The Seattle Police Department announced Wednesday that it has updated its policy regarding tattoos, hairstyles, jewelry and gender language.
After receiving feedback from officers, recruits and potential candidates, SPD said officers can now have visible tattoos and body art as long as it is not “obscene, offensive, or discriminatory in nature.”
Officers can also wear jewelry and have beards, except for those with SWAT, the Arson/Bomb Unit, and Harbor Patrol.
The updated policy also authorizes hairstyles like afros, braids, locks and twists.
In a separate update, the department gave guidance to officers regarding preferred pronouns like theirs, zie and zir.
SPD last updated the employee appearance section of its manual in 2006.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Home alone: Couple accused of leaving 2-year-old in South Carolina apartment for NY trip
- Seattle man visiting Qatar finds solution to World Cup alcohol ban
- Police: Adult, juvenile charged for allegedly dropping puppy off bridge in Michigan
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
©2022 Cox Media Group