Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced b y: Officer Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Volume 116
FACIAL HAIR GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE
10-27-22
With the release of this Roll Call Training Bulletin, the Sacramento Police Department will begin a program that
allows for the growth and maintenance of beards and mustaches , subject to the limitations provided below.
This program is strictly on a trial basis through the end of November 2022 . Adherence to the se requirements
will be the principal factor when determining whether to permit th is program to become permanent. The Chief
of Police , or her designee , will issue an “All Police ” email prior to December 1st, 2022 , advising whether the
program will be allowed to continue. If this program does not become permanent , all employees will be
expected to comply with the facial hair provisions of G.O. 430.02 -Person al Appearance Standards effective
December 1st, 2022.
Employees may grow a mustache or full beard, but must observe the following requirements:
• If a natural beard is worn, it shall be with a mustache and cover the complete jaw line. It may cover
below t he jaw horizontally but end before the downward curve of the neck at a clean shave line.
Cheeks shall be shaved on and above the lower edge of th e cheekbone. The neck shall be clean
shaven on and below the Adam’s apple.
• The beard shall be kept tidy, ne atly trimmed, with no designs, ornaments, braids, or decorative
accessories allowed.
• The beard shall be maintained between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in len gth.
• No portion of the beard shall be exceptionally longer than the rest.
• Facial hair must be natural in col or and cannot be intentionally colored to contrast with the hair on the
scalp .
The following styles of facial hair are NOT permitted:
• Goatees
• Chin Strap Beards – Beards that are trimmed to a thin line along the jaw.
• Designer Stubble – Beards shorter th an 1/16 of an inch.
• Neck beards – Beards with all areas shaved above the jawline leaving the beard only on the neck.
• Single patches of hair below th e lower lip and above the chin .
Roll Call Trainin g Bulletin
Produced b y: Officer Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Katheri ne Lester , Chief of Police
Prepared by: Officer Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Volume 116
Additional Requirements
• Certain units may be excluded from participating in wearing a beard based on the nature of their regular
duties at the direction of the Chief of Police or her designee.
• If the employee is scheduled t o work a planned event where a gas mask may be needed, the Chief of
Police , or their designee, may direct employees to remove their beard prior to the start of their shift.
• All employees with a beard shall possess a shaving kit in the field, with the abili ty to remove the beard
in the event of needing to wear a gas mask.
• During the duration of this program e mployees will be required to shave their beard for their annua l gas
mask fitting per OSHA requirements.
• During instances where a Class A uniform is worn for a funeral or special event, the Chief of Police , or
their designee , may require Officers to be clean shaven.
• Nothing in this policy shall prevent the Chief of Po lice, or their designee , from requiring the removal of
beards for department al duties not discussed in this Order.
• Employees working in an approved undercover capacity are exempt from the provisions of this order ,
except if they are in uniform.
Mustache s
• Mustaches shall not meet with the sideburns and shall not exten d lower than the bottom e dge of the
upper lip.
• No portion shall extend more than ½ inch beyond nor more than ¼ inch below the corners of the mouth.
• Extreme styles such as handlebar mustaches , excessively bushy, rolled, or curled styles are prohibited.
Employees are reminded t hat this program is not intended for individuals who forg ot to shave prior to their shift
or those who attempt to use the above provisions as a reason to sporadically stay in compliance with
established facial hair requirements . Employees choosing to grow facial hair shall begin the growth during
their time off and may not report for duty with fewer than three (3) days’ growth, provided that such time is
sufficient to present intentional and established growth.