Police detail how they have been cracking down on those not following the Level 4 restrictions around Auckland. Video / Police
Expect to see a more clean-shaven police force on the front line in the coming weeks after the new top cop appealed for beards to be shaven to assist with the Covid-19 response.
Commissioner Andrew Coster took the reins from his predecessor Mike Bush last night.
Bush retired fromthe position after a six-year reign and 42 in total as a police officer.
Changing of the guard: Mike Bush passes the top cop baton over to new Commissioner Andrew Coster last night. Photo / NZ Police
He will remain working with the Government on the Covid-19 response for the foreseeable future.
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In one of his first engagements with staff since being handed the Commissioner's baton - a moment captured and posted on Twitter last night - Coster sent a video to police staff suggesting they make changes to their facial hair.
In the video, a weekly feature sent by the Commissioner to all staff, Coster explains that personal protection masks issued to staff fit better on beardless faces.
"One of the things we've picked up on recently is that for those with facial hair, the n95 masks are not as effective as they would be if you were clean shaven," he said in the video, seen by the Herald.
It has been reported that Coster issued a "directive" to all staff to shave off their beards.
