A TASMANIA Police officer was told by his bosses he could not wear a basic stud earring to work because the accessory is considered unprofessional for men.
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The officer - who was at the centre of a dispute between Tasmania Police and the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner - is a member of the Western District police force.
The incident was outlined in the Anti-Discrimination Commission's annual report, which was tabled in Parliament earlier this week.
The annual report shows Tasmania Police tried to get an exemption from the Anti-Discrimination Act, which would have enabled it to force all male officers to remove their earrings while on duty.
The application was denied by Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Robin Banks.
The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner can grant exemptions to the Anti-Discrimination Act which allow individuals or organisations to carry out actions which would otherwise be considered unlawful.
A police source, who did not wish to be named, said on Friday the maverick Western District officer was prepared to take the matter further.
However, he and Tasmania Police reached a confidential agreement and the issue was resolved.
The source would not disclose what the agreement involved.
Under the Tasmania Police dress and appearance guidelines, female officers are permitted to wear one pair of earrings, but male officers are not.
Tasmania Police has since confirmed its dress and appearance guidelines are under review, but said it would not comment on the incident.
"Tasmania Police dress and appearance guidelines are designed to ensure that members of Tasmania Police project the professional image required of a uniformed service and a standard expected by the community, and are provided with functional and safe clothing," Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said.