BLET Academy (Basic Law Enforcement Training) Appearance Requirements
The Academy does not allow any facial hair or jewelry except for a single wedding band. No watches or bracelets are authorized. Tattoos must be authorized prior to being displayed.
Appearance Requirements after graduating BLET
A. Hair Styles
All uniformed employees and investigators that do not work in an undercover status shall conform to
the following standards of appearance:
1. All employees will keep their hairstyles in a manner to present a professional appearance, and that
does not present a safety hazard to themselves or others. Hair will be kept above the collar. At least
the lower half of the ears will be exposed, and the hair will not show on the forehead under the
uniform cap. In all cases, the bulk or length of the hair shall not interfere with the normal wearing
of the uniform hat or prevent the proper wear and seal of required safety equipment, to include
respiratory devices. Hair color and styles must be in keeping with a professional image.
2. In both uniform and plain clothes, wigs or hairpieces are acceptable as long as they meet the
prescribed requirements for hair.
3. Exceptions are those employees that are on special assignments where their dress and hairstyle must
conform to the nature of their assignment and employees who wear head gear necessary for the
performance of their duties.
4. Fingernails shall be maintained at a length that does not interfere with the operation of a firearm or
the performance of duty.
5. The Chief of Police or designee shall have final say on whether a hairstyle or color complies with
these standards.
B. Facial Hair
1. Employees are permitted to wear facial hair that is maintained at a length and pattern so as not to
distract from the officer’s professional appearance. Facial hair shall be neat, trimmed, and maintained
at a length not to exceed ¼ of an inch (6mm). Beards must be trimmed and shall not be permitted
below the Adam’s apple or neck. Beards, goatees and/or mustaches will not give the appearance of
being unkempt in appearance. Facial hair color must be in keeping with a professional image.
2. Employees that require the use of undercover operations are not bound to the maximum facial
hair length of ¼ of an inch (6mm). If an employee in an undercover status works any secondary
employment, or any type of detail where a Class A or B uniform is worn, then that employee
must adhere to the facial hair length requirement of ¼ of an inch (6mm).
3. In the event of a civil emergency or standby status where there is a possibility of gas deployment
officers shall report clean shaven as to ensure that personal issued gas mask or respirators fits
properly and is capable of getting an effective seal.
4. Employees that have the necessary medical documentation signed by an authorized medical provider
are permitted to have facial hair that extends past the Adam’s apple or on the neck. This
documentation must be provided to the employee’s immediate supervisor and a copy provided to the
Internal Affairs Unit so a copy can be maintained in the employee’s personnel file.
5. The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall have final say on whether facial hair complies with
these standards.
C. Jewelry and Accessories
All sworn and non-sworn employees in uniform are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying
objects, ornamentation, or jewelry other than that which is covered in this policy, through any part of
the head, ears, face, nose, tongue, or any visible part of the body while on duty, working off duty or
while representing the FPD in uniform or civilian attire.
1. Earrings may be no larger than 12 mm.
2. All sworn officers and non-sworn employees in uniform are prohibited from wearing more than
two pair of earrings.
3. Male employees are not authorized to wear any earrings unless they are working in an undercover
status.
4. Sworn employees in uniform or plainclothes, and non-sworn employees in uniform may not wear
hoops or dangling-style earrings.
5. All sworn officers and non-sworn employees in uniform may only wear one watch and one bracelet
at one time and only one wedding band set per hand. Watches should be gold, silver or black in color
and not of an excessive size as to present less than a professional image of the officer while in uniform.
Employees in uniform should not wear more than one ring on each hand while in uniform. Jewelry
should be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the performance of duty.
D. Tattoos
a) Any visible tattoo must be approved by the department before hiring. Once employed it is the
supervisor’s responsibility to determine the appropriateness of the tattoo.
b) Tattoos are authorized to be visible on the neck, hands, fingers, arms, legs, and neck of all sworn and non-
sworn employees. Microblading is approved for any facial tattoos.
1. The following types of tattoos are prohibited:
a. Extremist: Extremist tattoos are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing, extremist
philosophies, or organizations or activities.
b. Indecent or Derogatory: Indecent or derogatory tattoos are those that are grossly offensive to
modesty, decency, or professionalism. Tattoos depicting any type of nudity are considered to be
indecent.
c. Sexist: Sexist tattoos are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based
on gender.
d. Racist: Racist tattoos are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person
based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
2. If at any point a tattoo is deemed in violation of this policy, then the employee may be required to
cover the tattoo pending the result of an internal investigation. Depending on the nature of the tattoo,
an employee could be disciplined up to and including dismissal for violating this policy.
3. Tattoos should not be distracting from the performance of the employee’s work duties.
4. Employees shall immediately cover a tattoo upon direct order from a supervisor.
5. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees under their command are in compliance with
this portion of the policy. Supervisors should document on a Field Contact that tattoos were checked
during any type of uniform or appearance inspection.
E. Body Modifications
Body modifications that are visible while in uniform are PROHIBITED. Body modifications such as
horns, split tongues, or gauged ear lobes are PROHIBITED.
