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There are lots of critics who say police officers should not be compensated for the time it takes them to change from civilian clothes into uniforms and don all their equipment and protective gear. Some of those critics are themselves law enforcement professionals without access to collective bargaining in so-called right-to-work states, who are alongside the thoroughly enraged fiscal conservatives who feel most cops are paid too much and have too many benefits as it is.
But despite all the salvos being lobbed in the comments section of newspapers and cop websites, a federal judge has ruled that Los Angeles police officers should be paid for the time it takes them to put on and take off their uniforms and safety equipment.
Critics charge that the ruling could potentially cost the LAPD millions of dollars in back pay and higher salaries. In his 39-page ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Gary Feess found that the several minutes it takes an officer to dress for duty is an important part of the job because “police uniforms convey and legitimize officers’ authority, increase officer safety, and help deter crime,” and fall under the compensation rules of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act.
The issue has come to be known as “donning and doffing.”
“This is a huge deal,” said Paul M. Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League that represents the LAPD’s rank-and-file officers.
The union has filed another lawsuit on the issue in a different court. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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