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Newport News Police Department
III. GUIDELINES FOR GROOMING AND APPEARANCE
A. Hairstyles
1. Head hair must be clean, of a natural color and styled/arranged so it does not interfere with job
functions.
2. Hair styles must not interfere with wearing issued headgear. Unbound hair will not protrude from a
hatband, except at the back of the head, where it may not fall below the uniform collar. If the hair
length falls below the uniform collar, it must be neatly bound. If the bulk of bound hair cannot be
worn under the uniform hat, it will be bound at the nape.
3. Discreet, unadorned hair accessories such as barrettes, clips, bands, or netting may be used to
maintain a neat hairstyle that allows for issued headgear to be worn correctly.
4. Wigs, extensions, and hair pieces are permitted, but must follow the above guidelines.
B. Facial Hair
1. Facial hair is permitted, for both uniform and non-uniformed employees, but must present a
professional appearance and not interfere with an employee’s job functions.
2. Employees may wear neatly trimmed goatees, mustaches, sideburns, or beards. Goatees and beards
must have clean-shaven edges, and facial hair must be no longer than one-half inch. Unless connected
to a beard, sideburns will not extend past mid-ear and must end with a horizontal, clean-shaven line.
The neck must remain clean-shaven.
3. Employees whose job function may require them to don a respirator/gas mask should be prepared
to shave their facial hair with no notice or short notice.
4. Supervisors may require an employee to shave or trim facial hair with no notice or short notice if the
facial hair interferes with officer safety or does not conform to the above guidelines.
C. Fingernails
Fingernails must be kept neat and trimmed to a length that does not interfere with an employee’s job
functions, to include the handling of issued weapons. While in uniform, nail polish must be clear or a
single color. Nail art is prohibited while in uniform.
D. Cosmetics
1. When in uniform, cosmetics/make-up may be worn; however, exaggerated or brightly colored
products are prohibited.
2. Cologne and perfume are permitted; however, employees are expected to respect the sensitivities
and health of other employees. Employees are expected to reduce the amount used or discontinue
use upon notification that a co-worker is experiencing irritation from the scent.
E. Jewelry
1. Jewelry (e.g. bracelets, watches, necklaces, rings, etc.) is permitted so long as it does not interfere
with an employee’s job function or cause a safety concern. The following restrictions apply:
a. When in uniform:
1) Only stud-style earrings may be worn so long as they are a single color (metal or gemstone)
and do not extend beyond the earlobe.
2) Necklaces must be concealed under the uniform.
3) Only one ring may be worn, per hand, plus a wedding and/or engagement ring.
4) Only one watch and one bracelet may be worn.
b. A maximum one stud ear cartilage piercing is permitted if it is discreet and a single color (metal
or gemstone) and not worn while in uniform.
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