You have the right to remain hairy - Police Scotland rethinks ban on beards
The force had been planning to ban frontline officers from having beards, to allow them to wear close-fitting face masks
Police Scotland is postponing the implementation of a ban on beards, and will review the situation again in a year’s time.
It follows reports the force could face legal action against the plan to force frontline staff to remain clean-shaven.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said the decision had been taken in the wake of further health and safety advice and after "listening to the lived experience of our people".
The ban was originally proposed to allow frontline officers and staff to wear close-fitting, medical grade FFP3 facemasks.
It was reported to be due to come in at the end of May, but Mr Speirs confirmed: "We have postponed implementation of the policy having sought further health and safety advice and after listening to the lived experience of our people."
He added: "I am very grateful to all divisions, staff associations and unions who provided valuable feedback during the consultation phase.
"Postponing implementation allows further examination of the evidence base for a policy which is proportionate and justifies change, particularly where that change has a significant impact on officers and staff.
"This work will be reviewed in 12 months to ensure we reach an agreed position on a policy which has the health and safety of our people at its core."