The New York Police Department is reviving its "no-beard" policy not only because officers "got a little sloppy" but also for safety reasons, said Chief of Patrol John Chell. Though medical-religious exemptions will remain, the facial hair policy as well as other weather-related uniform restrictions should start in about a week, reports PIX11 News.
The Police Benevolent Association criticized the policy, claiming the department is understaffed and has bigger issues to contend with. But retired NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone said he supports bringing back the no-beard policy to reinstate professional standards. "If you look good and act good the public will respond in kind. If you don’t, they will respond in the opposite way," he said.