Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I'm heavily thinking on becoming an officer around the Houston area, but I've seen a few things that make me wonder on how varied the dress-codes are between departments. For example, a friend of mine is a tattoo artist, and the other day he was doing a full sleeve on a local SWAT member, where as I had previously spoken with a different officer who said that his department didn't allow any tattoos or piercings. Exactly how varied can the dress codes be? I'm mainly interested in the rules on tattoos and hair, as I have a few tattoos on my chest and sides, and I've let my hair grow to shoulder-length. Any replies would be appreciated.

For example, a friend of mine is a tattoo artist, and the other day he was doing a full sleeve on a local SWAT member, where as I had previously spoken with a different officer who said that his department didn't allow any tattoos or piercings. Exactly how varied can the dress codes be?

Department policies on any given topic vary as much as the number of departments in the U.S., which is a lot. If you've got tatts, call agencies you're interested in directly and inquire, and I'd recommend holding off on anymore until you get hired and know the policies on this within the department.

You will have to cut the hair once hired.