Introduction to the Problem

Chicago Police Department brass are cracking down on the appearances of some district officers who could face reprimands, according to a scathing internal email sent out this week by a police leader.

Uniform and Appearance Guidelines

Officers have to wear “clean and serviceable” uniforms with no holes or tears, and they are forbidden from wearing hoodies underneath or tactical pants, according to the memo, sent out earlier this week by Area 5 Deputy Chief William Betancourt, which was obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. Cops also are required to have a full beard or no beard at all, no goatees, no earrings while on duty, no fingernail polish outside of neutral colors, no “faddish” hairstyles, and shirts will be worn “under the quarter zip,” according to the memo, sent to commanders of districts under Area 5.

Accountability

Commanders, captains and all supervisors in addition to district officers would be held accountable for continuing uniform and appearance guideline violations, the memo said. “If you cannot handle your positions/ranks and do what is asked of all supervisors please let me know, l will ask the Chief to assign someone who can,” Betancourt said in the email.

Response from the Union

John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7, told the Sun-Times in a phone call the union has “no issue with looking professional across the board.” “The department has had appearance standards forever,” Catanzara said. “The superintendent (Larry Snelling) made it very clear that was going to be one of his main motivations or focuses coming in.” “They’re entitled to do it and God bless them,” Catanzara added.

Inspection and Promotion Considerations

As of Monday, roll calls now include a uniform and appearance inspection, and those not following the guidelines must be written up, the memo said. Betancourt told supervisors that they should consider how officers present themselves when they consider who will receive a merit-based promotion. “I will be attending roll calls unannounced, if your Lts and Sgts cannot get this together they can expect to be written up as well.”

Previous Warnings

“We have spoken about this for the past 18 months and we are still not addressing the officers in the districts in regards to this!” Betancourt said in the email.

Conclusion

The Chicago Police Department’s crackdown on officer appearance is a step towards maintaining professionalism and discipline within the force. With clear guidelines and consequences for non-compliance, the department aims to ensure that all officers present themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the department.

FAQs

• Q: What are the uniform requirements for Chicago Police Department officers?
  A: Officers must wear clean and serviceable uniforms with no holes or tears, and are forbidden from wearing hoodies underneath or tactical pants.
• Q: Are there any restrictions on facial hair?
  A: Yes, officers are required to have a full beard or no beard at all, no goatees.
• Q: Can officers wear earrings while on duty?
  A: No, earrings are not allowed while on duty.
• Q: How will the department enforce these guidelines?
  A: Roll calls now include a uniform and appearance inspection, and those not following the guidelines must be written up.
• Q: What is the union’s stance on the appearance standards?
  A: The Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7 has no issue with looking professional across the board and acknowledges the department’s long-standing appearance standards.