Goatee

[090205]

Having searched this forum, and from what others have stated to me personally, I understand that if a police department's policy is no facial hair, except for mustaches, then it's advisable to follow that policy during the interview processes (eg. oral board, oral psych).

However, for the other steps of the hiring process, such as the medical and written psychological, is it still best to follow their policy, or would a goatee be fine?

I've had a goatee for as long as I could grow one.

[valycop]

As a background investigator for our agency (small sheriff's office with 106 sworn) I'd say shave it off. Mustache is okay as long as it conforms to the agency policy, but remember this is the time to start making a good impression. There is nothing wrong with a goatee; I could care less, but I have seen less that has affected an applicants impression with our command staff.

Always approach the application process with the thought "what will make me look good to the men/women who'll make the decision whether or not to hire me?" If you approach the process with that kind of attitude it will spill over into everything about your application and you will appear more favorable. This too goes to any job application whether it's law enforcement related or not, you're trying to make the best impression to a potential employer.

Good luck.

[1depd]

Anytime I went in front of a panel, I always shaved all facial hair. The way I figured it was I didn't want anything (gnats, fuzz, sneeze stuff) to get lodged in my whiskers and cause a distraction. I also figured that I could inadvertantly readjust some whiskers making it appear I was not properly trimed. I would hate to lose a job because my mustache looked uneven. I was called neurotic when I explained this so maybe it's just me.

[mobrien316]

I went to the oral board for the sergeant's exam with a goatee, even though everyone said to do so would be death.

I received a score of 96 and came out #1 on the test. Go figure.

[Nole795]

Having searched this forum, and from what others have stated to me personally, I understand that if a police department's policy is no facial hair, except for mustaches, then it's advisable to follow that policy during the interview processes (eg. oral board, oral psych).

However, for the other steps of the hiring process, such as the medical and written psychological, is it still best to follow their policy, or would a goatee be fine?

I've had a goatee for as long as I could grow one.

I did exactly what you posted. Without my goatee I look like a 15 year old skateboarder. So I normally shave it off during the interview phase, but grow it back during the medical and psych phase. Unfortunately, my academy sent me a letter that goatees were not acceptable, so I had to shave it off again while in the academy.

But I have it on now.

[Ironhead]

I had mine while in the interview phase and I made a point to explain that I knew it would be gone once (and if) I were hired. It didn't harm me apparently. ;)

[Bearcat06]

I can wear a goatee with my PD.

Having said that, the last two times I interviewed with other PDs, I shaved....and had a neatly trimmed mustache.

I did not however, shave it off when I interviewed for the job out in DC with DOJ since it isn't a FLEO job per say......and I am in the final stages of being hired with.

[mcsap]

While you are applying to a PD , you will have plenty of competition. You should do everything possible to take advantage of any interaction with a member of that PD and any hiring phase. Assuming that they do not permit goatees , I suggest you shave it off.

If you want the job bad enough , you will conform to their requirements even when you don't have to. That could be what gives you a little edge over another candidiate.