NEW YORK (PIX11) --- The NYPD is rolling back the beard policy not only because officers got a bit lax with their appearance but for safety reasons as well, according to Chief of Patrol John Chell.
"I think we got a little sloppy, if you look professional - there is a term called impression management, if you look good and professional - it's a safety issue also - and it looks good to our public," Chell said during an interview on FOX5 Monday morning.
The facial hair policy as well as other weather-related uniform restrictions should start in about a week. However, the religious and medical exemptions will remain in effect, police said.
In 2016, the NYPD relaxed the beard and turban policies to accommodate the number of Sikh cops joining the department
The new policy has drawn criticism from the Police Benevolent Association, claiming the department is already understaffed and has bigger issues to contend with.
"Is it really time to focus on beards and neckties?” PBA President Patrick Hendry said in a statement.
Chell is aware of the union's stance but said the policy is "going to get done."
Retired NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone supports the rollback because he feels the department has gotten away from the uniform.
“They need to get back to that old-school mentality. It’s an important part of who you are as an NYPD officer,” Giacalone told PIX11 News. “If you look good and act good the public will respond in kind. If you don’t they will respond in the opposite way.”
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.
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