Carrying ID on the Job

[cowboyacg]

I am kinda still new to this whole forum thing on officer.com, but my question is this. I have been recently hired by the TDCJ to work in a maximum security prison, and I do not want to carry my wallet with all my information in it while working, since most of you are law enforcement or work in this kind of enviroment, what do you carry with you daily as a personal identification other than you officer or correctional officer ID, and how do you carry it? I know this may sound like a dumb question, but I didnt really know who to ask. Thanks

[Bearcat357]

Not sure what TX law is....or what Dept. policy is....you should check there first....

When I worked the road, I had my check card, my DL, and my Commission Card on my person (in my uniform top pocket)......other pocket had my notebook, State BAC Operators Card, and Miranda Card......

It was the policy at my last two uniformed agencies to have DL and Commission Card on you when you were on duty....

[TexasAggieOfc]

I am required to carry four forms of ID on me at all times while in uniform:

1. Valid Texas DL
2. TCLEOSE Commission Card
3. Sheriff's Commission Card
4. County Employee Identification Card

I also usually have a Debit Card on me for going out to lunch. I have them in a small ID wallet, and I carry it in my left breast pocket.

[flatbadge]

when i worked the jails, NOBODY carried personal id on them. Nothing. No wallet, ect. Keep that stuff locked up. Ask your training officer.
On patrol my wallet was secured in the trunk of my patrol car. no personal info on my person.

[AKA=Cruz]

When I worked the jail I never carried a I.D. except my SO assignment ID that we clipped on to our shirts. You don’t want an inmate to get a DL during a scuffle. They do have still have friends out on the street.

Also don’t say your girlfriends, wife or children name at work. Inmates pick up on that. And try not to use your first name too.

[rgv_cop]

I usually carry my DL, dept ID, debit card, and maybe a little bit of cash.

[shablee]

I don't know why anybodys PD would require them to carry an ID on themselves, unless you are in a plain clothes assignment. Maybe a department ID with your name/rank/identifying features, but that's it. Why would you carry your wallet on your person anyway. I once was in a scrum with multiple scumbags and multiple cops. When it was all said in done, we had 5 in handcuffs and something inside my head told my to slap at my backpocket holding my wallet. I did and it wasn't there. When I looked down to where we had all been fighting, there it was-w/my credit cards, pictures of my kids, and MY ADDRESS. If it's department policy, I suggest you talk to your shift commander/union rep/chief, or who ever can make change. There's no need to carry your wallet while you are working. Just my.02.

[Northtechsan]

I don't know why anybodys PD would require them to carry an ID on themselves

My PD requires us to carry our Police ID on us uniform or not. I actually had a complainant request to see it one night b/c she wasn't sure we were the real thing. Despite both me and my cover officer were in marked squad cars, and a FD engine, and med unit were behind us.

[TexasAggieOfc]

I was under the impression that at a minimum, TCLEOSE requires your TCLEOSE card must be on your person while on duty. State Law requires you to have a DL in your possession while operating a motor vehicle. Of course, I don't know if TDCJ has TCLEOSE cards.

[flatbadge]

In the real world, where you get into fights, foot pursuits, and shootings, its my opinion as others that you dont carry it on your person. Police work is not walmart.

On top of that, its not good for the back to sit on a wallet.

Off duty we were required to carry badge/id. Now I carry retired badge/ID

[TX_CO]

Just carry your State ID in your shirt pocket, you need it to get in and out of the unit. You will not need your wallet or money inside the prison.

If I do a transport I go get my wallet before my weapons.

Your TDCJ ID will look just like the one carried by the wardens secretary and the mail clerk, it identifies you only as an employee of TDCJ nowhere does it indicate your position with the Agency. Other than the fact that you are in uniform for the picture.

No TCLEOSE cards, however we can challenge the test at anytime (the agency does not require or recognize it).

[texaschickeee]

Cowboy-
when Iworked in TDCJ I promise you I carried nothing but what was issued. (the red ID card, around my neck)
Any thing that can be *dropped* is fair game for the offenders.
I left my purse in my trunk and my wallet LOCKED in the glove box.
personally I knew alot of the gaurds that locked their stuff in the car to.

[thirdgod]

When I was at Arizona DOC I carried my wallet, but we wore BDUs so it was buttoned into my pocket. I also carried a seperate badge/ID holder for getting into and out of the unit.

Now that I'm a cop, my wallet, ID, etc stay in my gear bag in the trunk of the car while I'm on duty.