LASD - Department Operations Center

COVID-19
Employee Guide to Facial Coverings
The use of facial coverings is mandated as of April 15, 2020, at 0001 hours.
Nothing in this notice shall be construed to preclude the use of disposable gloves,
masks and goggles when appropriate. Personnel should choose the correct item for
use as dictated by the scenario they are encountering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, cloth face coverings provide limited
protection to the wearer from contamination. A face covering’s primary function is to
protect other people from being contaminated by the wearer. Face coverings may help
prevent self-contamination by preventing the wearer from touching their mouth and
nose area.
Employees shall wear a facial covering, whose duties require contact with other
employees and/or the public, unless in a situation where a facial covering inhibits
officer’s safety. Deputies should be aware that certain mask designs may pose a
risk of injury to the wearer in a confrontation with a suspect. The facial covering
must meet the below listed specifications:


The face cover shall not significantly affect verbal communication. For example,
a cloth face covering should not prevent personnel from giving clear verbal
commands to a suspect or communicating clearly via radio;



Cloth face coverings should be washable for decontamination purposes.



Solid Colors only no patterns;



Writing and insignias are not permitted;



Material – Tightly woven cotton or similar tightly woven material which allows for
near normal breathing while preventing particulate matter from passing through.
Multiple layers of material are acceptable; and



Accessories are not permitted to be affixed to the mask.

If you have any questions or require additional information, the DOC is available
24 hours
.

V2 / 04/15/20

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