Herndon Police Remind Potential Hires Of Updated Policies

HERNDON,VA — Times have changed and the Herndon Police Department wanted potential hires to known that it has changed as well.

“What is most important to me as a Chief is not whether our officers have facial hair, but how they treat, interact with and serve the community," Chief Maggie DeBoard said, in posts on the department's official Facebook and Twitter accounts. "Policing has evolved, and so too should the stereotypical image of our police officers, while still maintaining uniform standards that change with the times."

Herndon police are looking to hire new officers and wanted potential candidates to know that it updated its grooming policies in November 2019.

Under the updated policy, officers can have facial hair, with certain restrictions. They can also have tattoos or brands, provided they aren't "obscene, offensive, related to gangs, or that advocate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination." The department also bars officers from having tattoos on their face, neck, or head.

An officer whose tattoo or brand comes into question, must provide a written explanation and photo of the tattoo. If it's determined the tattoo doesn't meet with department guidelines, the officer must keep the tattoo fully covered. Officers are also "strongly encourged" to to cover multiple brands or tattoos on their arms while they are in court.

#TBT To November 2019 when HPD announced the changes to our facial hair policy. Got tattoos? That's cool! Join our family...we let you be YOU!

We're hiring! https://t.co/f5m3pSrNNc https://t.co/rfLoT0lVjL
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) May 20, 2021