Beards, tattoos help to humanize police officers

SANDUSKY — In years past, many community members frowned upon police officers sporting beards or showing off their tattoos.These days, however, a lot of people, including various leaders of area departments, now smile when they see them.This contingent believes both beards and tattoos help to humanize those behind the badge, making uniformed personnel more approachable than ever before.Through charitable causes and civic competitions, dozens of area police officers fashion mustaches, goatees and beards during certain times, namely winter. Meanwhile, while on duty, they're also not as bashful about displaying their body art.During an era in which, nationwide, relations between police and community members are severely strained, local leaders continue to take outside-the-box approaches to build bonds, and thus creating trust, with the public. That ongoing initiative includes maintaining beards and exposing tattoos just as everyday citizens do."I support beards and tattoos because I fully believe people would be and are more relaxed and comfortable when speaking with us, and maybe they would approach us different than they do now because not everyone feels comfortable in speaking with the cops," said Perkins police Officer Justin Dority, who successfully lobbied his department to allow beards.Perkins police Officer Justin Dority gives his K-9 partner, Sport, a toy after doing a training drill at the Sandusky Mall on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. Dority is among the local law enforcement officials who support officers sporting beards and showing off their tattoos (right arm) in hopes of humanizing officers and making citizens more comfortable to approach cops. "I support the beards and tattoos because I fully believe people would be and are more relaxed and comfortable when speaking with us, and maybe they would approach us different than they do now because not everyone feels comfortable in speaking with the cops." The Register reached out to those overseeing several agencies — Sandusky police, Perkins police, the Erie County Sheriff's Office, Huron police, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Vermilion police and Norwalk police — and asked them questions about their polices on beards and tattoos.Here's what they said:Sandusky police, with answers provided by Chief John Orzech• Beard policy: "A short and neatly trimmed mustache may be worn. Mustaches shall not extend below the corners of the mouth or beyond the natural hairline of the upper lip. Sideburns shall not extend below the bottom of the outer ear opening (the top of the earlobes) and shall be trimmed and neat. Facial hair other than sideburns, mustaches and eyebrows shall not be worn unless authorized by the chief of police. Male members will be freshly shaved."• Tattoo policy: "Prohibited tattoos, body art and brands include those that depict or symbolize extremist philosophies, organizations or activities that advocate illegal discrimination; are offensive to modesty, decency or propriety (shocking the moral senses); degrades or demeans a person based on gender, race, ethnicity or national origin; are visible above the uniform collar or hands, face, head and neck. An exception may be requested from the chief of police for a conservative wedding band/civil union tattoo on the ring finger."• The need for these policies: "We have adjusted our tattoo policy several times over the course of the last three or four years. We now permit visible tattoos on the arms as long as they aren't extremist or offensive. The tattoos are still not permitted on the face, head, neck or below the wrist (including on) hands. Those with pre-existing tattoos are grandfathered in if they have been employed prior to the implementation of the policy. Tattoos must have the artist rendering submitted to the chief prior to having the tattoo completed on the exposed arms. Facial hair remains the same as we've had in the past: neat, short and trimmed mustaches and sideburns. Beards aren't permitted per our policy. I've been reluctant to change entirely the beard policy because I'm old and stuck in my ways of what I believe an appearance of an officer should be, from, 'The way things have always been.' I have monitored other agencies and the adjustment to permitting facial hair, along with input from my younger officers, and have become more receptive to the beards year-round."• The exemptions: "We have allowed for exemptions. We have allowed beards that are neatly trimmed for several months last year into the beginning of this year. I have permitted officers to participate in the Beardcentennial as well as No-Shave November. Last year, we had some fun with it and extended it several months, as officers donated to charity for the privilege of maintaining a beard throughout the winter months. I just notified members of the department (earlier this month) that they are permitted to have neatly trimmed beards from now through March."• The possible change: "I am strongly considering the beard policy and permitting them throughout the entire year. If I decide to permit beards all year, it will take place in early 2019. The tattoo policy we've adapted, as most new police candidates have existing tattoos on their exposed arms. Society has evolved considerably, and the artist work on tattoos is enhanced. Tattoos aren't considered taboo as it seems they once were."• The recruitment aspect: "The beards I don't believe make a difference in recruitment efforts, but the tattoo policy is one that had to be adapted to the changing times. A large percentage of candidates have tattoos. We were one of the agencies that had no tattoos, and trying to find a qualified candidate without one was difficult. We then moved to 'cover them up,' which, quite frankly, the covering up looked more hideous than allowing them to be exposed. With the candidate pool shrinking considerably already, having restrictive policies, such as the prior tattoo policy, wasn't conducive any longer."• The negative connotations: "I don't believe that there are any negative connotations with facial hair or tattoos. If the policy is changed, there will still be strict restrictions on short and trimmed beards. I don't believe that image is a negative if maintained correctly. The tattoos are normal visuals that citizens see every day. These small adjustments I see as a positive as we change with the times. If an officer arrives to a call for assistance, in the midst of chaos and crisis, the general public isn't concerned about whether or not the officer has a tattoo or beard. The public wants the officer to be professional, knowledgeable and serve them in their time of need."Erie County sheriff Deputy Dan Orzech takes his K-9 partner, Max, through a training drill at the Sandusky Mall in Perkins Township on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. The department allows its personnel, including deputies, such as Orzech, to wear beards so long as they're well-kept and maintained.Perkins police, with answers provided by Chief Robb Parthemore• Beard policy: "Employees shall maintain a smart, conservative, well-groomed appearance. Men's hair must be neatly styled. Sideburns may extend to the base of the ear. Hair in the back of the head must not extend below the base of the collar. Neatly trimmed mustaches are permitted provided they do not obscure the upper lip nor extend more than one-half inch beyond the corner of the mouth. Goatees, handlebar mustaches and beards are not permitted."• Tattoo policy: "Tattoos, body art, brands, intentional scarring and/or mutilations displaying the following is prohibited at all times: racism; sexism or sexually suggestive or explicit; obscenity or profane; gang- or drug-related; undermining township or department values; or political in nature. Tattoos, body art, brands, intentional scarring, and/or mutilation on the following body areas are prohibited from view while on duty and shall be covered up at all times: neck, head, face, ears, hands and fingers."• The need for these policies: "So we have continuity of appearance throughout the department. I personally have no issue with tattoos or facial hair. Fashion dictates what is acceptable to the public, and these fads come and go. Perkins' board of trustees and I dictate what is acceptable for employees. Tattoos are not something you can easily remove, therefore, we made reasonable exceptions for them. Officers have the option of a mustache, however, beards represent a potential hazard to the fitment of gas masks and, if long enough, can be used against them in an altercation much like long hair, which, in most departments, is not acceptable for men and required to be kept up or arranged so hats can be easily worn for females. There is a tactical reason for this."• The exemptions: "For the last couple years, Officer Justin Dority has proposed the No-Shave November in order to raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment and research. In this proposal, officers, if they choose, are allowed to grow a beard after making a donation toward the charity. I consider this a charitable event and for a good cause close to many here at Perkins police. Our event runs only through the month of November."• The recruitment aspect: "It may attract certain applicants to an agency if the applicant prefers to wear facial hair, but I do not see it as a solution. I believe you have to weigh your options in the matter of fashion versus employment in the public sector. In the private sector, fashion changes are acceptable and expected. Being a police officer should not be about fashion. It should be about public service. I believe there are sufficient reasons for not allowing beards, especially longer beards, while serving as a police officer."• The negative connotations: "Personally, I have no issue with beards as long as they are kept clean and neat. I feel the same about tattoos as long as they are not offensive."Erie County sheriff Deputy Cody Webb takes his K-9 partner, Max, through a training drill at the Sandusky Mall in Perkins Township on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018. The department allows its personnel, including deputies, such as Webb, to wear beards so long as they're well-kept and maintained.Erie County Sheriff's Office, with answers provided by Sheriff Paul Sigsworth• Beard policy: "Our facial hair policy, historically, allowed for the wearing of mustaches, but beards were prohibited except for very rare situations involving a documented medical condition. For the last several months, well-trimmed, professional-looking beards have been authorized as a temporary, experimental exemption to our current personal appearance policy."• Tattoo policy: "Visible tattoos are authorized on both arms above the wrist line, provided that they are not obscene or offensive. Visible tattoos on any other area of the body that would be visible in uniform — head, neck, and hands except for tattoos that serve as a replacement for a wedding and/or engagement rings — are prohibited."• The need for these policies: "Public confidence is of paramount importance for an employee of a public safety agency to be able to effectively perform his/her duties. Many decades ago, as seen in historical photos, beards were routinely worn by law enforcement officers and were obviously accepted by the public that those officers served. Then, for several decades, beards and/or visible tattoos were frowned upon as a potential indicator of a lack of professionalism on the part of the officer and his/her agency. Within the past several years, however, visible tattoos and beards have become much more accepted by the public that we serve and are no longer an indication to our constituents that a law enforcement officer with a beard or visible tattoo — and only because of a beard of tattoo on his/her arm — may be unprofessional. What we have seen at our agency is that the public that we serve expects to be treated — and should be treated — courteously, fairly and professionally, and whether or not the deputy sheriff, corrections officer, communications officer or administrative assistant that the citizen has contact with has a beard or a tattoo is generally irrelevant to them. I have also heard comments that a law enforcement professional with a beard and/or visible tattoo may be more approachable and may seem more human to some members of the public that we interact with. Anything that helps to foster respectful interpersonal communication — the largest part of our job — should be, and is, welcomed."• The exemptions: "We haven't made any exemptions, as our employees are currently authorized to have well-trimmed, professionally appearing beards and visible tattoos throughout the year. Practically speaking, because of our climate, tattoos for those wearing the winter uniform are only visible less than six months out of the year anyway."• The possible change: "We will be considering a permanent change to that policy to allow for the wearing of beards year-round."• The recruitment aspect: "This is another reason for the change(s) in our policy(ies) as mentioned above. We have to make periodic changes to our policies, which are living documents, and subject to certain changes, just as technology and society's expectations of us also change. We don't want to lose the possibility of employing an excellent prospect solely because he/she may have a visible, non-offensive tattoo on the arm or may wish to wear a well-trimmed beard. Factually speaking, many of the visible tattoos that our employees have are directly related to their military service and are obviously not offensive. We definitely would not want to reject an applicant who has faithfully served our country in the military solely because he/she has a service-related tattoo that would be visible while wearing the summer uniform."• The negative connotations: "Under our current policy exemption, facial hair cannot be unkempt and must be well-trimmed and professional in appearance. Unkempt facial hair is not permitted because of its unprofessional appearance. In addition, visible tattoos are authorized unless they are offensive in nature as determined by the employer, in which case they could not be displayed, and we do not have any personnel with employees in that category." Huron police, with answers provided by Bob Lippert:• Beard policy: "Members will be well-groomed and clean-shaven when reporting for duty. Hair will be kept clean and neatly trimmed, not touching the shirt collar or obscuring the ear. Hairstyles should facilitate the wearing of the uniform hat. Sideburns shall not extend past the center point of the ear; be any wider than 1.5 inches at the bottom; be conspicuous in manner and styling. Mustaches shall be neat and trimmed, not bushy; not extend down over the top edge of the upper lip; not extend down beyond the corners of the mouth."• Tattoo policy: "Tattoos are not permitted if they are offensive or obscene. Tattoos are judged on an individual basis. If they are deemed to be offensive or obscene, they will be covered."• The need for these policies: "To maintain a professional appearance in uniform while serving the public, translating to a positive view of officers from the public. Public perception of beards and tattoos have changed over the years. Now they are not as negatively viewed as they once were, however, we still have to maintain a professional appearance and bearing while in uniform. Personally and professionally I think that overall beards and certain tattoos do not lend themselves well to that professional appearance."• The exemptions: "Beards are allowed during the months of November and December. Officers donate for the right to not have to shave, and the money is given to a local family in need for Christmas."• The possible change: "At this time, no considerations are being made to change this policy."• The recruitment aspect: "It may attract more individuals to the field, however, at this time, I am not considering changing the policy to attract more candidates. We gave a test for a full-time position two years ago, and every candidate was clean-shaven with few tattoos. I think you have to adapt policy to changing times, and I am willing to do that with most policies, however, I don't think the policy of clean-shaven faces and tasteful tattoos is the main reason the numbers of recruits to the law enforcement profession is down."• The negative connotations: "Like it or not, a police officer is judged on his/her appearance. This has been true for many years and will remain true for many years to come. While in uniform, you represent the community you serve and the agency that employs you, therefore, the individuality expressed by beards and certain tattoos have no place in the profession. Respect is earned, and like it or not, your appearance plays a part in earning respect." Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, with answers provided by Sheriff Steve Levorchick• Beard policy: "The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office policy states the only facial hair allowed is a mustache, which is not to extend beyond the crease in the lips. Any sideburns are not allowed to extend lower than the bottom of the ear. This is per the Uniform and Car Marking Commission of Ohio, who sets the standards for sheriff's office vehicle markings, uniforms and grooming."• Tattoo policy: "Tattoos are allowed, except for tattoos above the collar are prohibited. Any visible tattoo that is deemed offensive, profane or objectionable shall be covered while performing any law enforcement-related function."• The need for these policies: "The reasoning for the facial hair standard is the standard as set down by the Ohio Uniform and Car Marking Commission. Today's society is much more open to visible tattoos, even on those in uniform, however, we must still maintain restrictions on content and location since our ultimate responsibility is to serve the public. If we are not respected due to inappropriate or offensive tattoos, we hamper our ability to truly serve the public. We have had deputies with full-sleeve tattoos in the past, we will in the future and currently have several with tattoos visible while in uniform."• The exemptions: "There are no exemptions to these subjects."• The recruitment aspect: "I believe that we definitely live in a different world than we did 35 years ago, when I got into law enforcement. In those years, many changes in policing have occurred. The culture of our country has also changed, including tattoos becoming commonplace. In order for us to be able to recruit law enforcement officers from the general public, we must be willing to adapt to those changes. As for beards, we have not had one recruit ask if they would have to shave their beard and not one questioned their having to maintain a facial hair standard."• The negative connotations: "If a deputy arrives at a residence on a call for service and is not well-kept, uniform in disarray, unkempt beard and has an appearance like a bag of donuts, he/she will not be seen as a professional. We ask our deputies to maintain physical standards, even offering a physical incentive program to encourage physical fitness. This is only one of the ways that we can maintain our professional image, which is what first impressions are often made of. Maintaining facial hair standards is another way that I believe helps maintain our professional image. I see other agencies allowing beards, which when well-trimmed and maintained, look very nice, however, I am old-fashioned and still believe in facial hair standards. As long as we monitor the tattoos to ensure that they are not offensive, inappropriate or on areas of the body not allowed by policy, there is absolutely nothing wrong in today's society." Vermilion police, with answers provided by Chief Chris Hartung• Beard policy: "Beards are now OK year-round as long as they are neat and trimmed. I used to only allow them from December to March."• Tattoo policy: "Tattoos are not permitted if they're obscene or offensive, and no facial/head/neck tattoos or tattoos below the wrist."• The need for these policies: "Tattoos and beards in the past were not conducive to the image that you convey as a public servant, however, the social views associated with them has changed over the past few years, and our views and policies need to adapt and change as well. I have the delicate responsibility of balancing the needs of the community, the welfare of the officers and the image of the agency, and I have to be mindful of the changes in society."• The exemptions: "Officers who serve on a tactical/SWAT team are discouraged from having beards because it prevents a good seal on your protective/gas mask. A beard isn't worth a snootful of CS gas."• The recruitment aspect: "The pool of recruits has dropped so much over the past few years (that) you have to adapt your policy to the current times, and I'll bet 70 percent of the last 50 candidates I've interviewed had some sort of tattoo."• The negative connotations: "Serving in uniform isn't the time to express your individuality. You just need to accept that if you want to serve. You're judged by your appearance, regardless if you like it or not, and you represent the community you serve. You are there for them. You testify in court, and those jurors need to find you credible and competent. If you've got a beard going all over and tattoos of singing ducks on your forehead, you'd be a fool if you think there's not a juror or two who are going to dismiss whatever you say simply because of that. Never, ever, ever dismiss the theater that's involved in a trial. A beard presents a tactical disadvantage in the event you're rolling around on the ground with somebody. It provides a handle for them to grab onto. A beard will also interfere with a good seal on a protective mask. At some point, however, you got to stop worrying about meteors hitting the earth and manage the risk with the benefits through sound policy decisions that evolve with the times." Norwalk police, with answers provided by Chief Mike Conney• Beard policy: "Beards are allowed and must be neatly trimmed and maintained at all times."• Tattoo policy: "The Norwalk Police Department discourages visible body art. Any tattoos visible on the outside of the prescribed uniform of the day are prohibited. An employee who has a visible tattoo must wear a dark-covered sleeve to cover any part of a tattoo that is visible outside the uniform."• The need for these policies: "Prior to 2017, we didn't allow beards. Our policy changed in 2017, as the city was celebrating its bicentennial, and this was a way to allow our officers to compete in a local beard competition that was part of the yearlong celebration. We received a lot of positive feedback from the community concerning the beards, and one sentiment that stuck out to me came from a citizen who said the beards 'humanized' our officers. Because of the positive feedback, we decided to change the policy to allow for beards. We still do not allow officers to have visible tattoos/body art. This policy has been in place for as long as I can remember, and it was probably created because tattoos/body art were not as socially acceptable when it was originally written."• The exemptions: "We may relax this policy in the future as tattoos/body art are more mainstream and accepted today."• The recruitment aspect: "I think this would be a possible solution to help recruit more officers. I teach in two local police academies and have noticed over the years that more and more cadets have visible tattoos/body art. Many of these cadets are prior military, and their tattoos/body art are just a part of their culture. People without tattoos/body seem to now be the exception and not the rule. I haven't found any of the cadets' tattoos to be objectionable or shocking to the conscience. The Norwalk Police Department is always looking to hire officers that love their community, have a servant's heart, are willing to sacrifice for others and, above all, possess strong ethics and character. We can train a person in the technical aspects of the job if they already have this foundation. If they have the foundation we are looking for and happen to have beards or visible tattoos/body art, then this is something we can work with."• The negative connotations: "I don't believe there would be any negative connotations associated with a neatly trimmed beard, an unkempt scraggly beard is another matter. Tattoos/body art that reveals bias or a discriminatory attitude would definitely have negative connotations; hopefully, this would be revealed during a background investigation."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.