Queensland Police have been honouring their ‘serve and protect’ mandate in an unlikely way this week – with officers ordered to shave off their beards to stop the spread of COVID-19.
While on the beat, police often come into close contact with members of the public; and so, a tight-fitting anti-viral mask is a must.
However, unruly facial fuzz may stop masks from properly sealing to the face, according to an email directive sent to officers last week.
Whilst the beard-ban is only temporary, not all officers were happy about the mandatory shave, declaring their facial hair is part of who they are.
Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley, of far north Queensland told the ABC that he had adorned his beard for decades before following orders and sporting the new look.
“It becomes a part of your identity and I think that’s the case for a lot of people,” he said.
Although the clean-shaven command is compulsory, there are, however, provisions for beards to be kept on cultural, religious or medical grounds.
No word though on whether the force’s resident hipsters get to keep their luscious locks.
