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For what it's worth, I thought I'd let you know as there have occasionally been posts from people who are worried that they won't be able to get a job with their long hair.
I've been hired as Police staff, (which is law enforcement, as well), and I have a ponytail.
Unless I'm mistaken, "staff" means "desk job", which means you won't be dealing with the public (at least not extensively), which is why the department's not making you cut your hair off.
Grats though.
Congratulations on your new job! A ponytail as a support staff employee is not a big deal, but you would likely be required to shave it off as a uniformed officer. Having hair long enough to grab is a definate disadvantage in a scuffle. But then, female law enforcement aren't required to cut their hair.
My son has very long hair, always pulled back and tied neatly with sideburns and nape shaved. His dad, granddad and stepdad ALL said he wouldn't get a job with long hair. He refused to get it cut and he is now employed. It shouldn't matter, but it does to many people. Long hair projects an image to certain concervative circles. Is long hair worth rejection in the job market? My son has said he wouldn't work for someone who would reject him because of the length of his hair. Well, he's young with no one depending on him, so he can afford to be choosy and maintain his image. I personally pray his responsibilities never force him to compromise and comply.
That's a double standard. The very definition of sex discrimination (to everyone except a judge). Mind you, I have heard that the NYPD now have the same hair rules for male as well as female officers, i.e. long hair must be worn in a bun. That is fair. Maybe one day other police departments will do the same, but I'm not holding my breath.
I'm old (relatively speaking, I'm 49), and I'm supporting a family of four, but I feel the same way as your son. At one time I went three years between jobs, but I had enough freelance work to keep us going (just not enough to pay the IRS, LOL!), and I never considered cutting it. I always ask myself this question - what if I cut it and didn't get the job anyway?