Did you see a few Murfreesboro Police Officers on Monday that appeared to have forgotten the importance of shaving? Well, there is a good reason for that shaggy look this month.

Murfreesboro police officers and detectives will soon participate in the American Cancer Society's "No Shave November". The goal of "No-Shave November" is to "grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose." The ACS encourages participants to "donate the money you usually spend on shaving and grooming for a month to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle." More information and a link for donations can be found at www.no-shavenovember.com.

In support of this effort, participating officers and detectives will be donating money to the American Cancer Society in order for the Chief of Police to waive the department's policy regarding shaving during the month of November.

Since the Officers participating are always in contact with the public, they hope to spread awareness of the fundraiser and the needs of the American Cancer Society just by being visible in public with their bearded faces.

The Department believes this will not affect the officer's ability to perform their duties and the officers will have restrictions that will allow them to be safe while growing the beard. Chief Chrisman stated: "If you see an officer in the field looking a bit scruffy, don't worry, they are growing their beards for a good cause and they will be back to smooth faces December 1st."

The Department believes this will not affect the officer's ability to perform their duties and the officers will have restrictions that will allow them to be safe while growing the beard. Chief Chrisman stated: "If you see an officer in the field looking a bit scruffy, don't worry, they are growing their beards for a good cause and they will be back to smooth faces December 1st."

Officer Meredith was presented with a certificate and he, Chief Glenn Chrisman and City Manager Rob Lyons then met at Drakes Barber Shop where the owner, Jason Rigney, gave each a free shave.

Murfreesboro Police are not the only ones going without a shave:

Some Rutherford County Sheriff's male employees will sport beards during November.

It's part of the annual "No Shave November" event.

Sheriff Robert Arnold allows the male employees to refrain from shaving only during November.

But he's tied the privilege into a fund-raising drive.

Each male who wants to participate must pay at least $1 per paycheck (or $26) to the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon counties.

United Way supports education, income and health programs in the two-county area.

"We support the efforts of United Way to provide services to children, families and seniors in Rutherford County," Sheriff Arnold said. "By participating, our male employees help fund United Way agencies and receive the bonus of not shaving for one month."

Women employees still are reviewing what benefit they may hope to receive through the same contribution.