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Iraq Chief orders officers to keep uniforms handy
By TAMARA LUSH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 19, 2003
TAMPA -- All Tampa police officers -- from Chief Bennie Holder to homicide detectives in plain clothes -- are now required to keep their blue uniforms close by in case of a terrorism crisis.
Holder wants all officers to be prepared -- and able to stand out from civilians -- "due to the impending status of war," said a recent memo from Holder.
"In the event that we needed to deploy additional officers out on the street, they would be ready to go," said police spokeswoman Katie Hughes. "It's for accessibility, preparedness and visibility."
Holder issued the memo to all sworn officers on Monday, directing them to keep their uniforms and gear in their offices or their cars.
Many detectives and the department's top brass often wear plain clothes to conduct their daily business.
Undercover officers are also required to carry the uniform. Holder suggested the officers hide the uniform if on assignment.
Hillsborough County sheriff's officials would not disclose whether they have taken similar measures. A spokeswoman for the agency said homeland security preparations are confidential.
At the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, spokesman Rick Morera said agents there are not doing anything different -- yet.
FDLE agents don't wear uniforms. But, if war breaks out, Morera said the agency has plans in place to become a statewide clearinghouse for potential terrorist threats and other crisis-related information. The FDLE office of statewide intelligence in Tallahassee will open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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