Edison Police "Double Down" On No Shave November

From Edison PD: Police officers from New Jersey’s fifth largest town continue to get hairy and hairier, going unshaven for a second straight month so they can now raise money and public awareness about Tourette Syndrome.

Nearly 80 Edison officers threw away their razors for “No-Shave November,” racking up over $7,000 for cancer research and making their Police Department the nation’s third highest fund-raiser. At the request of PBA President Michael Schwarz, Police Chief Thomas Bryan is allowing officers to participate in “Double-Down December,” raising funds for the Somerville-based N.J. Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS). “I am proud and grateful to my officers for the charitable spirit they exhibit during this season and throughout the year,” said Chief Bryan, noting that Edison officers are also assisting with the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive and collecting holiday cards for military personnel serving abroad at the
holidays.

Bryan, who has a family member with Tourette Syndrome, chose it as the “Double-Down December” charitable cause. “Researchers believe Tourettes affects as many one-in-100 children and young adults. It is misunderstood and often goes unrecognized or misdiagnosed,” said Bryan. “From a law enforcement perspective, police officers should be aware they may encounter people who seem uncooperative or defiant when, if fact, they have Tourette Syndrome, a disorder they cannot easily control,” Bryan said. Speaking about “Double-Down December” Schwarz said “most of our officers, and many people in our community, have been touched by cancer. Tourette Syndrome is not widely known or recognized. This makes our effort to shine a spotlight on this debilitating disorder a very worthy cause.” Come New Year’s Day, Chief Bryan said his department’s clean-shaven grooming policies go back into effect, so officers’ beards and mustaches must disappear along with the holiday season’s twinkling lights and glittery tinsel.

Image via Edison PD