This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
Newport News Police Department
ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
ADM - 230 – GROOMING & APPEARANCE STANDARDS
Amends/Supersedes: ADM-230 (06/11/2021) Date of Issue: 05/11/2026
I. GENERAL
A. As Newport News Police and City representatives, all employees will maintain a professional appearance
while at work. As the situation dictates, an employee’s supervisor may temporarily suspend or modify
the standards within this policy, with the concurrence of the appropriate Bureau/Precinct/Division
commander.
B. While in uniform, Police Aides and Parking Enforcement Officers will adhere to the same appearance and
grooming standards as sworn personnel in uniform.
C. Uniformed employees will wear their uniform, in its entirety, in accordance with ADM-520 Issuance &
Wearing of Uniforms & Equipment.
D. This policy applies to all employees when on duty, and whenever wearing a department issued/approved
uniform whether on or off duty.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Appropriate footwear: Footwear that is safe and functional for the employee’s job tasks.
B. Body Art: Any visible tattoo, brand, or other similar body decoration that is not covered when the
employee is wearing department-approved attire.
C. Bulk: The distance the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp.
D. Business attire: Clothing that is conservative, tailored, and displays a professional appearance. Business
attire includes slacks, dresses, skirts, collared button-down shirts with ties, blouses, blazers, and sports
coats. Suits are considered formal business attire.
E. Business casual attire: Clothing that is less formal and conservative than business attire but still displays
a professional appearance. Business casual attire includes slacks or pants, dresses, skirts, collared
button-down shirts without a tie, sweaters, knitwear, and polo/golf shirts.
NOTE: Business casual may also include solid color pants and shirts with the city seal or department
badge embroidered on them.
F. Casual attire: Clothing that is not meant to display a professional appearance. Casual attire includes jeans,
cargo/BDU/tactical pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Shorts, athletic wear and flip-flops are prohibited.
G. Functional attire: Clothing and accessories that do not interfere with the employee’s ability to perform
job functions or compromise their safety.
H. Mid-ear: Halfway between the top and bottom points of attachment of the ear to the head.
I. Natural in color: Hair colors that exist without the aid of dyes or additives (e.g. blonde, brown, black,
auburn).
J. Polo style shirt: A polo style shirt refers to a traditional knit sports shirt, with a front button placket and
a collar.
K. Visible: Perceptible to the eye.
ADM - 230- 1 of 6 – 05/11/2026Jump to an indexed page (6 of 6)