That is because Esperance Police officers are putting their upper lips on the line in an effort to raise awareness of prostate cancer and male health issues by taking part in the annual Movember competition.

Movember aims to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and BeyondBlue, a national depression initiative, by encouraging men to start November clean-shaven and grow a moustache through the month, raising money as they go.

Every year in Australia, 2,900 men die of prostate cancer, and almost one in six men suffer from depression, although many men do not seek help for the problem.

Senior Sergent Peter Scott said this was the first time Esperance police had entered Movember and they aimed to raise $1000.

“It’s just good to be doing something to raise awareness about these important issues,” he said.

“Everyone in the station kicked off Movember by kicking in 20 dollars each, so that has got the ball rolling.”

Snr Sgt Scott identified Jason Maliphant as the officer most likely to dominate the competition, adding that some officers were already suffering as a result of some poor top-lip performance

“I think he’s going to be very, very hard to beat,” Snr Sgt Scott said.

“On the other hand you have follicly challenged officers such as Wes Smith and Ryan Butler, and I think they might struggle, they’re already copping a bit from some of the people in the station.

“They’ve actually sought permission to start early and that request has been granted, just to help them out a little bit.”

Snr Sgt Scott said that anyone who would like to make a donation is welcome to come down to the station.

Every donation over two dollars is tax deductible.