Question For LEO's regarding acadamy

[submoa1]

I am 28 and always had interest in joining the sheriff or police academy. But I have sleeve tattoos and one on the side of my neck and covering the back of my hand. All nice art work of different things in color nothing offensive. I have zero police record, Only a cell phone ticket in my life. My question is would I even have a chance in heck of getting hired.

[mlatino]

I am 28 and always had interest in joining the sheriff or police academy. But I have sleeve tattoos and one on the side of my neck and covering the back of my hand. All nice art work of different things in color nothing offensive. I have zero police record, Only a cell phone ticket in my life. My question is would I even have a chance in heck of getting hired.

Yes and no.. Most agencies have strict tattoo policies, but there are a few agencies that will allow *SOME* visible tattoos. The hand /neck tatt's might be the dealbreaker though. You're most likely going to be in long sleeves your entire career. YMMV, but if it's something you really want to do, I don't see the harm in trying.

[alex00]

My agency has a zero visible tattoo policy. If the tattoo cannot be covered by clothing, it has to be covered by bandages. I haven't seen my department hire anyone with tattoos that can't be covered by a long sleeve shirt. A few people have gotten tattoos after they were hired, and wear large band-aids to cover their hands, neck, whatever. A condition of your employment may be to remove any of the visible tattoos.

[darkknight]

Some departments are okay with it. But right now I would say stay away the academy is sort of a waste right now because there are no jobs to be had. and a lot of departments are not even taking reserves. So I would say keep your day job. until times get better.

[J_B]

My agency has a zero visible tattoo policy. If the tattoo cannot be covered by clothing, it has to be covered by bandages. I haven't seen my department hire anyone with tattoos that can't be covered by a long sleeve shirt. A few people have gotten tattoos after they were hired, and wear large band-aids to cover their hands, neck, whatever. A condition of your employment may be to remove any of the visible tattoos.

Someone needs to inform my elitist beat partner then.....

[submoa1]

Yeah, I figured as much. Well, my welding career will most likely continue for a while then. Thanks for the replies (crushes dreams) lol jk.

[todd2968]

No wonder gang members can always spot an undercover

[J_B]

Yeah, I figured as much. Well, my welding career will most likely continue for a while then. Thanks for the replies (crushes dreams) lol jk.

I waited till after I'd been on for 4 years before getting my sleeve done and wearing long sleeves in the 110 deg heat while on a perimeter sucks butt.

Like Alex said, our policy is none showing. The policy seems to only be enforced for full sleeve tats as opposed to half sleeves as in "only if your elitist" can you have tats showing.

[Ron-Solo]

Tattoo policies differ widely by agency. LASD has a no visible tattoo policy. Even a buddy who has USMC tatooed on his forearm has to wear long sleeves all year log.

Don't let it crush your dream, but find an agency that is hiring and will accept your current tats. Don't get anymore, and eventully you will find an agency that will hire you.

Many departments are in hiring freezes or laying people off right now, so it's a tough time to get hired period.

Best of luck and keep dreaming.

[Uhhlexxxis]

you can always spend the money to have them removed... just an option.

[submoa1]

Thanks again for the replies. I was 18-19 when I got them from my cousin who works professionally in Las Vegas. Young with a different view of my future then I guess. Have not had any more done since and did look into removal but would leave scars and my wife really likes my art. Anyway I think I will go for the Sheriff academy next year because they are doing the extended course to cater to my work schedule. Even if I don't get hired I could chalk it up to a life experience. Thanks again for the replies and for the job you do. Stay safe.

[alex00]

Someone needs to inform my elitist beat partner then.....

Yeah, depending on the shift, it's not very well enforced. Funny that on graves, my partner is forced to wear long sleeves. But dayshift is, well, dayshift.

[ckim34]

I have lots of tattoos. Some visible, some not. Some I got before I was hired. Some after. My department's only policy is that if the tattoo is visible it cant be "offensive", of course it doesnt define what offensive is hahaha

[J_B]

Yeah, depending on the shift, it's not very well enforced. Funny that on graves, my partner is forced to wear long sleeves. But dayshift is, well, dayshift.

I was thinking about it. It seems to be a supervisor thing. Graves, I had no problem. Was told while on swings I can't. No big deal but then comes along Mr P.O.P buddy f'er beat partner who doesn't cover tats. I'm wearing long sleeves and he's kissing the supervisor's @ss so it's ok for him I guess.

I'm all for following the policy but enforce it 100% or don't enforce it at all.

I gotta get outta 1.

[J_B]

I have lots of tattoos. Some visible, some not. Some I got before I was hired. Some after. My department's only policy is that if the tattoo is visible it cant be "offensive", of course it doesnt define what offensive is hahaha

You guys hiring???