A Rastafarian police officer recently taken off Baltimores streets because of his dreadlocks may soon be fighting in court to walk his beat. Chambers argued that cutting his dreadlocks would violate his religious beliefs as a Rastafarian, who grow their hair long and believe their long locks are supported by the Bible. After explaining his reasons for refusing to cut his hair, Chambers was told to present a letter from a religious authority to explain the significance of the dreadlocks. When Chambers presented a letter from the Rev. Norman A. Handy Sr., a religious scholar and local councilman, police officials again rejected his argument, and he was restricted to administrative duty.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96389
Is it okay for the police administration to make Chambers cut off his dreads even though it goes against his religious beliefs? Shpuld that be part of the "dress code" they are allowed to enforce?
i think he should be able to wear his hair however he likes and they shouldn't be telling him to cut his hair. it is HIS hair not police's hair. and they should understand especially since it is apart of his religion because we do have freedom of religion. if i were him i wouldnt cut my hair.
I could understand that the police administration would call for a clean look, but I don't really see how it matters as long as the job gets done well. According to the article, Chambers had been wearing the dreadlocks for eighteen months without any problems. I don't see what the problem is. Chambers should be able to wear the dreadlocks as an officer. He's not hurting anyone or doing anything wrong by having a religious hairstyle.
I think exceptions can be made, to a policy if the dress does not get in the way of the officer doing his job effectively. Chambers wen't as an officer for 18 months, with dreads without incident. Honestly, his hair shouldn't be an issue.
