Rockobob said:

As long as you don't have any tats that appear in the gang identification manuals (lol) they should be fine. I wouldn't expect to see a tear drop from an officers eye or a pitchfork on his neck. I would have to say that the no tats policy for some dept are ridiculous.

Offroader21 said:

I think tattoos should be considered based on your location, location of tattoo, degree of tattoo and tastefull outlook. If you live and work in a town who's main majority is all mormons then yes there should be rules on visible tattoos but in areas such as Phoenix i do not see a problem with having tastefull and proportionate tattoos. I have seen my fare share of officers with visible tattoos and in an area such as this i dont think most people even look twice at their tats. Just my opinon.

I love my tattoo, but its covered by a watch at work. I want another one, but it would not be visible. I would get more if I could, but I agree that they should not be visible at work, unless you are working undercover and it may help establish your character. In regular uniform, they should be covered...however I would have to agree that long sleeves in summer might be a little ridiculous.....

The tattoo's may not be professional but give me an officer with tattoo's as back up over a fat one any day. Tattoo's don't effect job performance.

I would say that the tattoo's would be okay to be visible if they are tastfull and not offensive.  To many of them may be a problem as well.

I my self have two of them, one dog paw on each forearm and they are thier because I was in k9 so for me they have relevance to my life and my selected career.

Gone says ...

Hey Chief, you wouldn't happen to have the military's SOP on Tattoos handy would ya? I've been getting surrounding agencies tattoo policy sent to me so I can see what the "norm" is around our area.... (copy/paste) would be nice or send it through e-mail....thanks... oh, and found a case law on this specific issue the other day....I believe it was Riggs vs. Ft. Worth

Gone.  Google the following for individual services Tattoo Policy. 

NAVADMIN 110/06

MARADMIN 198/07

ARMY AR 670-1

Air Force AFI 36-2903

Being a Master At Arms in the Navy, Uniform Regs are one of our many specialities.   I can't speak for the other services. 

Navy policy stipulates that any tattoo/body art/brand that is obscene, sexually explicit or advocates discrimination of any sort is prohibited. Administrative separation could result for personnel disregarding this guidance.


Four criteria have been issued to commanders to assist them in determining whether a tattoo, body art or brand should be permitted: content, location, size and whether the item is required for cosmetic purposes.


Location is as important as the content of the tattoo. Tattoos/body art/brands cannot be visible through the white uniform and cannot be on the head, face, neck or scalp regions. Items on the lower arm can be no larger than the wearer’s hand, fingers closed.

Waivers for pre-existing conditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by local commanders. They have discretion to determine whether removal is required, but items may be waived if they are not prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale.


Even if body art/tattoos/branding/mutilation occurred prior to the Navy’s original guidance released in January 2003, commanders still have the option to recommend separation if medical authorities determine removal is not feasible.

I have 2 tattoos, although they are not visible. I don't think that have tattoos should keep you from being hired as a Law Enforcement Officer. I think that a lot of departments are starting to change up their policys. When I was in school, if you had tattoos on your arms, they made you wear your long sleeves all year. It may be unfair, but you have to do what you have to do. And I suppose if you will have a problem with conforming to rules and department policy, LE may not be the profession for you.

I am an Officer that has tattoo's, I like having them and the only one you can see when I wear my uniform is my Marine Corp tattoo. As long as its not to much or naked chicks who cares

iBreezy says ...

hey there :)

I currently have one tattoo (not visible), but am planning on getting more. I don't know if this question has been answered yet, but would a department allow for one of those skin sleeve things to be used, rather than the actual long sleeve shirt?  i found this sleeve thing on this website: http://www.chiefsupply.com/images/products/600/tatjacket.jpg">http://www.chiefsupply.com/products_zoom.asp?find=http://www.chiefsupply.com/images/products/600/tatjacket.jpg but so far, I have only heard about officers having to wear the long sleeves only. Or is it up to each department? Thanks :)

Up to each department. Each department has its own policy on tattoos. Most policies either dictate visible tattoos allowed or not allowed. There aren't too many out there that actually dictate if they are not allowed, how it should be covered. Management will decide.

Anonymous says ...

FTW? WTF? Homeboy needs some EAP. Thought only Bikers and young kids had that tattoo.

To be safe, if I were to get any visible tattoos, I would just cover them to nullify any negative repercussions. I prefer long-sleeve in general to short, but I would find wearing a tie slightly ridiculous. For a 9 to 5, they work, but I wouldn't be particularly fond of wearing one while on-duty. But that's just my opinion.

I dont like them on football players, muscians, cops or anyone else. Just dont understand the fixation.

bulletproofsgt

Well said. I could not agree more... this profession of ours is starting to become a popularity contest, and  if one person does not like something,  well Holy Sh*t they must be  a criminal or a terrorist.

I have several tattoos, strategically placed within the uniform lines.  My department has a regulation/policy that tatts have to be covered while in uniform.  Of course, we can wear short or long sleave whenever we want.

There is nothing about my tattoos that stop me from performing my duties. I say let them be