THE

ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE FORCE

FORCE ORDER

RESTRICTED FORCE ORDER No. 40/2020

PART 1: June 9, 2020

RE: Professional Standards and Dress Code

This Policy dated June 9, 2020 will be inserted into section A9 of the Consolidated Force Orders
and will supplant or replace Force Order No. 18/2008 outlining police uniform, professional
standards and dress code.

ADDENDUM: Consolidated Force Orders – UNIFORM A9, and

SUPPLANT: FORCE ORDER NO. 18/2008

NEW: Professional Standards and Dress Code FORCE ORDER No. 40/2020

Introduction

Police officers have a high level of responsibility to take pride in their personal appearance as
part of maintaining a professional image for the Royal Bahamas Police Force. A germane tenet
of an officer’s portfolio involves interacting with the public. However, the explosion of social
media has often times placed an officer’s seemingly lackluster appearance on display for live
feedback, ridicule and disrepute. Public perception in this regard negatively impacts the image
of the Force and questions disciplinary standards.

Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police must ensure that the standard of turnout for all police
officers coincide with a satisfactory deportment that projects an overall professional and revered
Organization worthy of vicarious emulation. To uphold an impression of authority, integrity and
value, it is essential for police officers on duty to maintain an appropriate standard of
appearance whether in uniform or plain clothes.

Supervisors have a duty to inspire, motivate and lead by example, and therefore their
appearance must be beyond reproach. In addition, supervisors must forcefully and consistently
ensure that police officers are following the guidelines of this Policy. Daily inspections must be
conducted of all police officers in uniform and plain clothes that fall under their supervision.
Supervisors must challenge subordinates whose appearance fail to meet the professional image
of the Force as outlined in this Policy and invoke corrective measures where necessary.
Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to remove ambiguity and clarify the appropriate manner and/or
standard of dress code and professional appearance that is acceptable for police officers while
on duty in uniform or plain clothes. Male and female police officers in uniform are expected to
wear “Regulation Dress”, which includes the various types of uniform issued in accordance with
the dress categories listed in section A9 of the Consolidated Force Orders. Dress categories
vary according to range of duties undertaken and an officer’s rank to include summer, winter
and ceremonial dress. Officers permitted to wear plain clothes will adhere to a professional
business attire which includes tailored suits for men and women.

This Policy will also address unnecessary health and safety risks to police officers while on duty
associated with inappropriate hairstyles, nails, jewelry, footwear and other inappropriate body
adornments. This Policy will also ensure that all officers are equipped with sufficient uniform
suitable for the range of duties undertaken.

Any deviation from the prescribed standards of dress code and/or appearance as outlined in this
Policy that gives an impression of a relaxed discipline environment, or tarnishes, threatens, or
contravenes the professional image and/or reputation of the Force will lead to disciplinary
action.

Policy

The standards in this Policy will override any section of existing uniform policies that conflicts
with any standard outlined herein.

Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will be clean, tidy and appropriately dressed while on
duty. Exceptions to this rule may only apply when duties dictate otherwise for operational or
blue collar purposes or assignments approved by the Commissioner of Police.

There are health and safety concerns associated with personal appearance. In the event that
harm or loss occurs due to inappropriate standards of dress, appearance, or unauthorized
addition or alteration to any police uniform, the Force will not assume any liability and
disciplinary action will follow.

Uniform Standards

1. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge, stand at attention, call room and/or salute all
gazetted police officers whether the gazetted police officer is in uniform or plain clothes at
their first and final encounter with the gazetted officer. The fact that another gazetted
officer of the same rank may be present in another room in the building does not preclude
police officers from acknowledging, standing at attention, calling room and/or saluting that
gazetted police officer. Police officers in plain clothes will acknowledge, stand at
attention, call room and/or nod in these instances.

2. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge, stand at attention, call room and/or salute all
gazetted police officers whether the gazetted police officer is in uniform or plain clothes in
any setting including an office. In the event that an officer is unaware, but gained
instantaneous knowledge by correction and/or introduction that an officer is gazetted in
rank, the officer will immediately acknowledge, stand at attention, call room and/or salute

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 that gazetted police officer. Police officers in plain clothes will acknowledge, stand at
attention, call room and/or nod in these instances.

3. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge, stand at attention, call room and/or salute all
gazetted police officers whether the gazetted police officer is in uniform or plain clothes at
their final encounter of the day with the gazetted officer. Police officers in uniform will
stand and/or salute all gazetted police officers as they leave an office, station or police
setting and the officer does not expect to encounter that gazetted officer for the
remainder of the day. Police officers in plain clothes will acknowledge, stand at attention
and/or nod in this instance.

4. Police officers in uniform that are standing on the sideline of an official police parade will
stand at attention and salute all gazetted police officers that outrank them as the parade
proceeds.

5. For all intents and purposes, the requirement to salute a gazetted police officer is hereby
deemed a lawful order. In instances when a gazetted police officer enters an area, beat
or post where there are several police officers junior in rank, the most senior police officer
of the junior rank will acknowledge, stand at attention, call room and/or salute the
gazetted police officer. The other junior officers in that setting are not required to salute.

6. All gazetted police officers are entitled to a salute, and a gazetted police officer may
only return a salute if he/she adorns the requisite headgear at the time of the salute.
However, junior police officers will initiate the salute at all times. Gazetted police officers
will not return a salute if they are seated and/or without headgear in an office, station or
police setting, however the gazetted officer will acknowledge the compliment by a nod
and/or a verbal salutation.

7. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge and salute all Retired Commissioners of
Police. In the event that an officer is unaware, but gained instantaneous knowledge by
correction and/or introduction that an officer is a Retired Commissioner of Police, the
officer will immediately acknowledge and salute the Retired Commissioner of Police.
Police officers in plain clothes will acknowledge and nod in these instances. Any officer of
a higher rank that observes any police officer failing to pay compliment, may instantly
compel the offending officer to acknowledge and salute the Retired Commissioner of
Police.

8. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge and salute the Governor General of the
Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The
Bahamas, the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Deputy Prime
Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and the Minister of National Security of
the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

9. Police officers in uniform will acknowledge and salute all Justices in their respective
Supreme Courts in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Similarly, police officers in
uniform will acknowledge and salute all Magistrates in their respective Magistrates Court
in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Police officers in plain clothes will nod in these
instances.

10. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will stand and acknowledge any police officer
who enters a room or office who outranks all other police officers in that room or office

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 while on duty. Simultaneously, police officers in uniform or plain clothes will greet and/or
address all police officers of a higher rank as, “Sir, Mr. or Rank and Surname” in the case
of males; and/or “Ma’am, Mrs., Ms. or Rank and Surname” in the case of females.
Subordinate police officers will not under any circumstance refer to an officer of a higher
rank by a nick name, their first name or simply by their surname.

11. Police officers in uniform and/or plain clothes that fail to pay compliment as outlined in
paragraphs 1 through 9 of this Policy will face disciplinary action. A defence of oblivion or
unawareness of a gazetted rank will not stand in this regard, as the opportunity to self
correct would have been given to the officer instantaneously by introduction of the
disenfranchised gazetted officer. Any police officer of a higher rank that observes an
officer failing to pay compliment, may immediately compel the officer to do so. Should the
officer fail to comply with the order to salute the gazetted officer, he/she will be defaulted.

12. Male police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance approach any gazetted
police officer with their headgear in hand, except in a Church setting. Female police
officers in uniform will not under any circumstance approach any gazetted police officer
with their headgear in hand, including Church settings where they are required to salute.
Such actions will be construed as a deliberate attempt to avoid paying proper compliment
to the gazetted officer and the offending officer will face disciplinary action.

13. Police uniform, including headgear, shoes and/or boots will be provided to all police
officers through the Police Stores. All police officers must possess the requisite uniform
for summer, winter and ceremonial dress code standards regardless of their current
posting or job description. Mid-managers will conduct quarterly kit inspections to ensure
that all police officers that fall under their command are in possession of the standard
variations of uniform. Any police officer that is deficient and lacks all or part of the
aforementioned uniform dress code at the date of this Force Order, MUST immediately
submit an application to Police Stores through his/her OIC to have the same issued. The
idea that police officers do not have uniform will not be tolerated and his/her omission or
failure to apply may lead to disciplinary action.

14. Police officers will adorn the appropriate police uniform in the manner, situation, place
and/or time in which it is intended to be worn, without any additional trimmings or
inappropriate alterations.

15. Police officers will apply the uniform dress code standards outlined in section A9 of the
Consolidated Force Orders while on duty at specific events. Notwithstanding, Operation
Orders will indicate the mode of dress for specific events.

16. Police officers on duty will adorn uniform at all times unless otherwise authorized by the
Commissioner of Police to adorn plain or alternative clothes for maternity, disability or
other health related reasoning. Notwithstanding, the officer must submit an application to
the Commissioner of Police with supporting documents for consideration to adorn plain or
alternative clothes. Except for maternity cases, the Commissioner of Police reserves the
right to rescind any authorization to adorn plain clothes at any time and without notice.
Should the Commissioner accede to any such plain clothes request, it will not be
indefinite and will be revisited at any time.

17. Police officers will not adorn police uniform when they are off duty, except for private
engagement services authorized by the Commissioner of Police.

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18. Police officers will not exploit and/or use their police uniform to gain any favor or unlawful
advantage under any circumstance.

19. Police officers will secure their uniform and accompanying accoutrements in a manner
that is safe from theft or damage.

20. Police officers will only adorn police-issued equipment and/or accoutrement on police
uniform belts. Utility belts will be worn over the trousers or skirt to avoid health and safety
hazards.

21. Police officers are expected to maintain a high standard of professional conduct
particularly while on duty in uniform and will not under any circumstance, chew gum,
smoke, spit, use insulting or abusive language, obscene language or engage on any
inappropriate behavior. Supervisors will monitor the conduct of all officers that fall under
their supervision while on duty.

22. Police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance, consume food in public view,
drink any beverage in public view, walk with an uncovered plate or uncorked beverage,
walk with uncovered food or open beverage, walk and consume food or drink, and/or
walk animals or pets except for police dogs. Police officers in uniform will consume food
and drink in an inconspicuous manner and must retire to a private area during break
periods for mastication. Notwithstanding, police officers in uniform may consume food
and drink in a public setting provided the officers were invited to dine during an official
ceremony, conclave, training session, seminar, or other official setting.

23. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance consume
alcohol in public view unless authorized to do so by an officer as outlined in the Police Act
2009. Notwithstanding, police officers will not consume an inappropriate amount of
alcohol in public that renders them inebriated and/or incapable of executing their duties.

24. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not utilize cell phones and accompanying
telecommunication devices and peripherals in contravention of the Police and Personal
Cell Phone Usage Policy as outlined in Force Order No. 13/2020.

25. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not utilize any digital or electronic
communication device or cell phone to engage social media, play games, surf the
internet, listen to music, or watch videos in contravention of the Social Media Usage
Policy as outlined in Force Order No. 12/2020.

26. Police officers will not adorn police uniform when appearing on any social media platform,
the internet and/or any video broadcasting show in an on or off duty capacity without the
expressed approval from the Commissioner of Police.

27. Police officers will not appear at any civil or criminal court proceeding as a private citizen
in police uniform.

28. Police officers will adorn bush jackets, tunics or tailored suits when attending Magistrates
Court in an official capacity. Depot dress will not be worn under any circumstance, except
for the transport of prisoners.

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29. Contracted police officers will adorn tunics, caps and cloth belts when attending the
Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in an official capacity.

30. Police officers in uniform will not use any object as a crutch to lean on or provide support
while on duty in public view. Leaning on objects such as barricades, walls, trees,
buildings, posts, and vehicles while in police uniform projects an unprofessional image
and is therefore prohibited. Officers that are fatigued may request a break period to rest
that is out of sight from public view.

31. Police officers in uniform will not sit on any wall, vehicle, chair, table, railing, barricade,
stairs, bench or floor while on duty in public view, except if the prescribed duty at the time
requires sitting in a chair.

32. Police prosecutors will adorn bush jackets or tunics based on the season when
marshaling evidence on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Magistrates
Court of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Depot dress will not be worn by police
prosecutors or police court security officers under any circumstances.

33. Police officers may adorn charitable or police souvenir badges with approval from the
Commissioner of Police, providing the badges or pins are not distractingly oversized
and/or positioned in a manner to obscure official police numerals or insignia. All
souvenirs, pins or badges may be worn on the right chest above the numerals.

34. Police officers may adorn a pin depicting the national flag of the Commonwealth of The
Bahamas on the left chest above the police numerals and/or the Medals of Honor.

35. Police officers will immediately report any lost, stolen or damaged police uniform to a
supervisor. The officer must also submit a contemporaneous report through their OIC
outlining the facts of the incident. The officer may be required to replace the uniform at no
cost to the Force based on the circumstances. However, the Commissioner of Police may
issue a replacement at his discretion.

36. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will conspicuously adorn or inconspicuously
possess their warrant card at all times while on duty. Police officers will not brandish,
exploit and/or use their police warrant card to gain any favor or advantage under any
circumstances.

37. Police officers will immediately report a lost, stolen or damaged police warrant card to a
supervisor. The officer must also submit a contemporaneous report through their OIC
outlining the facts of the incident. The officer may be required to replace the warrant card
at no cost to the Force based on the circumstance. However, the Commissioner of Police
may issue a replacement card at his discretion.

Plain Clothes Standards

38. Police officers that adorn plain clothes while on duty will reflect a professional dress code
standard and appearance that mirrors the image required of police officers in uniform.

39. Plain clothes will only be worn by police officers that work in designated plain clothes
areas or due to medical conditions referenced in paragraphs 16 and 40 of this Policy.

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40. The Commissioner of Police may consider requests by uniform officers to adorn plain
clothes only in the event that wearing the police uniform may cause injury or inflict bodily
pain due to medical reasons. In the event that the request is for the former which may be
a pregnancy, the request will stand for the duration of the pregnancy. In the event that the
request is for the latter due to pain, such request and pending approval will not be
indefinite. Should the medical condition persist beyond a six (6) months period, the officer
must submit and refer his/her medical records to the Force Medical Officer for review and
further consultation. Notwithstanding, the Commissioner of Police reserves the right to
accede to or deny any request regarding the latter at his discretion. The Commissioner of
Police also reserves the right to rescind any approval granted in regards to the latter at
his consideration and discretion at any time.

41. Police officers in plain clothes will adorn smart business attire, which includes
appropriately tailored suits while on duty or representing the Force in any official capacity.

42. Police officers in plain clothes will adorn dark colored suits or dark earth tone colors while
on duty in plain clothes.

43. Loud, vibrant or neon colors are inappropriate for official police business and will not be
worn or tolerated under any circumstances as standard dress for police officers while on
duty in plain clothes.

44. Police officers authorized to engage in clandestine or covert operations will adorn plain
clothes and/or attire in a manner that allows them to blend into the circumstance or
situation, conceal their identity, and/or advance their position in the operation.

45. Police officers in plain clothes will not under any circumstance adorn clothing that directly
or indirectly conveys profanity, sexual messaging, images or innuendos, gang affiliation
or symbols, offensive slogans including images that discriminate against other races,
beliefs, gender based, and/or sexual orientation.

Male Police Officers

46. Male police officers in plain clothes will adorn dark or dark earth tone colored suits
including, long sleeve shirts with a tie and/or an appropriate business jacket where
necessary.

47. Male police officers in plain clothes will only undo the first button of any collared or open
necked shirt while on duty.

48. Male police officers in plain clothes will not adorn any muscle and/or spandex textured
clothing while on duty.

49. Male police officers in uniform will adorn well polished Force issued shoes or boots, with
black or navy blue socks.

50. Male police officers in plain clothes will not adorn short pants, three quarter pitch pants,
jogging pants or joggers, cargo pants, jeans and/or tee shirts while on duty.

51. Male police officers uniform pants leg will be no less than twenty-one inches (21”) wide
with a knee width that is less than twenty-four to twenty-six inches (24”-26”). These stats

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 are based on medium built men and exceptions to these stats will change based on a
male’s built, body type and/or size. Notwithstanding, male police officers will not adorn
tight, or excessively huge pants.

52. Male police officers will not adorn tee shirts and uniform trousers while on duty. Such
practices will render the officer partially or improperly dressed and may result in
disciplinary action.

53. Male police officers in uniform will not hang large key bunches on their belt to avoid risk
of injury, unless it is an operational requirement for cell block or custody suite duties.

54. Male police officers in uniform will adorn Force issued sweaters based on their rank while
on duty. Male Inspectors and above will adorn earth tone brown sweaters in general.
Contracted male officers will adorn navy blue sweaters in general. Male police officers will
not adorn any loud or vibrant sweater other than the colors expressed in this paragraph.

55. Contracted male police officers will not adorn silver buttons, silver belt buckles, silver cap
badges and/or any other uniform dress code standard that is reserved for senior officers.
Any contracted male police officer that adorn or is found in possession of any of the listed
items will be subject to disciplinary action.

Male Police Officers - Facial hair

56. The Force is a semi-military disciplined Organization and all male police officers will be
clean cut and shaven at all times while on duty.

57. For all intents and purposes, “clean cut and shaven” means there is no facial hair on a
male officer’s face except for a trimmed moustache and side burns. Supervisors will
conduct daily inspections to ensure that male police officers comply with facial hair
regulations. Male police officers that fail to comply, deviate and/or does not have
congruence with the Organization may face disciplinary action until compliance.

58. Male police officers will not grow and/or maintain a full beard or goatee while on duty. An
unshaven or stubbly appearance is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any
circumstance.

59. The Organization may consider, acquiesce and/or accede to a medical certificate that
exempts a male police officer from shaving for an exact time frame due to a medical
condition. Notwithstanding, the male police officer presenting such certificate will ensure
that his facial hair is kept neat and tidy at all times. Should the medical condition persist
beyond a three (3) months period, the officer must submit and refer his/her medical
records to the Force Medical Officer for review and further consultation.

60. Male police officers will maintain a neatly trimmed moustache at all times while on duty
that does not extend below the lip line of the upper lip and/or beyond the horizontal line
across the corners of the mouth. Male police officers will maintain neatly trimmed
sideburns in line with their earlobes and will not dye facial hair with any unnatural color.

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Male Police Officers – Hair

61. Male police officers will maintain a low hair cut around the sides of the head, which may
include a skin fade or semi-fade. Male police officers may also skin their entire head.

62. Male police officers will not adorn hair cuts that include designs, shapes or patterns of
any kind.

63. Male police officers will not grow, maintain or sport under any circumstances dreadlocks,
corn rows, plaits, braids, twists, pony tail, or Mohawk hairstyle while on duty.

64. Male police officers will not wear their hair in a manner which can easily be gripped by
another person and become a safety hazard risk.

65. Male police officers may dye their hair to resemble their natural hair color. Highlights are
disallowed.

Male Police Officers – Nails Standard

66. Male police officers will maintain clean and properly trimmed natural fingernails in the
manner prescribed in this Policy.

67. Male police officers will maintain naturally shaped fingernails trimmed to the tip of the nail
bed.

68. Male police officers will not adorn long fingernails that extend beyond the fingertip to
avoid any safety hazard risk to the officer and/or any member of the public in the
execution of their duties.

Male Police Officers - Jewelry Standards

69. The Force will not assume liability for any damages or loss to jewelry worn by police
officers while on duty. Jewelry in this regard includes any watch, ring, chain, hand chain,
necklace, and/or bracelet. Police officers that opt to adorn such jewelry will do so at their
own risk.

70. Male police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn any earrings while on duty.

71. Male police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance adorn
jewelry in alternative piercing areas including the eyebrow, nose, lip, tongue, mouth, or
any other visible area on the body while on duty.

72. Male police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to adorn one ring on each hand
including a wedding band, provided none of the rings or bands are oversized or gaudy in
nature and likely to cause injury to others while on duty.

73. Male police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn a wrist watch or hand chain
while on duty.

74. Male police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance adorn a visible neck chain
while on duty. Notwithstanding, male police officers in uniform may adorn a medic alert

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 neck chain or bracelet that notifies on a specific medical condition that is authorized by a
medical practitioner and/or medical doctor.

75. Male police officers in plain clothes may opt to adorn a neck chain or hand chain while on
duty.

Male Police Officers - Footwear

76. Male police officers will adorn plain black boots or shoes appropriate for the role to be
performed and the footwear will be clean with a low flat heel while on duty. Male police
officers in uniform that hold the rank of Inspector and above will adorn plain-toed black
leather shoes with black or navy blue socks while on duty. Contracted male police officers
in uniform will adorn plain-toed black leather boots with black or navy blue socks while on
duty.

77. Male police officers will not adorn any footwear that is decorated while on duty.

78. Male police officers may in special circumstances, and with the consent of the
Commissioner of Police, adorn non-issued shoes of approved patterns for medical or
operational purposes. In case of the former, the Commissioner will consider the medical
need on a case by case basis at his discretion.

79. Male police officers attached to the Marine Unit will adorn deck shoes while on duty.

80. Male police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn tennis shoes, jogging shoes
or sandals while on duty. Notwithstanding, tennis or jogging shoes may be worn for
physical education at the Police Training College or during covert or clandestine
operations.

Female Police Officers

81. Female police officers in plain clothes will adorn dark or dark earth tone colored skirt or
pants suit including an appropriate dark or earth tone colored business jacket where
necessary.

82. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn any skinny leg pants, short pants,
capri-pants, a pants that expose or stops above the ankle, jogging pants or joggers, jeans
and/or tee shirts while on duty.

83. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will ensure that their cleavage is entirely
covered while on duty. Clothing that exposes any part of the cleavage is inappropriate for
police business.

84. Female police officers in plain clothes will adorn a jacket when wearing a pants, skirt or
dress. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn any tight, form fitting or
spandex textured clothing while on duty including any pants, skirt or dress.

85. Female police officers in plain clothes will adorn skirts and dresses no more than one
inch (1”) above the knee while on duty.

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86. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn any sleeveless blouse, dress, tank
top, halter top, tube tank, or spaghetti strap top while on duty.

87. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn any sheer or revealing clothing while
on duty.

88. Female police officers in uniform will not hang large key bunches on their belt to avoid
risk of injury, unless it is an operational requirement for cell block or custody suite duties.

89. Female police officers will not adorn tee shirts and uniform skirts or pants while on duty.
Such practices will render the officer partially or improperly dressed and may result in
disciplinary action.

90. Female police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance adorn short uniform
skirts while on duty. The hemming of all female police uniform skirts will be three inches
(3”) below the knee.

91. A female police officer’s pants leg will be no less than twenty inches (20”) wide with a
knee width between twenty three to twenty five inches (23”-25”). However, these stats will
vary based on the built, size, height and shape of the female police officer.

92. Female police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance adorn tight uniform
skirts or pants while on duty.

93. Female police officers in uniform will adorn black Force issued handbags, or black
handbags in general that are no larger than sixteen inches (16”) wide and twelve inches
(12”) long. Female police officers in uniform will not adorn any oversized, loud, vibrant or
neon colored bag while on duty. Back packs and fanny packs are not allowed except for
operational duties.

94. Female police officers in uniform will adorn Force issued sweaters based on their rank
while on duty. Female Inspectors and above will adorn earth tone brown sweaters in
general. Contracted female officers will adorn navy blue sweaters in general. Female
police officers will not adorn any loud or vibrant sweater other than the colors expressed
in this paragraph.

95. Contracted female police officers will not adorn silver buttons, silver belt buckles, silver
cap badges and/or any other uniform dress code standard that is reserved for senior
officers. Any contracted female police officer that adorn or is found in possession of any
of the listed items will be subject to disciplinary action.

Female Police Officers – Nails

96. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will wear natural and/or artificial
fingernails in the manner prescribed in this Policy.

97. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will maintain clean and properly trimmed
natural fingernails.

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98. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn long fingernails that
extend well beyond the fingertip to avoid any safety hazard risk to the officer and/or any
member of the public while on duty.

99. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will maintain rounded, oval or square
shaped fingernails trimmed at a length that does not exceed one quarter of an inch (1/4”)
or 0.62 centimeters from the tip of the nail bed.

100. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to brandish polished fingernails
in a subdued natural or nude color without decoration.

101. Female police officers in uniform and plain clothes may opt to brandish Tammy Taylor
style nails provided the length adhere to the regulations outlined in this Policy. Stiletto,
lipstick, pointed, cut out, and/or edge nail styles are prohibited.

102. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not brandish any fingernails with
loud, vibrant, bedazzled, neon or flashy colors. Female police officers will not brandish
fingernails that have had an application of decorations, diamantes or sparkles, multiple
colors or bright shades while on duty.

Female Police Officers - Make-up

103. Female police officers have the option of wearing make-up in a manner prescribed in this
Policy. Female police officers will adorn makeup in moderation and with the appropriate
shade that match their natural skin tone while on duty.

104. Female police officers will not brandish any make-up, including lip stick, mascara, eye
shadow, face power, blush, or eye liner that is bright, loud, vibrant, neon, garish, or
bedazzled as such colors, styles or textures are inappropriate for official police business
while on duty.

105. Female police officers will not apply heavy make-up on their skin. Female police officers
may apply a reasonable amount of make-up to conceal a facial disfigurement or unsightly
blemish in line with this Policy while on duty.

106. Female police officers will not under any circumstance adorn any type of eye lash
extensions or fake eye lashes while on duty.

Female Police Officers – Hair and Hairstyles

107. Female police officers will sport hairstyles that are appropriate to conduct official police
business while on duty. Any deviation from this Policy will result in a request for the
offending female police officer to undo the hairstyle forthwith and non compliance will
result in disciplinary action.

108. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will keep their hair neat and properly
groomed at all times while on duty.

109. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will only sport hairstyles that can easily
fit under the crown of their headgear, which can be a police hat, cap, or burette.

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110. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport hairstyles that are bulky,
dense or voluminous in nature that it prevents the brim of the headgear from covering a
good portion of the forehead or it prevents the base or band of the headgear from
contacting the space between the head and earlobes.

111. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will maintain their hair at a sufficient
length to minimize and prevent scalp visibility and/or exposure, except for cases of a
documented medical condition.

112. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to sport an afro hairstyle that
does not exceed two inches (2”) in length from the scalp while on duty. Simultaneously,
female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may sport a low faded or semi-faded
scalp or hairstyle that is neat and well groomed while on duty. Notwithstanding, the afro
hairstyle or fade must not contravene the regulations outlined in paragraphs 108, 109,
110, 115 and 139 of this Policy.

113. Female police officers will not under any circumstance sport a skinned fade, or skinned
scalp while on duty except for cases of a documented medical condition as referenced in
paragraph 111 of this Policy.

114. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not wear or sport long loose or long
flowing hairstyles while on duty as they are a safety hazard risk and inappropriate for
official police business.

115. Female police officers in uniform will appropriately groom their hair in a style where the
length may touch, but not extend beyond the imaginary horizontal line where the base of
the neck meets the shoulders (the collar).

116. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport their hair in any long pony
tail as such hairstyles can be easily gripped by a suspect thus becoming a safety hazard
risk to the officer while on duty.

117. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport long loose, disheveled or
unkept natural hair. Female police officers will not sport loose, disheveled or unkept afro-
textured or natural textured hairstyles. Any afro textured or natural textured hairstyle will
be worn neatly while on duty.

118. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport long loose, disheveled or
unkept weave or weave that gives the appearance of an afro-textured or natural hair
style. Any weave that gives the appearance of an afro-textured or natural textured
hairstyle will be worn neatly and must be able to fit under the headgear while on duty.

119. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport any hairstyle that obscures
or covers the eye while on duty.

120. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will only sport loose hair at a length
described at paragraph 115 that may touch, but not extend beyond the imaginary
horizontal line where the base of the neck meets the shoulders (the collar). Any hairstyle
that goes beyond the base of the neck and shoulders will be securely fastened and worn
close to the head in a bun.

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121. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may dye their hair to resemble their
natural hair color or a dark color which may be black, grey, dark brown, dark brunette,
dark burgundy or shades of black, grey, dark brown, dark brunette or dark burgundy.
Vibrant, loud, neon and/or bright colors will not be worn under any circumstance while on
duty.
122. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may only sport blonde hair while on
duty, providing their origins is from a human race that normally possess the gene and hair
pigmentation to naturally grow blonde hair.
123. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes whose origin is from the black human
race may also sport blonde hair providing they have the medical condition of a rare
phenotype that alters hair pigmentation to cause black people to naturally grow blonde
hair.
124. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport highlights and will only dye
strands of their hair to resemble their natural hair color. Vibrant, loud, blonde and/or bright
highlights will not be worn under any circumstance while on duty.
125. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may sport or dye hair extensions or hair
weave to resemble their natural hair color or a dark color which may be black, grey, dark
brown, dark brunette, dark burgundy or shades of black, grey, dark brown, dark brunet or
dark burgundy. Hair extensions or weave that are vibrant, loud, neon and/or bright in
color will not be worn under any circumstance while on duty.
126. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport blonde or bleached hair
extensions, hair weave, highlights or strands under any circumstance except for the
conditions outlined in paragraph 121 or 122 and the color must match the natural blonde
hair color.
127. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may sport a layered or feathered
hairstyle providing the layers present a smooth and gradual appearance and adheres to
the hair length and headgear regulations outlined in this Policy.

128. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance sport
any lopsided, angled, and/or asymmetrical hairstyles with more than a one inch (1”)
difference in hair length from the front and/or side of the head to the back of the head.
Notwithstanding the hair length difference, the overall length in either case will not exceed
or go beyond the shoulder.

129. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance sport
any lopsided, angled, and/or asymmetrical hairstyles with more than a one inch (1”)
difference in hair length from the from the left side of the face to the right side or vice
versa. Notwithstanding the hair length difference, the overall length in either case will not
exceed or go beyond the shoulder.

130. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may sport low hair cuts or bobs that are
layered and properly curled, but does not contravene regulations outlined in paragraphs
127, 128, 129 and 139 of this Policy, while on duty. Notwithstanding, the voluminous
nature or body of the hairstyle must adhere to headgear regulations previously outlined in
this Policy.

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131. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport any type of Mohawk
hairstyle while on duty.
132. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not maintain or sport any type of
dreadlock hairstyle and/or natural dreadlocks while on duty.
133. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to sport micro braided
hairstyles that are tightly interwoven and professionally groomed. The braided hairstyle
must encompass the entire head and the style must be uniform in size and dimension
where each braid does not exceed one quarter of an inch (¼”) in diameter.
Notwithstanding, the micro braided hairstyle must not contravene the regulations outlined
in paragraphs 108, 109, 110, 115 and 134 of this Policy.

134. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance sport
any bulky, voluminous, large, and/or squared braids, two strand twists, plaits, cornrows
and/or temporary twists while on duty. Such hairstyles will only be worn in a manner
described in this Policy.

135. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to maintain or sport temporary
twists, or two pieces of hair twisted or stranded together, or two stands twist or plaits
while on duty. However, the temporary twists will only be worn for a maximum period of
two (2) weeks at a time to prevent locking. Notwithstanding, the temporary twists must
not contravene the regulations outlined in paragraphs 108, 109, 110, 115, 132, 134 and
139 of this Policy.

136. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to sport cornrows that end in a
bun while on duty. The cornrows must follow the natural direction of the hair from front to
back and must not exceed one quarter of an inch (¼”) in diameter. Similarly, the space
between each row must not exceed one eighth of an inch (1/8”). Notwithstanding, the
cornrows must not contravene the regulations outlined in paragraphs 108, 109, 110,
115, 134, 132 and 139 of this Policy.

137. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may sport hairstyles with buns, or use a
bun to secure weave or hair extensions providing the bulk of the bun does not exceed
three inches (3”) from the base of the scalp and the diameter or full circle of the bun does
not exceed four inches (4”) in length. Notwithstanding, the bulk of the bun must sit at the
base of the head while in uniform to adhere to headgear fitting regulations previous
outlined in the Policy.
138. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport any bun hairstyle that gives
a disheveled appearance with loose ends while on duty. All loose ends must be secured
and tucked into the bun.
139. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not sport hairstyles with designs,
shapes or patterns of any kind, whether cut into the hairstyle or placed on the hairstyle
while on duty.

140. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will only adorn objects in their hair to
fasten and secure the hair neatly and safely. Notwithstanding, these objects will not be
decorative, gaudy, neon, or vibrant, but plain, dark earth tone, naturally colored, and
functional.

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141. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes have no restrictions on the length of
their naturally grown hair. However, long hair will be worn in a style to conceal its length
in a way that does not contravene any headgear, bulk and/or length regulations outlined
in this Policy. A bun hairstyle is recommended in this regard to be the most effective
method of securing long hair.

Female Police Officers - Jewelry

142. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn anklets on any foot while
on duty.

143. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn any slave bands or
bangles while on duty.

144. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn stud or knob earrings that
does not exceed 6mm in size. The earrings may be gold, silver, crystal or diamond with a
shinny or brushed matte finish. Any other color, stone, form, shape or size earrings
including hoops, huggies, chandeliers, drops, jackets, teardrop, ear cuff, barbell and/or
threader is deemed a safety hazard risk and will not be worn under any circumstance
while on duty. Notwithstanding, white pearl earrings may be worn with Mess Dress
Uniform.

145. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn one pair of earrings centered
on the lower base of each earlobe while on duty. Female police officers in uniform or
plain clothes will not adorn earrings on any other part of the earlobe while on duty.

146. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance adorn
jewelry in alternative piercing areas including the eyebrow, nose, lip, tongue, mouth, or
any other visible area while on duty.

147. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn one ring on each hand
including a wedding band/ring or stack, providing the ring is not oversized or gaudy in
nature or likely to cause injury to others while on duty.

148. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn a wrist watch or hand chain
while on duty providing the item is not oversized or gaudy.

149. Female police officers in uniform will not under any circumstance adorn a neck chain,
necklace or choker while on duty. Notwithstanding, female police officers in uniform may
adorn a medic alert neck chain or bracelet that notifies on a specific medical condition.

150. Female police officers in plain clothes may adorn a necklace, neck chain, hand chain, or
bracelet while on duty providing the item is not oversized or gaudy.

Female Police Officers - Footwear

151. Female police officers will adorn plain-toed black leather boots or shoes appropriate for
the role to be performed and the footwear will be clean with a low flat heel while on duty.
Alternative shoes may be worn for Mess Dress.

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152. Female police officers in uniform will adorn well polished Force issued shoes and the
appropriate color stockings while on duty which may be off black, coffee, french coffee, or
taupe.

153. Female police officers will not adorn any footwear that is decorated, fringed or tasseled
while on duty.

154. Female police officers in uniform will not adorn pumps, high heels, wedges, or stilettos
while on duty as they are inappropriate for official police business and are deemed a
safety hazard risk.

155. Female police officers in plain clothes may opt to adorn pumps or heels that do not
exceed three inches (3”) high.

156. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn wedges, stilettos, platform high
heels, open toe or peep toe, or strappy shoes while on duty as they are inappropriate for
official police business and are deemed a safety hazard risk.

157. Female police officers in plain clothes will not adorn thigh high, knee high or ankle boots
while on duty.

158. Female police officers may in special circumstances, and with the consent of the
Commissioner of Police adorn non-issued shoes for medical or operational purposes. In
case of the former, the Commissioner will consider the medical need on a case by case
basis which must be supported by a certificate from a medical practitioner or medical
doctor.

159. Female police officers attached to the Marine Unit will adorn deck shoes while on duty.

160. Female police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn tennis shoes, jogging
shoes or sandals while on duty. Notwithstanding, tennis or jogging shoes may be worn for
physical education at the Police Training College.

Female Police Officers - Maternity

161. Female police officers who are pregnant will adorn plain clothes on approval of an
application to the Commissioner of Police with an accompanying letter from a medical
practitioner. Plain clothes in this regard include maternity wear or maternity smock and
the Commissioner of Police may approve this transition anytime within the first (1st)
trimester of the pregnancy.

Police Officers - Eyewear

162. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not under any circumstance adorn
sunglasses, shades, or non prescription glasses while on duty.

163. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes may adorn prescription spectacles while on
duty. Notwithstanding, police officers in uniform or plain clothes should adorn safety
plastic lenses and not glass lenses during operational activities or roles that involve direct
contact with the public. This will minimize the safety hazard risk associated with adorning
glass lenses.

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164. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes that adorn prescribed spectacles or lenses that
are generally obscured, tinted, or transitional due to a medical condition will be required
to provide supporting evidence from a medical practitioner and/or optometrist.

165. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will adorn prescribed contact lenses that match
the natural color of their eyes while on duty.

Police Officers - Accessories and Cell-phones

166. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not adorn long key-chains attached to their
belt as such practices are deemed a safety hazard risk while on duty.

167. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes may opt to bring their personal cell phones to
work. However the Force will not be held liable for any loss or damages incurred to such
devices while on duty.

168. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will keep cell phones out of sight and will not
adorn such devices on a belt or in such a manner to invite risk of theft or damage.

169. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not use cell phones in a manner likely to
invite criticism from the public while on duty and will refer to the Social Media Usage
Policy as well as the Police and Personal Cell Phone Usage Policy for comprehensive
details on acceptable and unacceptable standards.

Police Officers - Headgear

170. All police officers in uniform will adorn the appropriate headgear while on duty. Helmets
and hats will be worn in the appropriate manner at all times when in uniform out of doors.
Male police officers will not adorn headgear in places of worship. Female police officers
will adorn headgear while in places of worship.

171. All police officers in uniform will adorn headgear in a manner that the brim covers one half
of the forehead and the band contacts the area between the head and earlobe. Headgear
will be snug to the head and fit comfortably.

172. All police officers in uniform will adorn the appropriate headgear while in marked police
vehicles. All police officers on bicycles will adorn safety helmets while on patrol. All police
officers on police motorcycles will adorn Force issued motorcycle helmets while on patrol.
Police officers will not under any circumstance operate any of the said vehicles without
adorning the appropriate headgear.

173. Police officers assigned to special duties throughout the Force may on the approval from
the Commissioner of Police adorn alternative headgear such as baseball caps, tams, and
burette or woolen hats commensurate with the current assignment.

174. All variations of headgear will be kept clean and tidy with securely fastened cap badges
where appropriate while on duty.

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Police Officers - Tattoos Body Art and Piercings

175. Police officers in uniform or plain clothes will not brandish, adorn or display any form of
body decoration, body art or tattoo on any part of their body that is ordinarily visible when
properly attired. These restrictions may include, but are not limited to: the lower legs
below the knee or shorts line; on the arms below the short sleeve line; on the face,
hands, neck, head, interior of the mouth, ears, v-neck of the chest, or above the open
shirt line.

176. Police officers with existing visible tattoos in restricted areas as previously outlined in
paragraph 175 at the publishing of this Force Order may be exempted provided:

a. The officer formally registers the tattoo and submit a written report to their
Divisional Commander to have such visible tattoo inspected and documented
within 48 hours on the publishing of this Force Order;

b. The tattoo is not new, fresh, and/or appears to be healing or swollen at the time
of the inspection of said tattoo;

c. The tattoo is not composed of symbols or depictions that offend any particular
ethnic group, gender or religion. The tattoo must not symbolize a gang, political
sign, repression or hatred, be sexually explicit or suggestive, racist, violent or
intimidating in nature that will offend the professional image of the Royal
Bahamas Police Force; and

d. The tattoo is properly covered when in plain clothes while on duty.

177. Officers who fail to report existing tattoos after the 48 hours allotted and such tattoo is
observed in a restricted area of the body, the officer will be in breach of this Policy and
will face disciplinary action.

Disability

178. The Commissioner of Police may consider at his discretion a variation in dress standards
for disabled police officers in the event that the standard dress code causes pain. Any
such consideration must be accompanied by medical evidence that may preclude the
officer from standard dress.

Discipline – Senior Officers

21. Any disciplinary charge or combination of charges leveled with regard to any breach of this
Policy may be considered: Conduct of a Major Nature Contrary to Sections 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (6), 3 (7), 3
(8), 3 (25), 3 (27), 3 (28), 3 (30), 3 (31), 3 (32), 3 (33), and/or 3 (36) of the Police Disciplinary
Regulations, 1965 Punishable under Section 61 (2) of the Police Force Act, 2009.

22. Any disciplinary charge or combination of charges leveled with regard to any breach of this
Policy may be considered: Conduct of a Minor Nature Contrary to Sections 2 (4), 2 (7), 2 (10), 2
(14), 2 (16), 2 (20), 2 (22), 2 (27), and/or 2 (28) of the Police Disciplinary Regulations, 1965
Punishable under Section 61 (3) of the Police Force Act, 2009.

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Discipline – Contracted Police Officers

23. Any disciplinary charge or combination of charges leveled with regard to any breach of this
Policy may be considered: Conduct of a Major Nature Contrary to Sections 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (6), 3 (7), 3
(8), 3 (25), 3 (27), 3 (28), 3 (30), 3 (31), 3 (32), 3 (33), and/or 3 (36) of the Police Disciplinary
Regulations, 1965 Punishable under Section 62 (2) of the Police Force Act, 2009.

24. Any disciplinary charge or combination of charges leveled with regard to any breach of this
Policy may be considered: Conduct of a Minor Nature Contrary to Sections 2 (4), 2 (7), 2 (10), 2
(14), 2 (16), 2 (20), 2 (22), 2 (27), and/or 2 (28) of the Police Disciplinary Regulations, 1965
Punishable under Section 62 (1) of the Police Force Act, 2009 in the case of Contracted Police
Officers.

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

9 JUNE 2020

ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE FORCE

Paul A. Rolle, Esq, QPM, MS, BS
Commissioner of Police

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