China's police have been banned from dying their hair unnatural colors, wearing jewelry and smoking in public while in uniform.

Those who repeatedly violate the new dress and conduct regulations face the sack, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Wednesday.

Officers who come to work with colored hair will be ordered to return it to the original color, while necklaces and rings will be prohibited to comply with new regulations to ensure a neat image.

The regulations detail 19 dos and don'ts for on-duty police officers.

"Minor offenders will be lectured and asked to mend their ways, " say the regulations. "Those who repeatedly break the rules or whose behavior has a detrimental impact could be sacked."

Female officers are also banned from "wearing scarves and having varnished fingernails" while men are ordered to keep their hair short and to avoid facial hair.

"Police officers in uniform must not smoke in public places, drink, or go to entertainment venues for personal reasons," say the regulations.

The regulations are a revised version of the original codes implemented in 1998.

The image of the police has been one of the most common complaints in big cities like Beijing. In May, policemen in the capital city were ordered to rein in their reputedly arrogant behavior and project a more courteous image.

The municipal police authority circulated a code of conduct pamphlet that bans foul language and behavior commonly complained about by those seeking help.

Police officers have three months to adapt to the new rules and will be penalized from August if they fail to control their bad temper at work.

Source: Xinhua