Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
3 1/24/2011 10/3 1/2024
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
______ ____________________________
1044 - Personal Appearance Standards 1 POLICY 1044 PERSONAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS
1044.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
In order to project uniformity and neutrality toward the public and other members of the
department, employees shall maintain their personal hygiene and appearance to project a
professio nal image appropriate for this department and for their assignment.
1044.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 22.1.6 , 26.1.1
This section pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: N/A
1044.2 GROOMING STANDARDS
Unless otherwise stated , and because deviations from these standards could present officer
safety issues, the following appearance standards shall apply to all employees, except those
whose current assignment would deem them not ap propriate, and where the Chief of Police has
granted exception.
1044.2.1 HAIR
Hairstyles of all members shall be neat in appearance. For male members, hair must not extend
below the top edge of the uniform collar while assuming a normal stance. For fem ale uniformed
members working in the field , hair shall be worn up or in a tightly wrapped braid, ponytail, or bun
and shall not extend beyond the bottom of the uniform collar . For female uniformed members
working in a station assignment, hair should be nea tly styled. In non -field assignments, female
uniformed member’s hair may extend beyond the bottom of the collar.
1044.2.2 MUSTACHES
A short and neatly trimmed mustache may be worn. Mustaches shall not extend below the
corners of the mouth or beyond th e natural hairline of the upper lip.
1044.2.3 SIDEBURNS
Sideburns shall not extend below the bottom of the outer ear opening (the top of the earlobes)
and shall be trimmed and neat.
1044.2.4 FACIAL HAIR
A full beard with mustache may be worn by all department personnel, including volunteers. The
beard shall be no longer than 3/8 inch in length. The beard must be evenly and neatly trimmed, of
natural color and must not extend beyond the normal contours of the face. Distinct cheek and
neck lines are ma ndatory. All beards will be worn in a manner that reflects professional image on
the department while in civilian attire and uniform. This change in policy does not apply to sworn
personnel assigned to any task force approved by the Chief of Police or thei r designee.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
3 1/24/2011 10/3 1/2024
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
______ ____________________________
1044 - Personal Appearance Standards 2 1044.2.5 FINGERNAILS
Fingernails extending beyond the tip of the finger can pose a safety hazard to officers or others.
Fingernails should be groomed appropriately.
1044.2.6 JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES
No jewelry or personal ornaments shall be worn by officers on any part of the uniform or
equipment, except those authorized within this manual. Jewelry, if worn around the neck, shall
not be visible above the shirt collar.
One pair of "stud" style earrings may be worn by female uniformed members , detectives or
special assignment personnel with permission of the Chief of Police or their designee.
Only one ring set may be worn on each hand of the employee while on duty.
1044.3 PIERCING , TATTO O, AND BODY ART
The following standards shall apply to all department personnel, including volunteers.
1044.3.1 PIERCINGS
Employees shall not display, or have any visible piercing, except females with pierced ears, while
the employee is on duty or representing the City of Tustin.
1044.3.2 BODY MARKING S
Employees are prohibited from displaying body markings, such as tattoos, while on duty or
representing the police department in an official capacity except as explicitly authorized under this
policy.
1044.3.3 BODY PARTS
Subject to the limitations of this policy, employees may display body markings on their arms
and/or legs. Employees shall not visibly display markings on any other body parts, including
head, neck, ears, mouth, scalp, face, hands. Limited exceptions for body markings on body parts
other than arms and legs may be granted with the express written consent of the Chief of Police
or their designee (e.g. wedding band tattoo on ring finger, eyebrow tattoo to supplement natural
eyebrows).
1044.3.4 CONTENT OF BODY MARKINGS
Body markings de trimental to a positive image of the police department or the City of Tustin shall
not be visible to others. Body markings that violate any city or department policies, or are
otherwise inappropriate for the workplace if displayed, are not permitted to be visible.
Inappropriate markings include, but are not limited to, imagery that is discriminatory to any legally
protected category (including, but not limited to, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, and gender identity), imagery that i s gang - related, imagery that depicts violence or
contains obscene language, or imagery that is considered offensive or demeaning to any group