Affection in Uniform?

[officerchick]

My 'significant other' consistently tries to be 'lovey-dovey' with me in public when I'm in uniform. I have explained to her numerous times that I am uncomfortable with this. When in uniform, especially, I always keep a mind to act in a professional manner whether I'm at work or not. Because we use public transportation, I am often uniformed in public for up to several hours before and after shift.

She continues to try to 'hang' on me, lean on me, sleep on my shoulder on the bus, kiss me, etc. and gets mad when I hold back from her.

What are your thoughts on affection in uniform? (Not those thoughts, we all know that's fun at first but I want your mature, professional thoughts ). Do/would you hug or kiss your significant other in uniform, even if off duty? Where would you draw the line?

[Curtis Baillie]

Is this the same person you have posted elswhere about having troubles with in your home?

[officerchick]

Is this the same person you have posted elswhere about having troubles with in your home?

That would be the one. I'm specifically asking about this aspect, though, as it's something I've never been comfortable with, troubles or not.

[SecureTN]

IMO, A hug and or kiss is okay. I've done it and will do it again (I hope, lol) but being overly affectionate in my mind is unprofessional.

[Security]

When my girlfriend comes to visit me at work, she usually gives me a big hug and a kiss. Nobody seems bothered by it really. In fact, a few of the store employees have told me it's "adorable how cute we are."

I'd just make sure it doesn't get too carried away, though, if you know what I mean. Use common sense and you should be alright.

[craig333]

The thing is you asked her to stop and she didn't. If you were okay with I wouldn't see a problem but the fact you weren't okay with and asked her no to and she still did it is a lack of respect that would be a huge issue with me.

[Security]

Craig- good point.

[officerchick]

The thing is you asked her to stop and she didn't. If you were okay with I wouldn't see a problem but the fact you weren't okay with and asked her no to and she still did it is a lack of respect that would be a huge issue with me.

Very true, and that lack of respect has increased my discomfort with it. I'm just wondering how others feel about it in general.

[N. A. Corbier]

In general, people do not need to touch me at work in public. For starters, if someone dislikes me, hey look! A secondary target that will leave the area that they can vent their... frustrations... out on.

[Charger]

In general, people do not need to touch me at work in public. For starters, if someone dislikes me, hey look! A secondary target that will leave the area that they can vent their... frustrations... out on.

Bingo. One BIG reason right there to keep the affection to off-duty (aka out-of-uniform) time.

My significant other is also in this line of work, (same company, in fact.. just a different division), and when we're on duty it's strictly professional. Our fellow Officers know what's up, but nobody else would be able to tell from our conduct when we're in uniform.

Granted, your significant other may not be in this line of work and may not understand the need for professionalism, but if you've explained it to her and asked her to stop, she needs to respect your wishes and do so.

[Minneapolis Security]

Affection in uniform is unprofessional in my opinion. If you need to use public transportation, I would recommend a cover up garment so your uniform is not visible.

[UtahProtectionForce]

whenever in public, i always have my husband shake my hand while im in uniform, to retain professionalism :P however when at home, thats a different story...

[officerchick]

Affection in uniform is unprofessional in my opinion. If you need to use public transportation, I would recommend a cover up garment so your uniform is not visible.

I try to have a 'cover up garment' as you suggest, or to take off my uniform shirt and put it in my bag. I can't always do that though, if it's too hot to wear a jacket or too cold to take off the shirt, etc.

In general, people do not need to touch me at work in public. For starters, if someone dislikes me, hey look! A secondary target that will leave the area that they can vent their... frustrations... out on.

An excellent point that I have been concerned about but may not have expressed as such.

[sgtnewby]

IMO, A hug and or kiss is okay. I've done it and will do it again (I hope, lol) but being overly affectionate in my mind is unprofessional.

Agreed, a simple hug or peck, I think, makes us look a little more human. But, you need to be aware of who you're around at the same time. Minnesota has a very large Somali population. One of our officers gave his girlfriend of 2 years a kiss on the cheek before he parted ways with her to respond to a call (she works there too, not in security), and a Somali gentleman filed a formal complaint stating that they were "making out" in the hallway. So you do need to use discretion....

[jbaerbock]

Personally I keep it professional in the public eye. When it comes to a hug for greeting I do it in the office or if I escort her to her car I'll give her a hug then but I try to keep it all to a minimum in public, for all the reasons listed.