When it comes to sunglasses, police officers don’t have complete freedom to wear whatever they want while on duty. There are certain regulations and requirements that law enforcement must follow regarding their eyewear for practical and safety reasons. Understanding the rules around sunglasses for cops can help officers stay compliant and choose the best shades for the job.
Are There Any Regulations For Sunglasses Worn By Police Officers?
Yes, in most cases police departments have policies in place dictating what types of sunglasses officers can and cannot wear while in uniform. These regulations aim to promote uniformity in appearance, ensure the sunglasses don’t interfere with an officer’s vision or work duties, and make sure any specialty eyewear meets safety standards.
Exact sunglass regulations can vary somewhat by specific department, but some common requirements include:
- Sunglasses must have a conservative, professional style and appearance
- No reflective or mirrored lenses
- Lenses cannot be so dark that they obscure an officer’s eyes or vision
- No ornamental or distracting frames
- Glasses must be worn pushed up onto the face, not down on the tip of the nose
In addition, any specialty tactical sunglasses with extra features like ballistic protection must meet testing and rating standards set by the department.
Do Police Sunglasses Have Special Features?
Sunglasses made specifically for law enforcement, military, and tactical use can contain special features designed for protection and performance in demanding situations:
- Impact/ballistic protection – Many tactical sunglasses have impact-resistant lenses capable of withstanding bullets, fragments, blunt force, and other projectiles.
- Polarized lenses – Polarization filters out glare to sharpen vision. This helps officers see clearly through windshields and in bright, reflective environments.
- Anti-fog coatings – Coatings prevent fogging and condensation from obscuring vision in temperature extremes.
- Scratch-resistant – Durable, scratch-resistant lenses maintain clarity after heavy use and cleaning.
- Mirrored coating – A mirror coating reduces glare/brightness in very sunny conditions. Despite the reflective look, the eyes are still visible behind the lenses.
What Are Popular Sunglass Brands For Police?
Many major sunglass companies now produce public safety eyewear designed for the unique needs of law enforcement. Some top brands include:
- Oakley – Oakley makes specialized tactical glasses with impact protection.
- Wiley X – Wiley X Climate Control series glasses have foam barriers to block wind/debris.
- Ray-Ban – The classic aviator model is common for police.
- Randolph Engineering – Randolph offers military-grade ballistic sunglasses.
- Costa Del Mar – Costa’s polarized sunglasses reduce glare for officers in bright sun.
Within these brands, popular police sunglass styles include aviators, wayfarers, wraparounds, and sporty athletic models. The best glasses for an individual officer come down to fit, comfort, and performance needs on the job.
Can Officers Wear Non-Police Sunglasses Brands Like Oakley?
Whether non-police brands like Oakley are allowed depends on the department’s sunglass regulations. Many departments prohibit officers from wearing any conspicuous designer/sports sunglasses in exotic shapes or colors that aren’t conservative and professional in appearance.
However, some departments may permit officers to wear mainstream brands like Oakley, provided the sunglasses are an approved style and color. Tactical law enforcement models from Oakley that offer protection and durability are generally acceptable.
Do Police Sunglasses Come With Anti-Fog Features?
Yes, many police sunglasses from brands like Wiley X, ESS, and Oakley are equipped with permanent anti-fog coatings applied to the lenses. These coatings incorporate hydrophilic properties that prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
This anti-fog ability allows officers to transition from hot to cold environments without having their vision obscured by lens fogging. Keeping lenses clear is crucial for police who need to be able to see and react at all times.
Do Cops Wear Sunglasses At Night?
Most police officers do not wear sunglasses at night since there is minimal glare and sunglasses would reduce visibility in low light conditions. However, some exceptions exist when sunglasses may be worn at night:
- Motorcycle officers may use tinted eye protection at night to shield from wind and debris.
- SWAT teams activating night vision goggles may also put on ballistic sunglasses for protection from gunfire/explosions.
- Plainclothes officers working undercover may wear dark glasses as part of their disguise.
But in general, sunglasses are not really useful or recommended for night patrols where seeing clearly in dim lighting takes priority.
Do Police Sunglass Lenses Come In Different Tints?
Yes, sunglass lenses for law enforcement are produced in a range of tints. Common tints include:
- Gray – Provides general glare reduction while maintaining color balance and vision accuracy.
- Brown – Adds contrast and depth perception, good for forest/woodland areas.
- Yellow – Filters blue light and brightens overcast days while enhancing contrast.
- Green – Ideal for seeing clearly in hazy urban areas.
- Mirrored coatings – Reflective mirrored coating shields eyes from intense sunlight/glare.
Certain colors like blue or purple may be prohibited by departments as they can take on a more radical appearance. Officers select lens tints based on their typical environmental conditions.
Do Police Sunglasses Have interchangeable Lenses?
Some tactical sunglass models designed for law enforcement use allow officers to swap out lenses for different tints and conditions. Brands like Oakley manufacture glasses with interchangeable lenses to provide versatility:
- Clear lenses for nighttime use
- Dark gray or mirrored lenses for sunny daytime
- Yellow for hazy/overcast days
Being able to change lenses means officers can tailor their sunglasses to the lighting environment without needing multiple pairs of glasses. Interchangeable lenses are a useful feature for police frequently moving between varied lighting conditions.
Do Police Sunglasses Have Prescription Options?
Yes, many police sunglass models can be customized with corrective prescription lenses installed. Brands like Wiley X partner with prescription labs to manufacture sunglasses with vision correction built right into the lenses.
Getting prescription sunglasses allows officers with vision problems to protect their eyes and see clearly without needing to wear standard glasses underneath. Built-in prescription eliminates potential interference and fogging.
Do Police Get Free/Discounted Sunglasses?
Some sunglass companies offer special pricing, discounts, and deals for military, law enforcement, and first responders. For example:
- Oakley offers police discounts up to 50% off certain models.
- Wiley X provides wholesale pricing for department orders of tactical sunglasses.
- Costa Del Mar has pro purchase programs with exclusive pricing.
Discounts make it more affordable for departments to equip officers with quality sunglasses. Individual officers may also be eligible for special pricing when buying glasses out-of-pocket if they verify active duty status.
Do Police Sunglasses Ever Come With Side Shields?
Yes, some tactical sunglass models designed for law enforcement and military use will feature removable side shields attached to the frames. These thin curved plates fit over the frames to protect the eyes from wind, dust, and debris approaching from the peripheral.
Brands like Wiley X, Revision Military, and others make glasses with removable side shields officers can deploy when needed for extra protection. When not needed, the shields can snap off the frames to maintain a low profile.
Conclusion
Police officers have unique sunglass needs that demand practical, protective, and professional eyewear. While cops don’t have total freedom when choosing sunglasses, they do have many options through trusted brands making models designed specifically for law enforcement use. With the right shades, officers can protect their vision and perform at their best while out on patrol.