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Ok to wear formal police uniform to a non-police formal event?

My work Christmas party is this weekend and it's a formal event. My boyfriend would like to wear his formal police uniform. This is not a policeman's ball or anything. Is it ok if he wears his formal uniform, or should he wear a suit or tuxedo instead? Please let me know what you think, thanks!!

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't wear a uniform, unless it was a military officers. Wearing a police uniform to a non-police event is an attention getter and shouts look at me.
2. If it's formal, he should wear either his dress blues or tuxedo, but no plain suits. To wear dress blues during a non-police event does indeed look like he's vying for extra attention, but aside from that, he might want to opt for a simple tux if only for the practical reason that he is going to have to listen to every single person's "I got this ticket once, maybe you can explain this..." story ALL NIGHT LONG. I used to date a police officer, and it's bad enough to have to field those stories without advertising to everyone that you're in law enforcement. Besides, generally it's only military that wears dress blues instead of tuxedos.
3. If hes a suit event, he will stand out alot. People may think he is security or something happen at the event. I have a bunch of friends in law enforcement and none of them would wear their uni out in public to an event like this. In fact, most cops don't want people to know they are cops. It draws alot of attention, some good and some bad. Most would rather keep a low profile. Most don't want to look they are on the clock when they aren't. If something does happen at the party, even though he is off duty he still has the duty to handle the situation because he is in his uni. Generally, its a bad idea.
4. It would be in poor taste to wear the uniform. It's a standard, Christmas party with people's families, spouses, etc in attendance. They all know it's a collection of police officers, so the uniform idea is tacky. Wear a nice suit or tux and have a good time.
5. My husband is an Officer in the Army, and he wears his Dress Blues to formal events (even funerals) and it's perfectly acceptable. This is something taught in the Academy and at Officers Candidate School. But that's Military, which is of course not exactly like the Police. Your boyfriend no doubt has some information about whether or not this is acceptable. I'm sure it's been addressed in his training. Go with his judgment on this. Personally, I love a man in uniform. As a hostess, I feel it lends an elegant air to the event.
6. no...it's not the policeman's ball...he belongs in a suit.