The Bridgeport Police Department will not be participating in the annual fundraiser "No Shave November" over safety issues, officials say.

City Councilman Matt McCarthy confirms to News 12 that the chief of staff for the mayor's office explained to him in an email those safety concerns have to do with officers operating some equipment.

The email also mentions that it makes for bad appearance and reflects poorly on the department.

Bridgeport police tell News 12 in a statement that the department plans on adopting initiatives that will be launching in October and November for local causes and will look forward to fundraising activities that are inclusive to men and women.

No Shave November raises thousands of dollars for cancer organizations by police departments. So far, Milford police raised $5,000 and Redding police raised $500 for the Connecticut Cancer Foundation.

McCarthy says after hearing police officers' frustrations, they may not get behind these new ideas.

News 12 reached out to the president of the police union for comment.