Redefining "Professional": Addressing Inequalities in Public Safety Grooming Policies

The 9-1-1 emergency dispatching system in the United States has evolved significantly since its inception in 1968 (National Emergency Number Association, n.d.). As the first point of contact in emergency situations, 9-1-1 dispatchers play a crucial role in public safety. Years of experience as a 9-1-1 dispatch administrator gave me a front-row seat in the evolution of our industry's policies. Progress has been made in some areas, yet persistent inequalities in our workplace grooming standards, particularly those affecting civilian staff and women, demand our attention.

The Shifting Definition of "Professional"

In California, law enforcement agencies have traditionally defined "professional" appearance as clean-shaven faces, natural hair colors, and no visible tattoos. Recent years, however, have witnessed a significant shift in these standards — at least for some.

The Beard Paradox

Hair has long been considered an essential aspect of one's identity, with various cultural, religious, and personal implications. The way individuals choose to wear their hair can reflect their personality, values, and beliefs. As such, policies that restrict hair color or facial hair can disproportionately impact employees' ability to express themselves authentically in the workplace.

Beards are now allowed for male officers and dispatchers in many agencies, recognizing that facial hair doesn't impact job performance. Improved morale, better recruitment, and accommodation of religious or medical may support this change but it is often the freedom of expression that proves to be enough justification for this change.

With the understanding that dispatchers are not in view of the public, some agencies have opted to allow beards, recognizing that they can contribute to improved morale and job satisfaction among male dispatchers. However, it is essential to consider how these policies compare to the grooming standards applied to their female counterparts.

The Unequal Treatment of Hair Color

Many 9-1-1 dispatch centers maintain strict hair color policies for female civilian dispatchers, prohibiting the use of unnatural hair colors such as pink, purple, blue, or green. These policies are often justified on the grounds of maintaining a professional appearance and upholding the organization's image. However, critics argue that these restrictions unfairly target women and limit their ability to express their individuality in the workplace. This discrepancy becomes even more apparent when considering that female dispatchers, like their male counterparts, are not in view of the public.

This discrepancy raises a crucial question:

Why is one form of personal expression (beards) now acceptable, while another (hair color) remains restricted?

The Impact of Policies that Just Do Not Make Sense

Policy inconsistencies create an environment of perceived unequal treatment:

1. Outdated gender norms and stereotypes are reinforced.
2. A hierarchy of expression is created, valuing some forms over others without clear justification.
3. Potential subjugation of civilian staff, who are often women, is perpetuated.
4. Changing values of our workforce, particularly Gen Z, who highly value individuality and authenticity, are disregarded.

A Call for Equitable Policies

1. Consistent application of grooming standards across all staff — patrol and civilian, male and female.
2. Extension of personal expression freedoms (like beards or tattoos) to all groups, barring specific safety concerns.
3. Focus on job performance and competence.

The Benefits of Taking a Look in the Mirror

Some huge upside potential:

• Employee morale and job satisfaction improve across all staff.
• Recruitment and retention are enhanced, especially among younger generations.
• Workforce diversity and creativity increase.

In conclusion, the gender bias in grooming policies for 9-1-1 dispatchers is an important issue that warrants further examination especially when taken in the context of equity and recruitment. If agencies anchor the logic to allow beards because it helps with recruitment why would the same logic not be extended to their female counterparts. By doing so, they can help ensure that all employees have the opportunity to express themselves authentically and contribute to a more positive and supportive work culture.

At the end of the day, we want heroes who save lives and those on the receiving end do not care if that hero has a beard and full sleeve tattoos or purple hair.

Leadership in emergency services comes with the responsibility to create efficient, equitable, and supportive work environments for all employees. Elimination of these double standards will set an example of true workplace equality.

Your thoughts on these inconsistencies are valuable. Experiences addressing these issues in your organization would be enlightening. Please share your perspectives in the comments below.

#WorkplaceEquality #LawEnforcementPolicies #InclusiveWorkplace #GenZValues #DiversityAndInclusion

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