Police and “No Shave November” movement

Across America, numerous police departments decided to join the “No Shave November” movement with the aim of raising awareness about men’s health. So, you might easily see police officers this month with beards, but keep in mind that it’s only a temporary decision by departments to suspend well-known policies.

No Shave November serves as a potent reminder of unity and the results of group efforts to increase awareness and support for those who are dealing with cancer.

In this article, we will cover only a few departments that joined the initiative, but the number of departments nationwide this year is higher compared to previous years.

Rockwall Police Department (Texas)

The Rockwall Police Department in Texas is taking part in a one-of-a-kind event this November: No Shave November. According to Rockwall News, officers can grow beards and goatees all month, even though they usually have to keep their faces clean. It’s not just about changing how they look; it’s a good deed. People who take part will give money to Helping Hands of Rockwall County, a group that helps underserved areas in the area. This action isn’t just for looks; it’s also a way to support and raise money for Helping Hands, an organization that runs a free neighborhood clinic where people in need can get important medical care.

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Residents of Rockwall and police officers in the department have both said good things about the effort. The cops are not only showing support for their community by taking part in No Shave November, but they are also helping it in real ways. Even though this change is only symbolic, it shows that the department wants to work with locals and improve society. A simple act like this builds neighborhood relationships and shows a kinder, more caring side of police work.

Reading Police Department (Massachusetts)

Reading Police Department, led by Chief David Clark, is happy to be a part of the Home Base No Shave program, which helps veterans all over the country. For some reason, only cops in this department can grow facial hair all year. But they are still very committed to Home Base. Each cop has promised to give $100 to the cause, making this their eighth year in a row of volunteering. Home Base is an organization that helps soldiers who are dealing with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Chief Clark talks about how important this project is to the department and asks the community to help with this good cause. He does this by pointing out that many cops are veterans themselves.

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Home Base No Shave started in 2015 and has been a huge success, raising over $1.4 million for important mental health and brain injury care. It grew out of the standard No Shave November. Over 130 police stations and more than 2,500 first responders across the country have taken part in this program. The Reading Police Department’s decision not to shave is more than just a way to show their support for veterans and their families. It’s also a way to show their commitment to neighborhood and national service members.

Arlington Police Department (Massachusetts)

For the fifth year in a row, Chief Julie Flaherty and the Arlington Police Department are happy to take part in No Shave November. This yearly event isn’t just about growing beards; it’s a genuine effort to help the fight against cancer. If an officer donates or raises $100 in November, they can relax their normal grooming rules. All the money raised goes to the Dan Kelly Foundation (DK4), which is a cause that is important to the department. The foundation was made to remember Lt. Dan Kelly, a retired officer who bravely fought cancer and died last year. DK4 is all about giving kids sports chances, which shows how much Lt. Kelly loves sports and thinks they should be important for all kids.

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It’s their goal to raise $5,000 for the charity this year. People in the community are being asked to help by sending money straight to DK4 through Venmo or their website and mentioning “APD Movember” in the notes. Chief Flaherty is excited about this year’s project and says it’s important to remember Lt. Kelly and his family. The department’s previous No Shave program in 2022 raised more than $5,800, and they hope to do even better this year.