Does the Bedford Police Department have a policy on tattoos and beards?

Tattoos: Non-offensive tattoos are allowed to be visible. It is the policy of the Bedford Police Department that tattoos or brands that are prejudicial to good order are prohibited. Additionally, while on or off duty in uniform or on duty in civilian attire, employees are prohibited from exhibiting tattoos, body art, or brands that are offensive or demeaning to persons of ordinary sensibilities. 

Mustaches: Mustaches shall not extend a half-inch below the corners of the mouth or beyond the natural hairline of the upper lip and shall be short and neatly trimmed, with no more than a half-inch in thickness. 

Sideburns: Sideburns shall not extend below the bottom of the outer ear opening (the top of the earlobes) and shall be trimmed and neat, except for members in certain specialized units, or if permitted by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.

Goatees: Goatees must be neatly groomed, with the sides of the goatee extending straight down from the outer edge of the mustache or no more than a half-inch beyond the corners of the mouth, and shall not extend more than 1.5 inches below the peak of the jawline. The goatee shall not be more than a half-inch in thickness. The mustache shall not extend over the top edge of the upper lip. 

Beards: Beards must be neatly groomed and shall not extend more than1.5 inches below the peak of the jawline. The beard must be edged on the cheeks and under the jawline and shall not be more than a half-inch in thickness. The mustache shall not extend over the top edge of the upper lip.

Facial Hair (In General): No extreme styles are permitted, except for members in certain specialized units, or if permitted by the Chief of Police or their authorized designees. Employees choosing to grow facial hair shall begin the growth during time off and may not report for duty with less than three day’s growth, provided that such time is sufficient to present an intentional and established growth. Patchy, spotty, inconsistent or sparse facial hair will not be permitted. An employee’s supervisor may determine, individually, if an employee’s facial hair does not comply with this policy. The Chief of Police retains final approval over continued facial hair growth.

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1. Do I need to submit all my documents before testing?
2. How long does the hiring process generally take?
3. May I submit a resume?
4. What types of questions are on the police written examination?
5. Does the Bedford Police Department offer a study guide for the written examination?
6. What can I expect on testing day?
7. What is the attire for the various steps of the hiring process?
8. Are there any age or physical limitations on who can apply to be a police officer?
9. Does the Bedford Police Department have a policy on tattoos and beards?
10. Do I have to live in Bedford to be a Bedford police officer?
11. Do I have to attend a police academy?
12. When is the next police academy?
13. Are there any fees or costs that I would need to pay for attending the academy?
14. What is the police academy like?
15. If I am sent to a Police Academy, is there a minimum service time commitment?
16. Can I be considered if I have used marijuana or other drugs / narcotics in the past?
17. What will happen if I intentionally omit important information or am found to be deceptive in the hiring process regarding my background history?
18. Polygraph/Psychological Exam Info
19. I have been disqualified or was previously disqualified from the hiring process. How long do I need to wait before I can reapply?
20. As an out of state applicant, how many trips will I need to make to Bedford during the hiring process?
21. I am a police officer in another state. What is the process of being licensed in Texas?
22. How many sworn officers does the Bedford Police Department have?
23. I was discharged from the military with a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions or an Uncharacterized Discharge. Is this acceptable to apply for the Bedford Police Department?
24. Is there any way to skip patrol and go directly into a specialized unit?
25. Does the Bedford Police Department furnish all my uniforms and equipment?
26. Does the Bedford Police Department require my college hours be in Criminal Justice?
27. When do benefits start?
28. What shifts do patrol officers work?
29. What specialized divisions does the Bedford Police Department offer?