The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is the enforcement arm of the federal courts and is involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative. US Marshals provide protection for the federal judiciary, apprehend federal fugitives, manage and sell seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, house and transport federal prisoners and operate the Witness Security Program.
While many law enforcement agencies have grooming standards that restrict facial hair, the policies for US Marshals are more nuanced. Whether a US Marshal can have a beard depends on his specific role and assignment within the agency.
Background on US Marshals Service
The US Marshals Service is the oldest law enforcement agency in the United States. It was established in 1789 by the Judiciary Act. President George Washington appointed the first 13 US Marshals to serve the original 13 federal judicial districts.
Today, there are around 3,700 Deputy US Marshals and criminal investigators. They are responsible for protecting the federal judicial process, including:
– Protecting federal judges, court officials, witnesses, and jurors
– Apprehending federal fugitives
– Managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals
– Transporting federal prisoners
– Operating the Witness Security Program
US Marshals serve under the authority of the Attorney General. They work closely with other federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Grooming Standards in Law Enforcement
Many law enforcement agencies have grooming standards that restrict facial hair and require officers to maintain certain hairstyles. For example:
FBI
Male FBI agents are prohibited from having beards or goatees. Mustaches are allowed but cannot extend beyond the corners of the mouth.
DEA
Male DEA agents cannot have beards or goatees. Mustaches must be trimmed and tidy.
ATF
The ATF prohibits beards for field agents but allows neatly trimmed mustaches.
Local Police Departments
Many local police departments have similar rules against beards but allow mustaches within certain limits. These restrictions are often in place for safety reasons, to ensure a proper seal when wearing a gas mask.
So in most federal and local law enforcement agencies, beards are strictly prohibited. However, the policies are less restrictive for US Marshals.
Can US Marshals Have Beards?
Unlike the FBI, DEA, and ATF, US Marshals are allowed to wear beards in certain circumstances. However, they cannot just grow a beard anytime they want.
The specific policies depend on the marshal’s duty assignment and position:
Court Security Officers
US Marshals Court Security Officers (CSOs) provide security for federal courthouses and facilities. They operate X-ray machines, provide roving patrols, and interact with the public.
CSOs are allowed to have short, neatly trimmed beards no longer than 1/4 inch in length. Goatees and long beards are prohibited. Mustaches are allowed but cannot extend below the corners of the mouth.
Deputy US Marshals
Deputy US Marshals have more restrictions on facial hair. They cannot have beards or goatees while on official duty or when in close proximity to prisoners.
However, they can apply to grow a beard for medical reasons with proper documentation. Deputy Marshals can also grow beards while on undercover assignments, at the discretion of the Chief Deputy Marshal.
USMS Special Operations Group
Elite tactical members of the USMS Special Operations Group (SOG) can wear beards and alter their appearances as needed for undercover operations.
Administrative Positions
US Marshals in administrative, headquarters, or training academy positions may wear short, neatly trimmed beards at the discretion of their supervisor.
So in summary:
| USMS Position | Can Have Beard? |
|---|---|
| Court Security Officer | Yes (short, 1/4″ or less) |
| Deputy US Marshal (normal duty) | No |
| Deputy US Marshal (undercover) | Yes, with approval |
| SOG tactical member | Yes |
| Admin / headquarters | Yes, with approval |
So in general, US Marshals have more flexibility than other federal agents when it comes to facial hair. But most Deputy US Marshals on regular duty cannot have full beards.
Reasons for Allowing Beards in Certain Cases
There are several reasons why US Marshals allow some facial hair, while most federal law enforcement agencies prohibit it entirely:
Undercover Work
The USMS conducts sensitive undercover operations, including international extractions and witness relocations. SOG members need to blend in and alter their appearances. Beards provide an effective disguise.
Interacting with the Public
Since CSOs interact closely with the public, a neat beard presents a friendlier image compared to a clean-shaven face. Allowing beards for CSOs creates a less imposing, more welcoming presence.
Recruiting Advantage
By allowing some facial hair, the USMS can recruit from a wider applicant pool than more restrictive agencies. This provides an advantage in finding qualified candidates.
Morale Booster
Allowing beards boosts morale for USMS members in administrative roles or those who want to grow one for personal reasons. The ability to have facial hair enables more self-expression.
Health Reasons
USMS members can apply to grow a beard for documented medical conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae, a skin condition caused by shaving.
So while most Marshals must remain clean-shaven, accommodations are made where beards serve a practical purpose or health reasons.
Requirements and Restrictions
Although US Marshals are allowed some facial hair, there are still extensive grooming requirements and restrictions:
– Beards can be no longer than 1/4 inch in length
– Goatees, soul patches, and long beards are not permitted
– Mustaches must be neatly trimmed and cannot extend below mouth corners
– Sideburns cannot extend below the bottom of the earlobe
– Peach fuzz and patchy facial hair are not allowed
– Facial hair must create an overall neat, tidy, professional appearance
– Any Marshal can be ordered to shave at any time if their beard is considered unkempt or unprofessional
– Beards are prohibited for Deputy Marshals on normal duties or when interacting with prisoners
– A beard can be rejected or ordered shaved off if it interferes with wearing a gas mask or other safety equipment
So while Marshals are given some leeway, facial hair is still strictly controlled and monitored for appropriateness. Marshals must keep beards immaculately groomed at all times.
Controversies and Criticisms
The USMS policy on beards has generated some controversies and criticisms over the years:
Inconsistent Enforcement
Not all district offices enforce the regulations evenly. Some managers allow longer beards while others adhere strictly to the 1/4 inch maximum length. This inconsistency frustrates many Marshals.
Perceived Double Standard
Since high-level administrative Marshals are often allowed beards, some claim it’s a double standard. They argue enforcement should be consistent across all levels of the agency.
Individual Expression Restrictions
Some Marshals view the beard restrictions as limiting self-expression and individuality. They feel agents should be trusted to have good judgment about maintaining professional grooming standards.
Medical Documentation Burden
Marshals seeking a medical waiver for a beard find the documentation requirement an unnecessary burden. Some dermatologists refuse to provide an “official” diagnosis letter.
Interference with Duties
Critics say the time spent monitoring facial hair compliance takes away from the Marshals’ law enforcement duties and is a distraction.
Despite these complaints, the USMS defends its policies as necessary to maintain discipline, uniformity, and a professional appearance across the service.
Famous US Marshals with Facial Hair
While most Marshals must remain clean-shaven, some famous Marshals from history had notable facial hair looks:
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)
The renowned abolitionist, author and orator served as US Marshal for the District of Columbia from 1877-1881 during the Hayes administration. Douglass wore a sweeping white beard with finely groomed mustache.
Heck Thomas (1850-1912)
This legendary lawman of the Old West served as Deputy US Marshal in Oklahoma. He had a thick mustache with extended ends, paired with a soul patch under his lip.
Virgil Earp (1843-1905)
One of the famed Earp brothers of the Wild West, he served as Deputy US Marshal under his brother Wyatt Earp. Virgil wore a long drooping mustache his entire life.
Bass Reeves (1838-1910)
Known as the “greatest frontier hero in American history,” this former slave served 32 years as a Deputy US Marshal in Indian Territory (Oklahoma), capturing over 3,000 felons. He wore a bristly mustache and rugged sideburns.
So while Marshals these days must stay within tight regulations, their predecessors exercised more freedom when it came to displaying facial hair.
US Marshals Beard Policy in Popular Culture
The ability for some US Marshals to wear beards has been depicted in several television shows and films:
Justified
In this FX series, Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) frequently displays a rugged beard growth while carrying out his duties in Kentucky.
The Fugitive
In the 1993 Harrison Ford movie, a beard disguises escaped convict Richard Kimble (Ford) when US Marshals get close to recapturing him.
Con Air
US Marshal Vince Larkin (John Cusack) wears heavy 5 o’clock shadow facial hair growth in this 1997 action movie while transporting dangerous prisoners by plane.
Tommy Lee Jones
The actor frequently portrayed realistically scruffy US Marshals in The Fugitive, Double Jeopardy, and other films. He showed Marshals as tough, no-nonsense lawmen who did not always have time to shave cleanly.
While not 100% accurate, these depictions capture the spirit of the USMS beard regulations – portraying Marshals as rugged, task-oriented agents who can exercise some discretion when it comes to their appearances.
Conclusion
In summary, policies on facial hair for US Marshals offer more flexibility compared to other federal law enforcement agencies. Court Security Officers may wear short, tidy beards to appear more welcoming and approachable to the public. Undercover Marshals can use beards as effective disguises during sensitive operations. And administrators and headquarters staff can wear beards to allow for individual expression.
However, strict grooming standards remain in place. Most Deputy Marshals on regular duty cannot have full beards and must remain clean shaven. Even those granted permission must keep their beards neatly trimmed to meet length requirements. With some limited exceptions, US Marshals still represent the federal judiciary and must maintain a professional appearance at all times while serving a vital role in the law enforcement community.