Virginia Beach Police Department to temporarily shed 'no facial hair' policy

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Some Virginia Beach Police officers may look a little different in the coming weeks.

Although new Police Chief Paul Neudigate has only been in charge for a couple of weeks, he's following through with an early pledge to provide a fresh perspective and to keep an open mind. After listening to the workforce, the department announced Neudigate has decided totemporarily shed the current grooming policy that restricts facial hair.

This trial period goes into effect Sunday, November 8.

As other departments across the country are adapting to changing norms and facial hair for public service agencies has become more accepted, VBPD says it believes this small change could promote respectful, interpersonal communication with members of the community while increasing morale within the agency.

At the end of the trial period, the policy will be reevaluated to determine if it needs modification or if it will be amended permanently. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts with the department via email at vbpd@vbgov.com or social media.

While this modification only applies to certain members, Chief Neudigate has authorized the creation of a Process Improvement Team to look the department's current grooming standards on behalf of all employees to see if there are additional changes that should be considered.