Police ordered to wear 'beard nets' or shave

New regulations for the Gloucestershire Constabulary could see hairy policemen being forced to shave off their beards or wear a net over their face.

The rules come as part of a new initiative designed to tidy up the appearances of the British police force. They also state that employees should cover any visible tattoos and, for female officers, that they should wear as little makeup as possible.

The new requirements have sparked some controversy. The Times quotes a source telling the paper: “Some of the female PCs have been wearing so much bronzer that they look like the Tango man. But the blokes will just look silly walking around with a big net on their face."

Steve White of the Police Federation explained: “Police officers have got to look professional and smart when they are on duty, but for goodness sake. There is a big difference between a trimmed goatee beard and a full length Father Christmas ZZ Top beard.”