Trim that beard!

[E21A]

lol, what's up, did I hit a nerve, have you got a silly looking beard ?.

not that I was aware we were having an argument, but if you've had to resort to childish name calling (from behind your pc), then you've already lost the argument.

if your such a snowflake that this thread offends you, take it up with a mod, maybe they'll lock it for you.

Have a nice day ?

You most certainly have, many member of my family are emergency services and the abuse some of them have experienced due the way they choose to wear their hair/makeup/tattoos etc etc is fucking disgusting. Im willing to bet you wouldn’t give a flying fuck what any police officer/paramedic/firefighter looked like if you needed their help in an emergency 

 

[Albiscuit]

Most definitely, while we shouldn't judge anybody how they look, you'd certainly expect higher standards for the police, it's not as if their in the sandpit on active service where you'd expect dress codes to be relaxed ? 

Im in two minds, If I recall there were a lot of rules in the past regarding police officers, height requirements, no visible tats, hell even a fitness test.

I am not usually one to judge so this conversation has got me thinking, and the rather tense back and forward above has me carefully choosing my words.

Whilst I think there should be a certain standard to get in and to maintain, I saw a copper the other day getting out of a police car and he was quite a round, no, he was bloody huge and was out of breath getting out of the car. He was also very short and I wondered how the hell he became a copper.. I get we are now in a world where it actually doesnt matter about appearances, he could have been on a support role (not a front line copper where these things may not matter, I dont know if they do anymore?) and happened to have been out of the office or he could have had the mind of sherlock holmes I will never know. But I am fairly sure his ability to chase a suspect or stop something happening more than two steps from him would be pretty low!

I guess we all have an internal idea of what people/job roles should look like. We expect police to be tall, imposing and authoritarian, not looking like a hipster/hobo such as the firearms officer I saw. He literally looked like he was straight out of the woods!! or like the round bloke with the size xxxxl shirt rolling out of the plod car. And when we see the ones which dont fit our internal bias they stand out more.

That being said the one in the pic above I think looks like a normal copper. I dont have an issue with his beard or mohawk hair.

And as mentioned, its about their professionalism and ability to do the job not their look. 

 

[BibbsOnTour]

Im in two minds, If I recall there were a lot of rules in the past regarding police officers, height requirements, no visible tats, hell even a fitness test.

Whilst I think there should be a certain standard to get in and to maintain

I was looking to join up around the time I was in college, so I was researching all the fitness requirements etc. and was speaking to one of my family friends who's already in and said pretty much exactly this.

Said that I'd seen fairly rotund fellas on the beat and he basically just said yeah once you're in you don't necessarily have to maintain it... But obviously that'll affect their ability to perform some roles as you say.

 

[Albiscuit]

I was looking to join up around the time I was in college, so I was researching all the fitness requirements etc. and was speaking to one of my family friends who's already in and said pretty much exactly this.

Said that I'd seen fairly rotund fellas on the beat and he basically just said yeah once you're in you don't necessarily have to maintain it... But obviously that'll affect their ability to perform some roles as you say.

In this instance I would expect certain standards to be maintained in all honesty.

I wouldnt see it as discrimination either, if a part of your role is to chase criminals then you should be able to at least keep them in sight

 

[Tackle]

lol, the only one abusing people here is you, & if you think my lighthearted comments count as abuse you need to get out more.

You most certainly have, many member of my family are emergency services and the abuse some of them have experienced due the way they choose to wear their hair/makeup/tattoos etc etc is fucking disgusting. Im willing to bet you wouldn’t give a flying fuck what any police officer/paramedic/firefighter looked like if you needed their help in an emergency 

not that its any of your business, but I too have many friends, & some family members who work within the emergency services, & personally I have the utmost respect for ALL members of said services, irrespective of how they look, their gender or any other life choices they make.

on a personal note, having previously served in the military, in 99/2000 I was halfway through the intake process for the police, which was ended followinga family tragedy & then a subsequent high speed rta that prevented me moving forward in the force, had things been different I'd probably still be serving now, but heyho, lifes shit sometimes.

as a civvy, I've been commended twice, each time for taking on one or more armed criminals, those events resulted in arrests & prison time, & on numerous occasions I've assisted all 3 of the emergency services during incidents, some if which had the potential to end my life, was I asked to do it ?, NO, nor was there financial gain for me, its just about doing what's right when the shit hits the fan.

if you still think I'm disrespecting those services, you can go fuck yourself, its a discussion about whether uniform standards are slipping & whether they have the potential to affect personnel in their role, so posting up a reply where you use a swear words in a manner to indicate anger & aggression towards me or any other member isn't likely to get a favorable response.

 

[E21A]

lol, the only one abusing people here is you, & if you think my lighthearted comments count as abuse you need to get out more.

not that its any of your business, but I too have many friends, & some family members who work within the emergency services, & personally I have the utmost respect for ALL members of said services, irrespective of how they look, their gender or any other life choices they make.

on a personal note, having previously served in the military, in 99/2000 I was halfway through the intake process for the police, which was ended followinga family tragedy & then a subsequent high speed rta that prevented me moving forward in the force, had things been different I'd probably still be serving now, but heyho, lifes shit sometimes.

as a civvy, I've been commended twice, each time for taking on one or more armed criminals, those events resulted in arrests & prison time, & on numerous occasions I've assisted all 3 of the emergency services during incidents, some if which had the potential to end my life, was I asked to do it ?, NO, nor was there financial gain for me, its just about doing what's right when the shit hits the fan.

if you still think I'm disrespecting those services, you can go fuck yourself, its a discussion about whether uniform standards are slipping & whether they have the potential to affect personnel in their role, so posting up a reply where you use a swear words in a manner to indicate anger & aggression towards me or any other member isn't likely to get a favorable response.

I’ve read this load of waffle several times now, and all it does it show you like blowing you’re own trumpet? 

Oh, and then swearing like you tried to ridicule me for doing ??

??

 

[Tackle]

I’ve read this load of waffle several times now, and all it does it show you like blowing you’re own trumpet? 

Oh, and then swearing like you tried to ridicule me for doing ??

??

View attachment 46424

 

[Philby21]

In an attempt to lighten things up a little.....

This reminds me of a guy I know, loads of tattoos, long purple hear in a strip down the centre of his head that such that he can wear it as a proper punk mohican when the mood takes him - works as a store detective.

During his interview they asked him "what makes you think you'd be good at this job?", he said "would you think I was a store detective?" - pretty much got the job there and then!! ?

 

[Albiscuit]

In an attempt to lighten things up a little.....

This reminds me of a guy I know, loads of tattoos, long purple hear in a strip down the centre of his head that such that he can wear it as a proper punk mohican when the mood takes him - works as a store detective.

During his interview they asked him "what makes you think you'd be good at this job?", he said "would you think I was a store detective?" - pretty much got the job there and then!! ?

Although if you were stealing and aware of the people around you then you surely would spot this bloke in every aisle watching you! But he does sound scary so a good deterrent if he was clocked!

 

[comrade vinnie]

Christ, go away for a few days... 

E21A, Let my hair grow out a few years ago and all my military buddys said the same thing: 'get a fucking hair cut' etc.  Its what we do, no one here is attacking anyone mate. 

Clumpyedge, No idea mate. Also with the tattoos (and body damage, i.e Scars etc)  you wont be doing any covert stuff anytime soon if you have them. 

 

[clumpyedge]

Christ, go away for a few days... 

E21A, Let my hair grow out a few years ago and all my military buddys said the same thing: 'get a fucking hair cut' etc.  Its what we do, no one here is attacking anyone mate. 

Clumpyedge, No idea mate. Also with the tattoos (and body damage, i.e Scars etc)  you wont be doing any covert stuff anytime soon if you have them. 

You say that but I would hazard a guess that it would be a benefit and also stop you doing certain things. If the area you were doing work in required a "joe public" look you only have to walk down the high street to see a lot more people covered in tattoo's these days. Saying that if criminals believed that police couldn't possibly have a job while covered in tattoos and have long beards/hair etc then the opposite wouldn't stand out compared to a clean cut person? I remember back in the day reading a book about the DEA/FBI infiltrating biker gangs (think the book is called "outlaw") and the people picked were tattoo'd Hairy guys who could ride bikes... funny that?

I do agree though that having a beard that length on normal policing duties would come with its own risks which I'm sure has been managed by superiors otherwise he wouldn't be sporting one! If I recall the navy have a rule that if you cant grow a substantial amount of hair in a certain amount of days you have to shave it off but if you can grow it, it is checked monthly to make sure it isn't unkempt and you still look presentable.

 

[comrade vinnie]

You say that but I would hazard a guess that it would be a benefit and also stop you doing certain things. If the area you were doing work in required a "joe public" look you only have to walk down the high street to see a lot more people covered in tattoo's these days. Saying that if criminals believed that police couldn't possibly have a job while covered in tattoos and have long beards/hair etc then the opposite wouldn't stand out compared to a clean cut person? I remember back in the day reading a book about the DEA/FBI infiltrating biker gangs (think the book is called "outlaw") and the people picked were tattoo'd Hairy guys who could ride bikes... funny that?

I do agree though that having a beard that length on normal policing duties would come with its own risks which I'm sure has been managed by superiors otherwise he wouldn't be sporting one! If I recall the navy have a rule that if you cant grow a substantial amount of hair in a certain amount of days you have to shave it off but if you can grow it, it is checked monthly to make sure it isn't unkempt and you still look presentable.

I don't know about the policing side of things, i was talking about the military (sorry should have made it clearer) Those certain units want grey man only. But i did meet a old 14 int guy who had full sleeves and was used once or twice because of them. Don't know about the Navy's rule but growing a mustache in the army was reviewed after a week or so. We used to grow them on tour had have a 'Crap 'tache competition'  Shitest one wins      

 

[clumpyedge]

 We used to grow them on tour had have a 'Crap 'tache competition'  Shitest one wins      

Reminds me of the scene in 13 hours ?

 

[Tackle]

Don't know about the Navy's rule but growing a mustache in the army was reviewed after a week or so. We used to grow them on tour had have a 'Crap 'tache competition'  Shitest one wins      

navy is (or was ?) a week as well, with the exception of submariners', they could grow for longer, no idea how long ?.

my mob had the "crap tache" competitons too, half of em would end up looking like fu-Manchu ?

 

[Druid799]

You most certainly have, many member of my family are emergency services and the abuse some of them have experienced due the way they choose to wear their hair/makeup/tattoos etc etc is fucking disgusting. Im willing to bet you wouldn’t give a flying fuck what any police officer/paramedic/firefighter looked like if you needed their help in an emergency 

As someone who does work ‘on the front line’ i do agree that makeup/tattoos/hair colouring have bog all impact on your ability to render aide BUT I’d also say yes beards and dangling long hair can and will impact on how you perform in some jobs . 

Up until jan of this yr I had what I considered a very impressive beard , it was neat and tidy and a good 5 inches long , but then the new emergency response to terrorist attack guidelines came out beards were most definitely out as you can’t wear a respirator with them (Salisbury any one ?) plus if PC plod has a honking big beard or oh so trendy man plat in his hair hanging down one could say he’s just given Kevin the criminal the perfect handle to be able to pull his head down to floor to give him fucking good kicking hasn’t he ? Plus may be old fashioned (but I really couldn’t give a shit that it is) a police officer has a certain image of responsibility and authority to project , and looking like some metrosexual hipster does NOT project that image . Under cover being the exception to all this !

 

[Tackle]

As someone who does work ‘on the front line’ i do agree that makeup/tattoos/hair colouring have bog all impact on your ability to render aide BUT I’d also say yes beards and dangling long hair can and will impact on how you perform in some jobs . 

Up until jan of this yr I had what I considered a very impressive beard , it was neat and tidy and a good 5 inches long , but then the new emergency response to terrorist attack guidelines came out beards were most definitely out as you can’t wear a respirator with them (Salisbury any one ?) plus if PC plod has a honking big beard or oh so trendy man plat in his hair hanging down one could say he’s just given Kevin the criminal the perfect handle to be able to pull his head down to floor to give him fucking good kicking hasn’t he ? Plus may be old fashioned (but I really couldn’t give a shit that it is) a police officer has a certain image of responsibility and authority to project , and looking like some metrosexual hipster does NOT project that image . Under cover being the exception to all this !

thanks mate, all good points well made, & exactly what I was trying to convey, but apparently its offensive when I say it ?.

 

[Tommikka]

, but then the new emergency response to terrorist attack guidelines came out beards were most definitely out as you can’t wear a respirator with them (Salisbury any one ?)

Yes, here in Salisbury, living round the corner from Christie Miller and with some connections to both incidents, more closely to the second

Salisbury police still aren’t wearing respirators as a matter of routine, they don’t wear them when called out.  They do wear gloves and dust mask type masks depending on circumstances, (didn’t help Nick, but that was probably him self contaminating himself after leaving the house when he took off his gloves).

Specialist work has been conducted by specialists who don’t have big beards, Army respirators have been worn - by the many Army involved, but the ET type hazmat suits worn in the intensive searches would work for this bearded officer, though I doubt that if he was a specialist in that subject area that he wouldn’t be out and about in that beard.

Every police force has its own policies on beards. That officer presumably has not been affected by changed rules 

 

[Druid799]

Salisbury police still aren’t wearing respirators as a matter of routine, they don’t wear them when called out.  They do wear gloves and dust mask type masks depending on circumstances,

the ET type hazmat suits worn in the intensive searches would work for this bearded officer, 

Sorry bud was referring to confirmed large scale incidents , but even saying that the 3M FFP1V’s simple particle masks that basically are the standard across the board for emergency services when used over a beard it renders them useless .

Unless there using different hazmat suits to my area then no it still won’t protect him as there’s a sealed edge respirator inside the head unit .

Ps. Part of my job is ‘fit testing’ NHS staff to use all this kit , and yes I did say I had a beard but as I have very good relations with my local 3M rep she actually managed to source a beard friendly respirator for me ! ??

 

[Tommikka]

Sorry bud was referring to confirmed large scale incidents , but even saying that the 3M FFP1V’s simple particle masks that basically are the standard across the board for emergency services when used over a beard it renders them useless .

Unless there using different hazmat suits to my area then no it still won’t protect him as there’s a sealed edge respirator inside the head unit .

Ps. Part of my job is ‘fit testing’ NHS staff to use all this kit , and yes I did say I had a beard but as I have very good relations with my local 3M rep she actually managed to source a beard friendly respirator for me ! ??

It does still remain a matter under that forces policy he’s allowed that beard, (unless he’s heading for a disciplinary), the same for his role and current risks

If the situation changes he has the option to shave

There can be something unforeseen, such as how N got affected. 

Here things have been done by & under the supervision of specialists - clearly from

when circumstances became better known, but SOPs with basic infection control, and gloves etc without any knowledge of the nature of the incidents did help.

N did take precautions but something went wrong.

There is some caution to be had with discussing this areas happenings, and I’m particularly cautious with my forum name that can be cross referenced.  There are unsavory characters in discussions elsewhere where matters have been discussed but they have other motives on fishing and distracting, a casual search can find those and lines of discussion are apparently innocent conversations, collectively over time and with other factors they are far from innocent

This particular subject with regard to an individual policeman’s beard does really come down to his ability to perform his duties, under the policies of his police force.  If they are happy for him to have that beard then that’s up to him and them