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POST authorizes staff to design standardized patch for off‑duty/private‑duty officers
Summary
The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission authorized staff to develop prototype designs of a clearly labeled patch for off‑duty and private‑duty law enforcement under TCA 62‑35‑141, aiming to prevent misleading police‑style insignia and assist enforcement and public complaints.
The Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on Sept. 24 authorized staff to work with the Department of Commerce & Insurance to design prototype insignia and markings for off‑duty and private‑duty law enforcement officers under TCA 62‑35‑141.
Jesse Jaintree, chief counsel for the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s Division of Regulatory Boards, explained the statute’s requirements and the commission’s role. He cited the law’s language that “the officers clothing shall bear insignia and markings clearly designated that this officer is a private duty law enforcement officer,” and said the commission is tasked with establishing design criteria.
Commissioners and counsel said the move responds to an increase in unapproved patches and tactical gear that can appear police‑like and make it difficult for investigators and members of the public to determine an officer’s employer and certification status. Jaintree said staff already audits companies and investigates instances where individuals wearing police‑like insignia cannot be linked to any employing jurisdiction.
Commissioners asked whether the commission would issue or buy the patch. Staff said POST would design and may cover limited prototype production costs but would not distribute patches; agencies or individuals would obtain the patch from vendors. Commissioners also debated the scope: the statute limits enforcement to certain counties, and several commissioners urged a statewide solution to avoid a patchwork of local variations.
A motion directing staff to develop sample designs and return to the commission for approval passed on a voice vote. The commission’s authorization does not itself create a new regulation: it directs staff to prepare designs and prototypes for future commission consideration and potential formal adoption.
Next steps: staff will produce prototype designs and a short package for the commission to review at a future meeting, and continue audits to identify cases where unapproved insignia are in use.
