The beard police: Dayton officers can go unshaven for good cause

Beards are usually a big no-no at the Dayton Police Department. That’s because growing out the facial hair violates department dress code.

But Dayton officers can give their razors a rest this month during “No Shave October” (not to be confused with Movember, when many men nationwide choose to grow out moustaches for fun or to raise awareness of male health issues).

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The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 44 was granted permission by the city to allow its union members to get fuzzy on the face in return for a $50 donation to the Pink Ribbon Girls (October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month).

Community members may notice that officers on patrol are a little furrier than usual.

But don’t expect to see beards that are overly elaborate. The city requires officers’ beards to be neatly kept.

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The Pink Ribbon Girls is a non-profit organization that assists women across Ohio in their fight against breast cancer by providing meals, cleaning services, and rides to treatment appointments.

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