Rocky Mount police seeing more applicants after changing officer appearance rules

Current police officers say the changes give them more freedom to express themselves and help them to better connect with their community.

“I think it just lets people know, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re just like you,’” RMPD Sgt. Victoria Yannayon said.

In spring 2022, the Rocky Mount Police Department updated its appearance rules for officers, allowing them to have beards, visible tattoos and collar-length hair.

“Really, the appearance rules came with a lot of feedback and interaction with the men and women who wear the uniform,” Rocky Mount Police Chief Robert Hassell said.

Previously, officers would have had to be clean shaven and sporting short haircuts. If they had tattoos on their arms, they would have to wear long sleeves even in the summer.

“When you’re in the middle of the road directing traffic, in the hot, hot heat with your vest on, it can be pretty excruciating,” Yannayon said.

In the year since RMPD has changed the rules, some officers told WRAL News they’ve felt more like themselves while on the job.

“I can’t stand shaving, so growing a beard out has been a huge benefit for me,” RMPD Sgt. Bobby Connie said.

“Just to actually still be able to express myself and who I am, I think it was just very beneficial,” RMPD officer Rahsun Lawrence said.

Hassell told WRAL News that since the changes were implemented, his department has been seeing a boost to hiring and retention, especially among younger officers.

“Their view of the world, their expectations and what they look for from employers is different,” Hassell said. “And, we need to understand that.”

Perhaps most important: Some officers said the new rules have helped them to better connect with citizens, making them look more like the community they serve.

“They see tattoos, they see facial hair, they see us as normal people and not robots,” RMPD Sgt. David Christman said.