Rule 4501:7-1-12 | Uniforms, vehicles, and publications.
(A) For the purposes of this rule, the following are defined as "words or phrases that can be construed as law enforcement or governmental agency":
(1) Homeland security;
(2) Highway patrol;
(3) Bureau of Investigation;
(4) Police;
(5) Private police;
(6) Sheriff;
(7) The word "patrol" used in conjunction with "Ohio" or "State";
(8) SWAT;
(9) Cop;
(10) Public safety;
(11) Peace officer;
(12) Constable;
(13) Law enforcement;
(14) Trooper;
(15) Deputy; or
(16) Agent.
(B) No uniform, vehicle or publication used by a licensee shall be marked with any words or phrases that can be construed as a law enforcement or governmental agency.
(C) Uniforms.
(1) Registered employees of licensees are not required to wear uniforms. Any uniforms worn by such employees shall have distinct identifying patches displaying the licensee's business name to ensure they are readily distinguishable from the uniforms worn by law enforcement authorities at all times; initials may be used with prior written approval of the department of public safety. Where blazer-type jackets are used, the identifying patch may be worn on the breast pocket and/or shoulder area.
(2) Registered employees of licensees are not required to wear badges. If a badge is worn, it must be furnished by the licensee and include the licensee's business name.
(3) Employees of one licensee shall not wear the uniform of another licensee unless a contract or subcontract relationship exists between the two licensees.
(4) When under the employ of a licensee, commissioned peace officer, as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, may wear the following attire:
(a) The standard uniform adopted by the licensee;
(b) When working in the jurisdiction where commissioned as a peace officer, the uniform of that jurisdiction with the written consent of the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the individual is commissioned; or
(c) When working outside the jurisdiction where commissioned as a peace officer, the uniform of the jurisdiction where the registrant is commissioned as a peace officer with both the written consent of the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the individual is commissioned and the written consent of the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the individual will be working.
(D) Publications and advertisements.
(1) All advertisements and/or promotional material shall carry the legal name or trade name designation and the address under which the licensee is licensed. The use of abbreviated names or division names for advertising purposes must be approved in writing by the department.
(2) A licensee shall not use the name of any employee or associate in the heading of any advertisement or other promotional material. If a name of an employee or associate is used in advertising or other materials, the name shall be in smaller font than the licensee's business name.
Supplemental Information