LAPD bans retired cops from wearing blue police uniforms while guarding street film locations

LAPD bans police uniforms for film set guards

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Police Department is banning the blue for retired cops who guard streetside film shoots.

For decades, ex-officers have worn the same uniforms as working officers, except they don’t have rank stripes and their badges say “retired.”

But Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell announced Tuesday that, beginning in three months, ex-officers at film locations must wear a different outfit: black pants, white shirts, yellow safety vests and patches that read “Film Detail.”

That irked ex-officers and film location managers. They argued that people will be less likely to keep away from sets, stunts and car chases if they don’t spot a uniform.