3-103 - Hairstyle, Facial Hair, and Grooming Standards

This policy establishes guidelines for hairstyles, facial hair, and overall grooming to maintain a professional image, accommodate necessary equipment use, and uphold the MPD’s operational standards.

1. All members will keep their hair clean, neatly trimmed and well-groomed. Members’ hair shall always present a professional image.
2. Dyed, tinted or bleached hair must be within a naturally occurring color range and must be professional in appearance. For purposes of this policy, naturally occurring color range does not include unique hair colors such as pink, blue, purple or green.
3. Hair shall be maintained so that when an authorized MPD hat is worn, the hair does not detract from a neat, professional appearance or interfere with any specialized equipment or member safety and effectiveness.
4. Wigs and hairpieces may be worn provided they comply with MPD regulations.
5. Members may be temporarily excused from these hair and grooming regulations while assigned to a special detail or assignment. However, such members will again comply with these regulations once the special detail or assignment is completed or whenever wearing the official uniform.
6. Human Resources may consider and approve accommodations to this standard for medical reasons on a case-by-case basis. In such instances, the member shall submit the request for accommodation to the HR Generalist for MPD.

Mustaches

Mustaches shall be neatly trimmed and shall not extend below the corners of the mouth.

Sideburns

Sideburns shall be neat, trimmed and extend in a clean-shaven horizontal line.

1. Sideburns shall not extend beyond a point even with the bottom of the ear lobe.
2. Sideburns shall not protrude forward more than one inch from the front of the ear.

Beards and goatees

1. MPD members are generally permitted to have a neatly trimmed beard or goatee, subject to the following exceptions.
2. The following members are prohibited from having a beard or goatee:

• Sworn members who are members of the MPD Honor Guard, while participating in services or memorials through the Honor Guard.
• Sworn members assigned to a uniform detail during special events designated by the Police Administration.
• Community Service Officers, Cadets and Recruits.
• SWAT tactical team members.

3. The Assistant Chief may notify Inspectors or Commanders if any additional members will be subject to a prohibition due to a special event or special circumstances.

Gas mask fit testing

Sworn members and other designated personnel must still be able to pass the gas mask fit testing, which may require adjusting or shaving facial hair.

• Special Weapons and Tactics Team: A specialized police unit trained and equipped to handle high-risk situations beyond the scope of regular patrol, such as armed barricades, hostage rescues, and high-risk warrant service.