The Lompoc Police Department has put into effect a pilot program allowing well-groomed beards and goatees on police officers
Previously, Lompoc police officers were required to be clean-shaven or have only mustaches.
Lompoc Police Chief Pat Walsh took into consideration the request from several of his officers to have beards when he decided to extend the “Movember” policy permitting officers to grow beards and goatees during November in order to raise awareness for men’s health issues. The pilot program will last six months, and be evaluated at the end of six months so Walsh can decide whether to enact the policy permanently.
Walsh plans to put out a community survey at the end of the pilot program to obtain input from the public on officers having beards and goatees.