On the first day of January of each year, officers authorized to use clothing allowance will receive a credit amount as established by the Saint Paul City Ordinance.  The allowance will be accumulated from one year to the next. Allowance is not transferrable between officers.

Officers separating from the department will have their current year’s clothing allowance adjusted as follows: officers will receive full credit for each month employed during the current year.  They will receive full credit for the month in which they separate from the department when employed at least 15 days in the month.

Officers purchasing authorized items on the uniform list must obtain them from the current uniform contract holder.  The receipt will be signed at the time of purchase of the item(s) and left with the contractor.

Flashlights are limited to two per year, and binoculars are limited to one per year. Knives/Multi-tools are limited to two per year and limited to $200 total per year. Only the approved folding knives and multi-tools may be purchased. These items must be purchased from the uniform contract holder. 

Procedures for purchasing items not available through the contract vender are as follows:

  • The officer will make the purchase of the approved clothing items from a metro area vendor only (online purchases of clothing are not authorized). The original detailed receipt, with the officer’s name and assignment written on it, must be submitted to the executive assistant to the deputy chief of operations.
  • Only those items on the approved list or items that have been approved prior to purchase by the deputy chief of operations will be allowable for reimbursement.  Exceptions to this policy may be made for extraordinary reasons with prior approval by the deputy chief of operations.  

Allowable items:

  • Athletic apparel(including shoes)Limit $200.00 peryear

  • Dress shoes or boots Limit $200.00 per year

  • Court clothing: One suit/dress outfit per year for uniformed

  • Items not eligible for reimbursement:

If you’re unsure if an item qualifies for reimbursement, call the executive assistant to the deputy chief of operations at 651-266-5500 before purchasing. 

The deputy chief of operations is responsible for compliance with the city ordinance and union contract with regard to purchasing of uniforms.  Therefore, any requests for changes to the uniform or unit specific uniform/attire must be routed through the office of the deputy chief of operations.   No change may be implemented prior to approval by the chief or their designee.  The policy and uniform guide must be updated to reflect the change prior the wearing of the new attire.

Revised May 30, 2019

Last Edited: June 10, 2019