Ello, ello, ello, what's going on with the beards then officers?
Beards can stay – but chewing gum is definitely out. That's the verdict from our police forces after officers were told by one chief constable that they could only keep their beards in public if they enclosed them in a net.
West Mercia Police and Dyfed-Powys Police today clarified their policies after Gloucestershire Constabulary told their staff to either have a shave or adopt a beard net.
The ruling has been the talk of rank and file officers ever since.
The role of beards in the police force was highlighted after a picture of one bushy-bearded officer went viral online.
Officers Peter Swinger, who was policing an EDL demonstration in London, become known as 'Hipster Cop' after his shaved head, majestic beard and carefully-maintained moustache took the internet by storm.
It is not a look that top officers in Gloucestershire are keen on. Far from embracing the ZZ Top look, they have ordered clean chins, chief constable Suzette Davenport saying staff and officers should "present a professional appearance and be smart".
Both West Mercia Police and Dyfed-Powys Police today said they are happy for their officers to sport a beard provided it does not raise identity concerns.
"Our policy on beards is that officers can have a beard and sideburns, as long as they are neat and trimmed," said Kieren Bodill for West Mercia Police.
"The only time this is not permitted is when the presence of a beard is different from the officer's appearance on their warrant or identity card."
Dyfed-Powys Police's policy on appearance says that officers should be clean-shaven, though it adds that a neatly trimmed beard is allowed as long as it is grown while the officer is on leave, as stubble is a no-go.
They also make clear that visible tattoos, facial piercings, and unnatural hair colours are not permitted – and the chewing of gum is strictly banned as it creates a bad impression in public.
The Police Federation says it accepts that officers should create the right impression when in public.
But Federation chairman Steve White says the ruling on beards, which is also adopted by Lincolnshire Police, is a step too far.
He said: "Police officers have got to look professional and smart when they are on duty, but for goodness sake. There is a big difference between a trimmed goatee beard and a full length Father Christmas bear. People need to be sensible."
