City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers can’t have a beard, moustache or visible tattoos.
A directive has been circulated to officers last week, reminding them they were governed by strict grooming rules, reports the Weekend Argus.
This comes in the wake of Major Fatima Isaacs, a Muslim member of the SANDF, facing disciplinary action for wearing her doekie at work.
Law Enforcement officers are not allowed to have beards, their hair may not be below the collar of their uniforms, and they cannot have any visible tattoos.
Richard Bosman, executive director for safety and security, said that among the reasons why long beards weren’t allowed was because they may hamper an officer in a physical fight.
The City’s Richard Bosman
But the main reason, is “professionalism” and “commanding the necessary respect”.
“We expect staff to be neat and tidy at all times as is a standard for uniform services worldwide. They are the image of the City and they must adhere to City standards as employees,” Bosman said.
According to Directive 1/03/2017: “Faces must be clean-shaven, but moustaches are allowed if neatly trimmed and it must be cut so as to follow the line of the upper lip.”
If an officer wants to grow a beard, including for religious or cultural reasons, he must apply in writing with a motivation as well as obtain approval from his line manager.
If it’s for medical reasons, he’ll also need a letter from a dermatologist.
Meanwhile visible tattoos are also a big no-no.
“Tattoos can have a negative connotation in terms of some people’s perceptions, so we encourage officers to cover up,” said Bosman.