Police Officers with Facial Hair

[Old Salt]

You are welcome. If you go back and look at the photo of Jagmeet Singh, you will see the black leather strap of his Kirpan over his shoulder and chest. BY agreement with the Speaker of Parliament, Sikh M.P.'s can wear their Kirpan in the House, but it must be wrapped and secured so it can not be drawn as a weapon. Typically the Kirpan is a ceremonial sign of faith, along with the Turban, uncut hair and beard, the steel bracelet, and a special under shirt. Old time male Sikhs do sometimes carry swords during religious celebrations, as a sign that they are ready to "Defend The Faith " against others. JimB.

Are there are more moderate factions among Sikhs, Jim? The one in GB with the trimmed beard certainly didn't look as if he were an "observant" Sikh!

 

[Warrigal]

Are there are more moderate factions among Sikhs, Jim? The one in GB with the trimmed beard certainly didn't look as if he were an "observant" Sikh!

I have visited a nearby Sikh gurdwarra a couple of times and the younger members of the congregation are not as meticulous about some of the rules. However, the little boys are easily identified as Sikh because their long hair is twisted into a topknot and covered by cloth.



The younger women didn't always wear the turban. They do wear a triangular scarf in the gurdwarra. By wearing the turban and other symbols, Sikhs identify themselves and they are reminded to behave in such a way as not to dishonour their faith.

 

[jimintoronto]

Are there are more moderate factions among Sikhs, Jim? The one in GB with the trimmed beard certainly didn't look as if he were an "observant" Sikh!

Old Salt. That UK Sikh Police officers beard is rolled up and secured by a chin net. Jimb.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I can't really see how it would make any difference to their ability to do a good job or not so, I think, they should be free to make their own choice. I am assuming we are talking about tidy facial hair and not a straggly, wild beard harbouring the contents of their breakfast type thing.

Me also. Our Canadian military wouldn’t allow long hair, unnatural coloured hair ( like blue , pink etc ) or any type of piercing. Now since so few are applying they eased up on their restrictions. It reminds me of that song by guess who.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I love facial hair on men. As long as the hair doesn't impede the officers' ability to do their jobs, I don't see why they shouldn't be able to have mustaches and beards. @Warrigal I love that they hooked up the Sikh officer's uniform to encompass his turban! He does indeed look nice.

 

[911]

Most of these posts miss the point completely. It has little to do with appearance. Law enforcement may be called upon from time to time to have to wear an oxygen mask, like firemen. Although it can still be used while wearing a beard, the mask does not seal or seat properly around the mouth and against the face.

As for appearance, many years ago, even way before my time, it was more acceptable for State Troopers not to wear facial hair in order to look more professional and more like military personnel. This was due to tradition. City cops and township police departments use a different approach, which I won’t go there.

In Pennsylvania, our appearance is based on looking professional and not wearing goatees, full face beards, or braided beards. I would be OK with a small well groomed mustache, but like keeping it the way it is.

 

[Remy]

No facial hair here. Hair a little long. All is well.

Got tattoos on officers now also.