Effective April 1, 2015
Employees of the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas are expected to dress in an appropriate manner to project a professional business like image to the public and fellow employees. Acceptable personal appearance like proper maintenance of work area is an ongoing requirement of employment with the county. This requirement is in effect when the employee is representing the court at any out of office function.
Proper grooming and attire have a positive impact on the office climate. Clothing that is too tight or short or that shows your back, chest, stomach or underwear is never appropriate. Visible tattoos must be completely covered while at work and visible body piercing (except ears) shall not be worn.
This Dress Code applies to all full and part time employees of the 29th Judicial District. This policy also applies to interns assigned to each department who are expected to work for a predetermined prescribed period of time.
Because all casual clothing is not suitable for the office, these guidelines will help you determine what is appropriate to wear to work. The attached chart is divided into court and office appearance. Department Heads that require employees to be in the field to complete their work have authority to allow exceptions to the dress code based on work assignment.
The following are general rules that cover all areas of work:
Dresses and skirts should be at an appropriate length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, shorts, sundresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate for the office.
Jewelry and accessories should be suitable for the workplace. Jewelry should not be lewd or offensive and should be of professional taste to accent the professional appearance of the employee. Visible body piercing (except ears) and ear gauges are prohibited. Please wear perfumes, make-up and cologne with restraint. These substances can cause an allergic reaction for fellow employees and members of the public.
All employees should maintain a clean and groomed appearance at all times. Attention to personal hygiene is expected. Unconventional hairstyles or applied, unnatural hair colors are not appropriate. Hair color must be of the range of natural hair color. Hair shall be cleaned combed, and neatly trimmed.
The Court will make every effort to accommodate employees dress standards that are dictated by religious beliefs.
No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear to work. If you are uncertain, it is probably not appropriate. Please ask your department manager.
The chart offered below serves only as a guideline for court and office appearance.
Guideline for Appropriate Attire - for Court |
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Men | Women |
All shirts must have collars. Dress pants may include traditional style Dockers, corduroys and khakis |
Dress slacks may include traditional style corduroys and khakis |
Guideline for Appropriate Attire - for OfficeBelow is a general overview of appropriate business casual attire. Items that are not appropriate for the office are listed too. Neither list is all-inclusive and both are open to change. |
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Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants |
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Men - Appropriate | Women - Appropriate |
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Men - Inappropriate | Women - Inappropriate |
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Shirts, tops, Blouses, and Jackets |
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Men - Appropriate | Women - Appropriate |
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Men - Inappropriate | Women - Inappropriate |
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Shoes and Footwear |
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Men - Appropriate | Women - Appropriate |
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Men - Inappropriate | Women - Inappropriate |
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ELECTED OFFICIALS OR DEPARTMENT HEADS MAY ALLOW EXCEPTIONS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS TRAINING, FIELD EXERCISES, AND ON-CALL AFTER HOURS, WHERE THE NORMAL COURT/ BUSINESS ATIIRE IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB.
All personnel of the Court are required to follow the Dress Code. Elected officials, department heads and supervisors are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the policy. Employees who report to work in unacceptable attire will be reminded of the Dress code and may be required to return home and change into acceptable clothing. Unscheduled leave time use will apply. Repeated policy violations will result in the progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination.