The Policy and Finance Committee voted Aug. 21, 2025, to forward an ordinance to the full governing body that would give the chief of police discretion to allow private security or off-duty officers to wear uniforms that resemble the police department’s. Amanda Stanley, city attorney, told the committee the draft ordinance “would make it broader and make the restriction, with the approval of the chief of police.”

What the ordinance would change: Under current local rules, officers were allowed to wear the police uniform for some work tied to state agencies or when employed by a security agency stationed at a state agency; the proposed change would broaden that ability if the police chief approves the specific requests, Stanley said. She told the committee the request stems from officers and others who asked for a written policy so chiefs could evaluate off-duty uniform use consistently.

Council reaction and vote: Council members raised public-image and liability concerns but also noted restrictions in the draft requiring chief approval. Councilman Miller said, “making this change makes sense,” and pointed to the existing requirement that the chief must sign off on off-duty assignments. The committee approved a motion to move the ordinance on to the full governing body for discussion; the committee vote was recorded as unanimous to forward the item. The committee did not adopt the ordinance itself.

Why this matters: The ordinance would not automatically allow any officer to wear a department-like uniform while working private security; the police chief would retain discretion to approve or deny specific requests. Supporters said uniformed presence can affect perceived public safety in private venues; opponents flagged potential liability and public-image concerns.

What was decided: The committee authorized the ordinance to proceed to the full governing body for discussion and requested a fuller presentation to the council that outlines potential benefits, liabilities and proposed oversight before any final adoption.

Ending: Staff said the item will be scheduled for the full council agenda for a future meeting where the ordinance will be discussed publicly and the council can consider final action.