Trial proceedings open today for police who are suing the city of San Diego to get paid for the time it takes to “don” and “doff,” - in other words, put on and take off - their uniforms.
Bill Nemec, President of the San Diego Police Officers’ Association, says San Diego police are following the example of police in other cities.
Nemec : " National City is another example.. it was the same issue – it was the donning and doffing, the pre shift and post shift uncompensated time - anywhere from 15 minutes to a half hour in preparations. "
Police in New York set a precedent in 2006 when they settled with the city over uncompensated time
“donning and doffing “ their uniforms.
Police in Oceanside have also reached a settlement on the issue.
But former San Diego city attorney Mike Aguirre refused to settle with the San Diego police, so the matter is going to trial.