Tattoos

[Richie Sanchez]

Are tattoos banned from law enforcement?. I would like to know some facts.

Thanks

[Switchback]

Try a search, dude! Really. This has been covered many, MANY times. You will even get pics.

..and how about an intro. It's like just walking into someone's living room, asking questions, otherwise.

[Richie Sanchez]

Yeah, youre right. Im sorry about the sudden intro.

I'll try to explain myself. I really would like to be a Police Officer, but I have several tattoos and you know, besides the articles that I found in the net, I was thinking that maybe I can get an answer from the officers themselves.

There are some places, forums mostly, in wich they talk about how tattoos are banned because in some cases they are "gang related" and stuff. I understand and totally accept about, you know, covering them with the long sleeve uniform, but I also read that if someone has, for example, a sleeve tattoo, that person most likely "wont be hired".

And, obviously, I also would like to know some opinions about the matter.

[Roger Dat]

Some departments have regulations against visible tattoos and others dont. Its like asking what the weather will be like in Miami on March 11 2021. Every department is different.

[Switchback]

If they can be perceived as gang-related, have racial tones to them, or are obscene, you coul dhave difficulties getting hired.

SOME departments have policies against any visible tattoos, meaning "if you can cover them, you should be ok." Other departments will not hire you if they are visible.

Some, like my agency, allows them if they are not offensive or gang-related. That does not mean that, if I had them on my hands and neck, I would get hired. Many guys have them on their arms and are visible. My right arm is visible in a short sleeve, but I am usually wearing blue jeans and a t0shirt, so it really doesn't matter. When doing SWAT stuff, it is usually in a long-sleeved uniform. Also, if I don't want you see my arm, there are short sleeved shirts that will cover it.

[BP348]

Short answer is it's up to the agency.

[SnapShawt]

Definitely an agency-to-agency thing. Mine allows them as long as they aren't gang-related or offensive and can be covered while working. Two of the municipalities within our jurisdiction don't allow them at all.