The Home Office has banned its enforcement officers from having an “unshaven or stubble appearance”.
The guidance appears in a new dress code issued for members of the criminal investigations staff.
The 18 page document justifies the ban on the basis that it “does not present a professional image”.
Full beards and moustaches however are permitted.
Of course, as the Beard Liberation Front (yes, they do exist!) so eloquently told the BBC:
“One person’s stubble is another person’s carefully manicured beard.”
If only the Home Office were as concerned about the behaviour of its officers presenting an unprofessional image as their appearance, we would probably all respect them a lot more regardless of how they dressed.
If you’re interested in finding out what else enforcement officers can and cannot wear, you can read the full guidance here.
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