Red Phone: What image do police present?

“I saw in the Dispatch your coverage of the Sept. 11 remembrance. I was just wondering what the policy was as far as professionalism in the way that Gilroy police officers look. One of the officers was pictured with a goatee. Is that the type of professionalism they portray as far as being neat and clean cut? Also what is the standpoint on officers and having their Facebook open to the public and displaying pictures of officers in uniform? How much information are the officers releasing?”

& Red Phone: Dear Image Is Everything, It is up to each individual police department to establish what is allowed in regards to appearance. 

Some cities require officers to be clean shaven, others like Gilroy allow officers to sport beards and mustaches as long as they are “neat and evenly trimmed,” according to the department’s policy, said GPD Sgt. Chad Gallacinao. Potential violations “will be referred to the division commander” to resolve, he said. Morgan Hill and Palo Alto are other cities that also allow facial hair, Gallacinao said.

As for the question about the department’s Facebook page, the police aim to portray officers in a professional manner. Officers are depicted in activities that they are regularly a part of such as patrol operations, mounted enforcement, SWAT, hostage negotiations, Anti-Crime Team, detective work and vehicle patrol. 

The photos on the website aren’t what you would see on a young person’s page. There are no wild party pictures of officers. The page includes albums from the funeral of former Chief C.J. Laizure, staff photos with their dogs and horses and various other photos.

The police use Facebook as a way to share with the public things that are happening and arrests that have been made. Staff members will respond to questions posted on the wall. 

Visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/GilroyPoliceDepartment.