If you happen to see a Plant City police officer sporting a hairy face this holiday season, chances are it’s for a good cause.
This year, the Plant City Police Department has implemented its first ‘Back the Beard’ campaign.
It’s a fundraiser that allows male officers to grow full beards and female officers to polish their nails with non-traditional colors, after giving a donation.
That contribution goes toward the purchase of toys and electronics for kids. With a minimum $150 donation, the officers can sport their look until December 31st.
The campaign officially began on Nov. 1, however contributions were being taken in as early as Oct. 20.
The department is going to work in conjunction with one or more organizations that can help them pinpoint disadvantaged families with children. That will help them determine what to buy for certain age groups.
“Our goal is to go out, buy gifts and then present them to the families prior to the holidays,” explained Capt. Alfred Van Duyne of the Plant City Police Department.
Parents and guardians will be notified when the gifts are ready to be picked up and can receive them at the police precinct.
The unconventional look for officers steer away from traditional norms widely kept within law enforcement – or at least temporarily.
“For the longest time it was always that you had to be clean shaven – very similar to the military,” said Van Duyne. “This was a very happy medium for us.”
Since his arrival to the department last year, Plant City Police Chief James Bradford has been asked by officers if he could grant them some leniency when it came to growing facial hair. He had been reluctant but after considering the goal of the campaign, he has approved it until the end of the year.
The fundraiser has become popular within the department.
“The officers have responded very well to it,” said Van Duyne. “We’ve raised a considerable amount of money.”
He also made another observation that shows the campaign’s effect on police and community ties.
“Some people have noticed it and given the officers positive reviews,” said Van Duyne. “I think it makes the officers more approachable.”
The public is welcome to contribute to the donation effort by dropping off funds at the Plant City Police Department, 1 Police Center Dr., Plant City.