BCFD Personal Appearance Policy

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Questions and Answers

Which areas of the body are prohibited from having tattoos or body art?

Head, face, neck, and scalp (correct)

Torso and abdomen

Legs and feet

Back and arms

What type of tattoos are acceptable on personnel with sleeve tattoos?

Sleeve tattoos that are approved by the Fire Chief

Any tattoo as long as it's covered

All tattoos as long as they are not visible

Tattoos that are not prejudicial or offensive (correct)

Which of the following modifications are prohibited according to the policy?

Normal ear piercings

Dangle earrings in formal wear

Split or forked tongue (correct)

Single stud earrings

How many earrings can male personnel wear while on duty?

One stud earring per ear Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a restriction on body piercings?

Earrings can be worn in other visible body parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length for a stud earring allowed on duty?

2 mm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tattoos would likely be prohibited?

A tattoo advocating gang affiliation Signup and view all the answers

What type of jewelry is personnel prohibited from wearing?

Any jewelry considered inappropriate or offensive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the personal appearance policy for the Bernalillo County Fire Department?

To ensure safety, public perception, professionalism, and image Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a guideline for facial hair in the Bernalillo County Fire Department?

Facial hair must not interfere with the SCBA facepiece seal Signup and view all the answers

How should members of the Bernalillo County Fire Department maintain their personal hygiene?

By wearing scents conservatively and considering others' allergies Signup and view all the answers

What restrictions apply to mustaches for fire personnel?

Mustaches must be trimmed and not extend over the upper lip Signup and view all the answers

What is required for sideburns according to the appearance policy?

They must be trimmed, well-groomed, and can extend to the bottom of the earlobe without flair Signup and view all the answers

What is the regulation regarding hair length for fire department members?

Hair must be clean, well-groomed, and controlled if longer than shoulder length Signup and view all the answers

What action should officers take regarding members with excessive odors?

Counsel them and order a remedy if necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the face must remain clean-shaven for fire personnel?

Areas not covered by neatly trimmed sideburns, mustaches, or soul patches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personal Appearance Policy

Bernalillo County Fire Department (BCFD) members must maintain a professional appearance for safety, public perception, and departmental image.
This policy applies on and off duty, regardless of assignment, as long as the member is representing the department officially.

Hygiene

Members must maintain good hygiene.
Cologne, perfume, or other scents should be used conservatively, considering colleagues’ potential allergies or sensitivities.
Commanders can counsel members with excessive odors and order them to rectify the situation.

Facial Hair

Facial hair cannot interfere with safety equipment, including face masks, protective clothing, or equipment.
Beards and facial hair interfering with SCBA face piece seals are prohibited.
Unauthorized facial hair must be trimmed or shaved to eliminate safety hazards.
Fire personnel unable to shave due to illness or injury may not be assigned field positions.
Allowed facial hair includes neatly trimmed sideburns, mustaches, and a soul/labret patch (small patch of hair below the lower lip), all other areas must be clean-shaven.
Sideburns must extend to the earlobe with no flair, neatly groomed.
Mustaches must be trimmed and groomed, not extending over the upper lip or past 1/2 inch below the mouth corners.
Extreme mustache styling is prohibited.
Soul/labret patches should not extend below the chin or interfere with SCBA facepieces.

Hairstyles

All hair must be kept clean and well-groomed and cannot pose a safety hazard or interfere with protective clothing or equipment.
Hair below shoulder length must be controlled with a ponytail, braid, bun, etc.
Hairstyles distracting from the uniformed appearance are prohibited.

Tattoos/Body Art/Brands

Tattoos, body art, or branding on the head, face, neck, or scalp are prohibited.
Personnel with tattoos in those areas must cover them while working.
Tattoos elsewhere that could be prejudicial to department morale or bring discredit are prohibited.
Excessive, obscene, or explicit tattoos, including those advocating discrimination based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion are not allowed.
Tattoos promoting gang affiliation, violence, extremist groups, or drug use are also prohibited.
Personnel with sleeve tattoos meeting the prohibited criteria can choose to wear long-sleeved uniforms or cover-up sleeves.
The Fire Chief or his designee decides the appropriateness of tattoos.

Intentional Body Modification/Mutilation/Scarring

Excessive or eccentric intentional body modifications, mutilations, or scarring are prohibited.
Examples include split tongues, implanted foreign objects, abnormally stretched ear piercings, and intentional scarring on the face, neck, or scalp.

Piercings

Earrings must be attached to earlobes, never above the ear canal opening.
On duty, members may wear one stud earring per ear, not exceeding 2 mm in size.
Female personnel in formal attire can wear one dangling and one stud earring per ear, or two stud earrings per ear, but not while in response positions.
Piercings on visible body parts, except as specified in this policy, are prohibited.
Visible body piercings are prohibited at all times, including nose, eyebrow, tongue, and other visible body parts.

Jewelry

Inappropriate or offensive jewelry that could offend individuals or groups is prohibited.
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not obstruct official duties.
Jewelry should not pose a safety hazard, such as loose chains that can get caught in equipment.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the Bernalillo County Fire Department's Personal Appearance Policy. This quiz covers essential guidelines regarding hygiene, facial hair, and maintaining professionalism while on and off duty. Understanding these policies is crucial for safety and the department's image.