Do you think the average American can differentiate between the two?
That being said, IF the jail's policy is to take all jewelry (which is the case at many jails), then yes, the crosses are taken during intake, too.
Of course the "average american" can't differentiate... That's part of the problem.
Too much damn "average" running shit.
Does jewelry always get taken? Possibly, but I'd like someone to show that to me. I'm pretty sure that in the US, a cross would get a pass.
I am also pretty sure it's reasonably easy to get a cross back, not so much to restore 20+ years of hair.
In the general sense though, I think this is a stupid point to be making... It would make much more sense for people to focus on the fact he committed a crime, but I do see why some would be upset.
I'd probably tell him to shut up too.
Oh, and I do agree with the safety standpoint, but I can't imagine how unsafe having hair is... Maybe a lice thing?