The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVA) in North Macedonia has updated its regulations regarding the appearance of police officers, allowing them to grow short, well-groomed beards and have tattoos, provided they do not compromise professionalism or the image of the service. The changes were proposed by the Gran Independent Police Union and approved after review, with adjustments made on June 1, 2026. These updates aim to align with modern practices while maintaining standards of discipline and professional appearance. The union described this as a significant step toward modernizing working conditions and offering more flexibility in personal appearance within professional boundaries. Meanwhile, public discussions increasingly focus on the physical fitness of uniformed personnel, emphasizing that good physical condition and sports readiness are essential attributes of police work.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on internal regulations affecting police appearance, including input from an independent union and public commentary. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains balanced, focusing on procedural changes





