Document: 425 U.S. 238 96 S.Ct. 1440 47 L.Ed.2d 708 Eugene R. KELLEY, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, Petitioner,v.Edward JOHNSON, etc. No. 74-1269. Argued Dec. 8, 1975. Decided April 5, 1976. Syllabus A county regulation limiting length policemen's hair Held not to violate any right guaranteed respondent policeman by Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 244-249 (a) Respondent sought protection Amendment, as an ordinary citizen, but a law enforcement employee county, subdivision State, and this distinction is one considerable significance since State has wider latitude notably different interests in imposing restrictive regulations on its employees than it does regulating citizenry at large. P. 245. (b) Choice organization, dress, equipment for personnel entitled same sort presumption legislative validity are state choices promote other aims within cognizance State's police power. Thus, question whether can "establish" "genuine public need" specific regulation, demonstrate that there no rational connection between based county's method organizing force, promotion safety persons property. 245-247. (c) Whether or local government's choice have uniformed reflects desire make officers readily recognizable foster esprit de corps similarity garb appearance may inculcate force itself, justification hair-style sufficiently defeat respondent's claim liberty guarantee 247-248. 508 F.2d 836, 2 Cir., reversed. Patrick A. Sweeney, Northport, petitioner; Howard E. Pachman, Atty., brief. Leonard D. Wexler, Smithtown, respondent; Richard T. Haefeli, James van Springer, Washington, D.C., International Brotherhood Officers, amicus curiae. Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 The District Court Eastern New York originally dismissed complaint seeking declaratory injunctive relief against promulgated petitioner policeman's hair. On appeal Appeals Second Circuit, judgment was reversed, remand took testimony thereafter granted respondent. affirmed, we certiorari, 421 987, 95 1989, 44 476 (1975), consider constitutional doctrine embodied rulings Appeals. We reverse. * In 1971 predecessor, individually president Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, brought action under Civil Rights Act 1871, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, petitioner's Department. had Order 71-1, which established hair-grooming standards applicable male members force.1 directed style hair, sideburns, mustaches; beards goatees were prohibited, except medical reasons; wigs conforming could be worn cosmetic reasons. attacked violative patrolman's free expression First Amendment his guarantees due process equal "not upon generally accepted standard grooming community" placed "an undue restriction" activities therein. 3 held cases characterizing civilian services "para-military," sustaining basis, soundly grounded historically.2 It said fact organized "with centralized administration disciplined rank file efficient conduct affairs" did foreclose claim, instead bore only "the existence legitimate interest reasonably advanced regulation." Dwen v. Barry, 483 1126, 1128-1129 (2 Cir. 1973). went decide "choice personal ingredient individual's liberty"3 protected further department "failed slightest showing relationship promote." Id., 1130-1131. basis reasoning concluded neither dismissal nor summary appropriate, "has burden establishing genuine need 1131. 4 Thereafter Court, compulsion from Appeals, need." sole witness Deputy subordinate, who testified department's concern patrolmen, some uniformity appearance.4 "(n)o proof" offered support officer, while "proper grooming" good corps, establish because they ultimately reduced "(u)niformity uniformity's sake."5 prayed respondent, affirmed without 836. II 5 Section United States Constitution provides pertinent part: 6 "No shall . deprive person life, liberty, property, law." 7 This section affords procedural deprivation "liberty," likewise protects substantive aspects unconstitutional restrictions State. Board Regents Roth, 408 564, 572, 92 2701, 2706-07, 33 548, 557-58 (1972); Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 502, 85 1678, 1691, 14 510, 525-26 (1965) (White, J., concurring). 8 "liberty" claimed here, course, distinguishable Roe Wade, 410 113, 93 705, 35 147 (1973); Eisenstadt Baird, 405 438, 1029, 31 349 Stanley Illinois, 645, 1208, 551 supra; Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 L.Ed. 1042 (1923). Each those involved substantial infringement freedom with respect certain basic matters procreation, marriage, family life. But large Court's offer little, if any, guidance. can, nevertheless, assume affirmative answer purposes deciding case, find assumption insufficient carry day claim. 9 member large, contrary County, York. While made passing reference distinction, apparently ignored. think, however, highly significant. Pickering Education, 391 563, 568, 88 1731, 1734, 20 811, 817 (1968), after noting employment conditioned relinquishment rights, stated "(a)t time cannot gainsaid employer speech differ significantly possesses general." More recently, sustained comprehensive both federal lying core CSC Letter Carriers, 413 2880, 37 796 Broadrick Oklahoma, 601, 2908, 830 (1973). If such survive challenges explicit language surely even more room where implicates general contours 10 hair-length here touches and, particularly, policeman. Respondent's has, accordance well-established duty keep peace, myriad demands duties counterpart must wear uniform, each detail.6 When uniform he salute flag.7 He take active role political affairs way being party delegate contributing soliciting contributions.8 smoke public.9 All these regulations10 Department infringe matters, view prove every regulations. 11 Appeals' "unique judicial deference" accorded judiciary military inapplicable historical functional characterization "para-military." conclusion inapposite, however correct, detracts deference County's organizational structure force. Here chosen mode organization undoubtedly deems most enabling out assigned them law.11 Such necessarily gives weight overall discipline uniformity. 12 structure, therefore, depend prescription. Nor, indeed His argument challenge constitutionality merely asserts present infringes asserted believe, t viewed isolation, rather considered context 13 property unquestionably power, virtually all governments employ aid accomplishment purpose. decision designed Day-Brite Lighting, Inc. Missouri, 342 421, 423, 72 405, 407, 469, 472 (1952); Prince Massachusetts, 321 158, 168-170, 64 443-44, 653, 654-655 (1944); Olsen 313 236, 246-247, 61 862, 865-66, 1305, 1309, 1310 (1941). Having recognized contexts wide government "dispatch own internal affairs," Cafeteria Workers McElroy, 367 886, 896, 81 1743, 1749, 1230, 1237 (1961), think similar weight. Thus not, conceived be, regulation. Public Mitchell, 330 75, 100-101, 556, 569-570, 91 754, 773-774 (1947); Jacobson 197 11, 30-31, 35-37, 25 358, 363, 365-366, 49 643, 651-652, 653-654 (1905). so clear quite first instance complaint. Neither position weigh policy arguments favor rule hairstyles part governing service. issue decided courts determination should enacted irrational branded "arbitrary," therefore choose hairstyle. Williamson Lee Optical Co., 348 483, 487-488, 75 461, 464-465, 99 571-572 (1955). overwhelming majority uniformed. itself testifies recognition direct operations, people localities directly indirectly persons, desirable. public, felt itself. Either 15 relied Garrity Jersey, 385 493, 87 616, 17 562 (1967), Amicus brief elaborates "policemen, like teachers lawyers, relegated watered-down version rights." 500, 620, 567. Garrity, protections afforded Fifth Malloy Hogan, 378 1, 84 1489, 653 (1964). Certainly taken suggest service treat public. 16 challenged Constitution, wrong reversing original dismissing action. Reversed. 18 STEVENS consideration case. 19 POWELL, concurring. I concur write that, expressed dissent, negative implication appearance. See Poe Ullman, 497, 541-543, 1752, 1775-1777, 989, 1018-1020 (1961) (Harlan, dissenting). one's appearance, certainly weighing degree analysis justifies application reasonable would impermissible intrusion context. 21 MARSHALL, whom BRENNAN joins, dissenting. 22 today upholds assumes sortf 'liberty' ," Ante, 244, protect what citizens wear. And rationales justify case constitutionality. Accordingly, respectfully dissent. 23 As recognizes, Amendment's "protects restriction State." 244. observed "(l)iberty extends full range individual pursue." Bolling Sharpe, 347 499, 74 693, 694, 98 884, 887 (1954). also 543, 1776-1777, 1019 dissenting).1 seems me manifest "full conduct" encompass dressing according taste. An reflect, sustain, nourish personality well used means expressing attitude lifestyle.2 taking control over citizen's forces him sacrifice elements integrity identity well. To say fundamentally inconsistent values privacy, self-identity, autonomy, always assumed protect. ,S.Ct. Georgia, 394 557, 89 S.Ct.1243, 1247-1248, 542, 549 (1969); 485, 1682, 515-516 (1965); Olmstead States, 277 478, 48 944, 956 (1928) (Brandeis, 24 little found past Nation's history been beyond question. mentioned, simply granted. For instance, exists reflected 1789 congressional debates explicitly articulated Bill Rights. I. Brant, 53-67 (1965). There debate assembly expressly mentioned. Congressman Benson argued inclusion necessary assure infringed government. response, Sedgwick Massachusetts indicated: "If committee governed principle might declared man hat pleased (I) ask gentleman thought enter trifles declaration Government none intended infringed." 54-55 (emphasis added). 26 include Rights, colleagues clearly believed And, regarded trifle long honored, infringed. 27 too, axiom appearance.3 Indeed, 1958 our travel: 28 "The travel citizen deprived close heart eats, wears, reads." Kent Dulles, 357 116, 125-126, 78 1113, 1118, 1204, 1210 (1958) 29 my mind, inextricably bound up historically "every possession person," Union Pacific Co. Botsford, 141 250, 251, 1000, 1001, 734, 737 (1891), perhaps fundamentally, let alone rights valued civilized men." Supra, U.S., S.Ct., L.Ed., 956. increasingly crowded society already extremely difficult maintain integrity, distressing, least, regulate unconfined strictures whatsoever.4 30 Acting grounds "be itself." 248. fully accepting "identifiability" maintenance goals.5 do see how requiring policemen rationally contribute making identifiable policemen. Surely, officer wearing below collar will less easily imagine plainclothes extend beneath collar. 32 second justification, official capacity, seem indicate anything, decrease increase force's corps.6 understand implementation expected create increment among prohibits ears limits allows type hair-style, ponytail. their go collars, two officers, "Afro" crewcut compliance regulation.7 cautions us examine "in force." 247. caution taken, fear scrutiny requirements subject, dictates acceptable lengths. requirement, related goals increasing absolutely nothing legitimacy rationales8 accordingly affirm 71-1 (1971), amending Chapter Rules Procedures, Suffolk, N. Y., provided: "2/75.0 Members Force neat clean times duty. Male comply following unless excluded special assignment: "2/75.1 HAIR: Hair neat, clean, trimmed, groomed touch closely cut back neck. front fall band properly headgear. bulk interfere proper authorized acceptability member's criteria paragraph chooses "2/75.2 SIDEBURNS: neatly trimmed tapered manner haircut. Sideburns lowest exterior ear opening, width (not flared), end clean-shaven horizontal line. "2/75.3 MUSTACHES: short mustache worn, top upper lip corners mouth. "2/75.4 BEARDS & GOATEES: face sideburns. Beards Surgeon grant waiver beard reasons approval Commissioner. prescribes shave, kept symmetrically hairs protrude one-half inch skin surface face. "2/75.5 WIGS: Wigs pieces cover natural baldness physical disfiguration. conditions, wig piece conform standards." App. 57-58. g., Stradley Andersen, 478 188 (CA8 1973); Greenwald Frank, 40 A.D.2d 717, 337 N.Y.S.2d 225 (1972), aff'd opinion, N.Y.2d 346 529, 299 N.E.2d 895 upholding discretionary power National Guard soldier's length. Gianatasio Whyte, 426 908 (CA2), cert. denied, 400 941, 234, 244 (1970); Raderman Kaine, 411 1102 dismissed, 396 976, 90 467, 447 (1969). 438 F.2d, 1130. fire departments, status bear outweighed interest. 1130 n. 9. remand, appropriately amended reflect interim renumbering modification former sections 2/75.0-2/75.3, modified provide follows: "Members assignments: "A. Pony tails prohibited. "B. trimmed. ear. flared connect mustache. "C. worn." 2/2.16 (hereinafter Procedures). Sections 2/75.4-2/75.5, renumbered 2/2.16, subdivisions D E, respectively. Rapp's modified. purposes, differences immaterial. Illustrating problem, Rapp showed assailant throw off balance grabbing rear levering back. After prohibition "ponytails" thus one, stated: remainder 2/2.16A, bears styling. potential danger hairdress ability offender grip hold fate hand. Bulk regulated interferes 'the headgear.' permit bulky lengthy head, thereby presenting very problem demonstrated. remaining subdivisions, mustaches barred. No proof regulations." Pet. Cert. 7a. findings morale high matter grave department. Proper organization. self-esteem generated commanded serves promotes (Sic ) efficiency organization's work. However, exception requirement sideburns grooming. Rather, demand Uniformity sake need. Defendant beards, goatees, styles collar, line affect earn disrespect public." 7a-8a. required identification, "It appear, (issued department) supplies identification work." Procedures 4/1.0 4/1.3. 6/2.2. 2/2.5. 2/5.1. See, id., 2/14.0 Et seq. (Code Ethics). "military force," "(t)he use evolved Practical administrative solution ." Constitution's encompasses parents having children learn German, (1923); able send private schools, Pierce Society Sisters, 268 534-535, 45 571, 573-574, 69 1070, 1077-1078 (1925); traveling abroad, 125, 1209-1210 (1958); Aptheker Secretary 505, 1659, 1663, 992, 996-997 (1964); woman terminate her pregnancy, 153, 147, 177 student damage reputation caused 10-day suspension school. Goss Lopez, 419 565, 574-575, 729, 736-737, 725, 734-735 (1975). parties address issues detail governmental circumstances Tinker Des Moines School Dist., 393 503, 733, 731 amount lower-court litigation concerning dress-code applied school children. Some sufficient g. King Saddleback Junior College 445 932 (CA9), 404 979, 342, 294 (1971); Gfell Rickelman, 441 444 (CA6 1971); Ferrell Dallas Independent 392 697 (CA5), 856, 98, 125 (1968). Other unconstitutional. Richards Thurston, 424 1281 (CA1 1970); Breen Kahl, 1034 (CA7 1969), 398 937, 1836, (1970). None cases, indicated History dotted instances citizens. effort stimulate countrymen adopt modern lifestyle, Peter Great issued edict 1698 throughout Russia. W. Durant, Age Louis XIV, p. (1963). Anyone wanted grow pay annual tax kopek peasant hundred rubles rich merchant. Ibid. Of afford "beard tax," many "who, shaved off, saved preciously, order coffins, fearing allowed heaven them." J. Robinson, Readings European 390 (1906). recent instances, Y. Times, Feb. 18, 1974, 22, col. (Czech stop long-haired young men, telling get haircuts); July 23, 1972, 4, (Libyan tells youths trim sober clothes submit themselves training army); 7, 1971, (over 1,000 men rounded given haircuts South Korean described officials "social purification" campaign); Oct. 13, 1970, (police 1,400 Vietnamese hair). inconceivable whatsoever carrying actions either Federal Governments. surrender joining 506, 736, L.Ed.2d, 737. agree "status raising right, rather) interest." evaluate when whose allegedly violated employee. 564-567, 2889-2891, 796, 808-810 somehow automatically give becoming mean almost million American currently affected "executed" "automatic waivers." Statistical Abstract 1975, 272. bolstered 25,000-member union representing filed curiae arguing eschews appear intrusive achieving on-duty officers. According hairpieces "on disfiguration." 240 1. terms applies duty, provision effectively controls off-duty Because, fails pass minimal scrutiny, determine whether, nature affected, heightened appropriate.

Category: 2