Black cops fought back against KCPD beard rule. Read the policies and lawsuits here
In March 2020, Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith issued a sweeping order that required officers to be clean-shaven.
It allowed no exception for those who suffer from a skin condition that mostly affects Black men and makes shaving painful and harmful — even if they had a doctor’s note.
The order was intended to ensure their KCPD-issued N95 masks fit properly during the pandemic.
But it meant officers who could not comply were placed on limited duty for not being able to shave, even though for them, using a razor could mean ingrown hairs, inflammation and scarring on their faces.
Officer Titus Golden also said the policy was enforced unequally. He was placed on limited duty, he said, and was not able to carry his gun or badge. Meanwhile, he saw two white officers, each sporting full beards, go about their business.
In response to complaints over the policy, the police department has paid Black officers, including $29,000 to Golden and his attorneys. Three lawsuits filed by other cops are pending.
Read the policies and resulting lawsuits here:
This story was originally published March 27, 2022 at 5:00 AM.