Nine new police recruits have been reprimanded by their force for allegedly breaching uniform rules at a passing out parade.
The officers took part in the North Yorkshire Police ceremony in York on 26 September but “failed to follow the dress code” despite being warned about their appearance on the day, a force spokesperson said.
The force confirmed the breaches were being “addressed promptly and proportionately by the Professional Standards Department” but said officers were not under investigation for gross misconduct.
Following criticism of the decision on social media, the Police Federation of England and Wales called the response “hugely disappointing”.
Posts on social media claimed the nine officers were among a cohort of 32 who were pulled up for wearing make-up, nail varnish, non-issue trousers and hair which was loose rather than tied back.
North Yorkshire Police said that claims of reprimands regarding make-up and nail polish were “inaccurate”, but would not provide further detail about the breaches.
A spokesperson said: “North Yorkshire Police maintains a clear dress and appearance policy, developed in consultation with the Police Federation, Unison, and staff networks, to uphold the high standards expected of all uniformed personnel.
“On Friday 26 September, over 500 Open University students graduated at York Barbican, including 32 police constable degree apprentices from North Yorkshire Police.
“All officers attended whilst on duty and were instructed twice beforehand to wear uniform to the event.
“Most complied, presenting a professional image of the force in line with public expectations and internal standards.
“However, nine officers failed to follow the dress code, despite some also being challenged about their appearance on the day itself.”
The Police Federation of England and Wales said the graduates were issued Regulation 17 notices, which are served on police officers who are the subject of a potential misconduct investigation.
“We’re all for high standards in policing, but this is hugely disappointing,” a spokesperson said.
“These officers worked hard to earn their degree and serve the public; instead of being supported and celebrated, they’re being hauled over the coals for something most people would see as trivial.”
They added the police conduct regulations were meant to “encourage learning rather than threaten punishment”.
“This kind of heavy-handedness does nothing for morale, nothing for public confidence, and certainly nothing to make policing a more attractive career for young men and women in North Yorkshire at a time when recruitment and retention in policing is a real challenge,” they said.
