Tattoos in the DEA

[Jay9]

I'm looking to have a career as a DEA agent and go undercover and all that good stuff. But I have for sometime wanted to get a tattoo on my arm possibly a half sleeve or my last name in old english down the back of it on my tricep. I've hesitated because it is obviously a distinguishing mark that can lead to problems if i plan on going undercover. Does any1 know how strict federal agencies are as far as tattoos that are partially visible? Could that possibly jeopardize my chances of getting in if I were to get one of those two tattoos? I'm willing to forget about the idea of getting those tattoos no matter how much I want them b/c this career is obviously much more important.

[hitnrun]

Why not wait til you have a job and then worry about getting the tatoos. That way you can know for sure that you won't have any issues getting hired.

[0311Marine]

Im sure it would jeopardize your chances of going under cover if you have a tattoo of your name on your arm, (if your under an assumed name, how are you going to explain your real name on your arm?) Of course I dont know for sure.

[Group9]

You obviously have not met any younger DEA agents. They are just like everybody else. I am amazed at some of the tattoos I see on them, as I am on other youngsters.

And, yes, I am too old to get it. :D

[Pistola]

If they are not gang tats I don't think its a issue.

[tunlrat]

When I was at legacy US Customs, grooming standards were lax big time & no one seemed to care about tats (or even facial hair). Of course, these were Inspectors & K9 guys. I never met any Customs 1811s.

From a local perspective (though they might have changed the general order), you couldn't have tattoos if you couldn't conceal them w/ your uniform (sleeves, neck, etc.).

Bottom line, in my opinion, yes a tattoo is an officer safety issue IF you plan on doing UC work. Your life is more important than some skin art...

Besides, they're too expensive! :D

[Jay9]

thanx for the replies. yea i just had the thought of the last name tattoo. i'd never get it now that i actually think about it. its pretty stupid. the other one i've wanted for a year or two though would be a half sleeve on my right arm and would be original so that was what i was more worried about. but i plan on meeting a young agent next week and i'll talk to him and learn more info from him about some things. but thanx for the feedback.

[0311Marine]

On the other side of the issue, tats could be an asset to UC work, it might help you blend in bettar with the people your trying to nail. Although I would stay away from getting DEA AGENT in big bold lettars anywhere.

[Group9]

thanx for the replies. yea i just had the thought of the last name tattoo. i'd never get it now that i actually think about it. its pretty stupid.

The name tattoo is not really a good idea for anyone, especially, police or criminals. One of my wife's cousins was dating this dirt bag who I made as a dealer the second I saw him. But, he had his last name, which was pretty unusual, tattooed across his back like a football jersey. My wife and I laughed about how easy it was going to be to ID him when the narcs finally did get after him.

Sure enough, he got busted selling MDMA a few months later.

Like, I said, I guess I'm too old. But some of the tattoos befuddle me. We had one young guy who got a Calvin and Hobbes tattoo. I asked him what he was going to do if he finds he doesn't like cartoons as much when he grows up.