new thread
Hey guys. In light of a recent soul-search, I have decided to pursue a life-long dream of mine and pursue a career as a police officer. my question is do any of you know how police departments treat applicants with long hair? Is it allowed or would they require short hair?
To the best of my knowledge, most (if not all) police training academies require uniformly short hair. Once you've completed that training, there may be some positions that allow long hair, although these may require further, specialized training (undercover work, etc.). One of the MLHH regulars, Jonalbear, works in law enforcement, and probably knows more about this issue than anyone else on the 'board.
--Val
I was very surprised by the number of longhair NFL players I saw this year, so long hair must not be the total gimme in melee action, but I'll bet that police depts aren't very accepting (but you probably guess that too, eh? ;) )
Honestly, if it's what you really want to do, and you have to, I say cut it. I'd cut my mane in a second if that meant I could be an astronaut (citing my own personal example- not that I'm trying out to be an astronaut).
I seem to recall on Cops or a show like it the undercover guy had longhair way past the shoulder. i'm sure that's fairly rare and undercover work is very stressful I hear, it takes a rare kind of person.
I seem to recall Matt Barlow of Iced Earth shed his locks to join the force. If that's your passion go for it maybe years down the road you'll find an opportunity to grow it out while on the force if your going undercover.
I'll watch for you on Cops. LOL
Kevin
I have many police officers in my family, and even if it wasn't required, I would definitely have short hair as a cop. The first thing you have to consider is your safety on the job, and long hair is a danger to you.
Most women in police and military keep their long hair. I think it is a cultural thing myself. Police tend to have a fascist and authoritarian culture. Any how with all the weaponry police have now I don't see how a suspect can get close enough to a cop to grab his/her hair. 99.9999999999% of people would never dream of getting physical with a cop.
The allowing for longhair for undercover work seems to indicate that male long hair is viewed as being criminal.
Even with my hair at it's longest I never got any hassle from the police.