Gastonia Police Officers Get New Look With Beards

GASTONIA, N.C.– Gastonia’s Police Chief, Travis Brittain is giving the department a new look. Brittain changed the police policy that prevented officers from growing beards with the exception of special fundraising events.

Now officers like Anthony Johnson can put down the razor for good. Chief Brittain says wearing beards don’t prevent officers from doing their job. In fact, the chief believes having officers that look like everyday people on the street helps build better community relationships.

Johnson says being able to skip shaving cuts time off his morning routine. He says many people in the community stop and compliment his beard and the policy change at the department.