather jackets with cut-aways for guns / cuffs were $450 US so were issued to managers and senior staff ONLY). Boots / belts were personal choice as we caps (we supplied generic black ones for the staff to keep and personal kit was at the discretion of the staff involved.

Apart from a few ties being lost, most staff got their $250 US deposit back when they moved on or were moved on by me.

[bigshotceo]

A few disjointed notes (hey, free internet advice ain't pretty:) ), some of which have already been said:

1. If you expect the guards to pay (or leave a deposit) for uniforms, you're going to lose out on people who aren't willing or can't afford to make such a payment.

2. If you hand out free uniforms, expect that in a few cases people will work one or two shifts then disappear, and you won't ever see the uniforms again (yes, you can sue/press charges, but it often isn't cost-effective to do so).

3. Expecting guards to pay for their own uniforms is rather demoralizing and contributes to people not taking their job seriously.

4. If the guards have to pay for their own uniforms they'll likely keep using them until they eventually fall apart, regardless of how many pounds the guard has gained/lost or what's been spilled on them.

[NRM_Oz]

True but alot of companies do not supplied correct uniforms for their staff - they provide a shirt and tie and that is it. You are expected to provide your own black trousers which rate from tailored business style, black jeans or MC Hammer size with the compulsory white socks showing.

I know if I was buying a replacement uniform for a senior officer for my now defunct company, I would be up for $1500 US and if you had 10 staff of that nature you would be spending alot of dollars in clothes - hence why I asked for the deposits (espeically on the jackets and leather coats). No-one complained about it as it was $XX per pay until paid off.

[ronnieb]

My .02
When I worked corporate security all officers in my department were issued free 4 shirts, 4 pants, a windbreaker, badge, and nameplate. They signed a Theft by conversion form (law might be Fl only) and thier uniform replacement issues were closely monitored. The only time an officer was charged for a uniform is if it was obvious neglect. Use of force tools (baton, pepper spray w/holsters) were post equipment accounted for at the beginning and end of each shift.
Shoes and trouser belts were officer responsibilities.

I did have an emergency response team that provided thier own sidearms, duty belts and holsters. But they were paid 1.00/hr more all year and then thier overtime rate when deployed so that worked out for them nicely during the busy hurricane season from a few years ago.

The EP team we set up was bought suits but the cost was prorated until a certain date. X amount of the cost was deducted each month until the cost of the suits reached 0.00. We did have to deduct final funds from one operator who abruptly quit. Fortunatly he signed the contract authorizing it so he went away quietly after challenging it at first.

YMMV but I had good success in issuing uniforms to line officerrs and making them accountable, and paying for the higher end (Suits) items and also making them accountable.

Those items that the officers procured on thier own were done with incentives like getting with, for instance, a gunshop and getting them to offer a discount if the officer purchased his sidearm from them.

I hope my rambling has helped a little:)

[CorpSec]

I have worked for seven different security outfits over the years and have never had to pay for uniforms or uniform gear.

I would look at a company that made their officers provide their own uniforms as a cut rate outfit not worth working at.

[N. A. Corbier]

I think its cultural, as well.

Down in Florida, duty rigs are bought by individual guards. With some police departments as well, you bought your sidearm, ASP, and boots.

Anyone know of a Tampa Bay agency that gives you a full duty rig with sidearm? Give as in, "You are not paying for this, nothing out of your check, etc."

[ronnieb]

I think its cultural, as well.

Down in Florida, duty rigs are bought by individual guards. With some police departments as well, you bought your sidearm, ASP, and boots.

Anyone know of a Tampa Bay agency that gives you a full duty rig with sidearm? Give as in, "You are not paying for this, nothing out of your check, etc."

The Only one I can think of is Wackenhut but I think that doesn't include less than lethal items.

[ff000525]

I don't think employees buying their own uniforms is a bad thing. I know that when I joined the military I had to pay for my 1st uniform issue (they took $250 out of my 1st paycheck). I also know that the city I live in makes their new officers buy their 1st uniforms, vests, boots, and if they don't have a matching duty belt (ie all the same brand and finish) they have to wear an issued leather belt.

[hrdickinson]

I think its cultural, as well.

Down in Florida, duty rigs are bought by individual guards. With some police departments as well, you bought your sidearm, ASP, and boots.

Anyone know of a Tampa Bay agency that gives you a full duty rig with sidearm? Give as in, "You are not paying for this, nothing out of your check, etc."I agree! I had never heard of officers paying for their own uniforms until I entered the world of consulting and starting dealing with very small companies throughout the US. It seems to be particularly common here in Texas. A few thoughts on this issue, many reiterating other responses:

1) Even if you can charge your officers for uniforms, it becomes a business issue relative to your ability to recruit and retain qualified officers that your clients (not necessarily you) find acceptable. As much as I hate to say it, however, If you can deduct it and still hire the right people, then I guess you should do it. It won't, however, elevate the reputation of your company. And your competitors will be very willing to advise your clients or prospective clients of the practice.

2) As far as I am aware, even in the foreign country of California, If the officer signs a consent form, and the deduction per pay period does not bring his/her pay below the state mandated minimum wage, you can deduct for uniforms!

[Hank1]

Anyone know of a Tampa Bay agency that gives you a full duty rig with sidearm? Give as in, "You are not paying for this, nothing out of your check, etc."

If you are talking about LE, then yes. I have a friend that was employed by Tampa Police Department. He was issued everything from rain gear, to rechargable flashlights, boots and the Agency approved Glock. Other than that instance, no.

[bpdblue]

NRM oz, you stated you paid out approx $1500 to fully equip your senior staff.

I hope that included a gun, vest , full leather, and the uniform. If not stop shopping at Gucci, and Prada. :D

Seriously, if what you paid out was just for uniforms and not the associated gear, it seems overly expensive to me. I wore pretty good quality gear on the police force, but the price was less than $1500. Next time get them nice, but not luxury. For heaven's sake, if you've got that much extra money laying around, please send some my way. :rolleyes:

[NRM_Oz]

NRM oz, you stated you paid out approx $1500 to fully equip your senior staff.

I hope that included a gun, vest , full leather, and the uniform. If not stop shopping at Gucci, and Prada. :D

Seriously, if what you paid out was just for uniforms and not the associated gear, it seems overly expensive to me. I wore pretty good quality gear on the police force, but the price was less than $1500. Next time get them nice, but not luxury. For heaven's sake, if you've got that much extra money laying around, please send some my way. :rolleyes:

Actually the senior uniforms all came from the USA with the 5 pleats (like LAPD) as they kept their shape in summer heat here. Biggest outlay for all of them were the leather jackets with the cut away area for cuffs and firearms. Due to the small market these items were about $500 US each and did look smart (but for only 4 of them plus me) were severly restricted but the other teams got the nylon jackets, same cut and style.

Due to very strict firearm laws here staff are not permitted to bring their personal firearms on duty UNLESS they are a sub contracted company (ie. I run an armoured truck but I use a scout vehicle from ABC Ltd which is a 1 man show). I know some yahooms would carry 410's and 870's and consider them side-arms.

[SecTrainer]

One thing's for sure - I wouldn't let "free uniforms/gear" be the deciding factor for what company you work for, by a long shot.

[NRM_Oz]

As posted before - it is illegal here for companies to NOT provide a compulsory work uniform but if for example trousers are non stand or company preferred (ie. black dress style) then the company MAY subsidise them to the employee. ! company I worked for handed me the key to the unform room and asked me to help myself to whatever gear I needed when I was promoted - the wet weather gear is something I was given to keep which I still use now if out in the rain for long periods.

[officerchick]

My company deducts a $200 deposit from the first several checks. This is for 4 pants, 4 shirts, blazer if needed, bomber-style jacket or windbreaker, shield, patches, name tag, and lapel pins. Belts and boots/shoes are bought by the officer.

[craig333]

No, it shouldn't be "the" decididing factor, but its certainly going to be "a" factor. If you don't make up the cost of the uniform in my pay I'm going to have to very carefully consider if I can afford to work for you.

[Andy Taylor]

As it is illegal for them not to provide it, I would have serious questions about what other laws they may be breaking, and if I could trust them to be honest and trustworthy.

[NRM_Oz]

I used to lecture to new recruits for 1 hour when my friend's training group had a meeting with me. I would drop in for a cheque, a meeting and for a lunch would give a short lecture of "the real security world". I would say it as it was - spend $100.00 - good belt, black trousers if not provided, cheap hiking boots (black), plain black baseball cap and cheap pilot's jacket for now. It only takes 1 wet, cold misterable night before you soon learn about wearing the right gear (ie. boots vs shoes) and water dripping down your face in a storm (even with wet weather gear).

Yes added costs before you earn an income is considered a factor and whilst some companies will ask you to purchase your OWN trousers for example through them (as a casual), most will cuts costs as much as possible to save $$ for profit.

[bpdblue]

The bottom line on this subject is if the security company is so rinky-dink, or so bad with its' money that it cannot afford to supply at least two sets of basic uniforms to its' employees, it probably is borderline profitable, and you should bewary of working there. :mad:

The shoes, and a standard pants belt should be provided by the employee. Any leather gear and equipment, are again, the company's responsibility. (A moderate deposit seems like reasonable middle ground on this subject.)

[K-9 Aussie]

I use to make my staff pay a uniform deposit, as my staff would be issued with $1000AUD worth of uniforms each. To start with I didn't but I had a rule there was no final pay until unforms were returned. Unfortunately some former staff would wait until their pay went in to their bank accounts then resign with no notice and never return the uniforms.

I've since had a document drawn up by my solicitor which all staff sign before commencing employment, in which they agree to hand all uniforms back in if resigning or being dismissed and if they don't they agree they are stealing these items and that they will be prosecutted by Police.

I've only had two that I have terminated fail to return them. Both of them now do not have a security licence anymore as they were both charged by my local police for stealing.

P.S. Don't your staff freeze in winter in those leather jackets? I use to wear one and froze all winter long.



In NSW it is illegal for an employer to charge an employee for a compulsory uniform. Most security companies for full time - 2 days + 2 nights is 4 shirts and 2 trousers + jacket, coat and other uniform items. I have worked for some companies who will ask you to work further days and give you only 3 shirts and you work 6 days straight (casual employment is rife).

I made all my staff pay a uniform deposit of $250 US as some of the items were big dollars and much wanted by other company staff (leather jackets with cut-aways for guns / cuffs were $450 US so were issued to managers and senior staff ONLY). Boots / belts were personal choice as we caps (we supplied generic black ones for the staff to keep and personal kit was at the discretion of the staff involved.

Apart from a few ties being lost, most staff got their $250 US deposit back when they moved on or were moved on by me.

[NRM_Oz]

In Sydney it is not that cold in winter - but personally my 4 season coat I mentioned in another post was designed for all seasons and I never used the full liner as it got too hot to wear usually.

$1k (bloody dollar is sitting well at 93 cents US) is alot to fork out for even 10 crew and most K9 handlers have their "working blues" so just need a shirt and jacket to cover their requirements. I had 1 company stiff me the $25.00 they charged me for dry cleaning when I had it done for $7.00 for a coat. I resigned through Ops Mgr stupidity and claimed the $25.00 from head office as I produced a receipt and these jackets were $200 US each hence the dry cleaning costs. I was asked to come back after they sacked the Ops Mgr for dishonesty (did tell them) but passed when I waited 2 months for my $25.00 based on principle. I chased down some staff for uniforms and had a police report on 2 of them for non-return which meant they were now on record.

[JoeMama]

Yes, I know this is an older thread.


As far as a company who issued everything, when I worked for Coastal International Security on the SCANA contract I was issued everything but my boots, socks and drawers. Shirts, pants, jackets, belt, cuffs, Glock, baton, etc. Plus they had their own training people so you didn't have to pay to be trained (unlike most of what I have seen in TX).

They didn't take any money for anything.

[Nauticus]

We use a lot of state of the art equipment and whatnot, and I don't have staff members pay a dime for any of it. However, it is expected that we will recover whatever is not turned in after employment.