Anyone know the rules on Cal Highway Patrol and Tattoos?

[Werewolf1021]

My first post in the LEO section, how exciting!

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone knew the policy of tattoos on Highway Patrolmen, whether they have to be covered up or not, etc.

I don't have one yet, but am thinking about it. However, I really want work for CHP so I don't want to screw that up.

[Cpl. Haas]

Departments are only getting stricter with tattoo policies... if you want to be a LEO, and don't have any tattoos, then why get one now?

The way some agencies treat tattoos these days, it's almost like asking "what's CHP's policy on smoking weed? I never have, but I'm thinking about it." (Exaggeration, of course... but agencies seem to be looking at tattoos as a character flaw recently.)

[Werewolf1021]

Departments are only getting stricter with tattoo policies... if you want to be a LEO, and don't have any tattoos, then why get one now?

The way some agencies treat tattoos these days, it's almost like asking "what's CHP's policy on smoking weed? I never have, but I'm thinking about it." (Exaggeration, of course... but agencies seem to be looking at tattoos as a character flaw recently.)

Really? Wow. Didn't think they were that big of deal.

Just kicking the idea around. The design would have deeper meaning and somewhat religious (non-christian) aspects.

[jmzhwells]

If you get one, get one where it doesn't have to be covered up. on your back leg stomach chest. upper arm. If you get one on you lower arm it will have to be covered up. Think long sleeves in summer time, wherever they choose to send you. you just cant have them visible while on duty. so u decide.

[Triad]

Most departments require them to be covered. A few guys I work with have sleeves and they are stuck wearing long sleeves the rest of their career.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

I saw an SFPD officer in line with his partner at a taqueria with a screaming American eagle tattooed on his neck! He was wearing a dark blue or black turtleneck under his uniform shirt, but you could still see part of the eagle that the turtleneck didn't cover.

[Uhhlexxxis]

Quite a few of my co-workers have tattoos and they are covered up by the long sleeves. Not always comfortable, but it's policy. Stick to nights in a colder area and you'll have no complaints.

Having tattoos is the least of your worries when applying to the CHP

good luck.

[welchy]

Youe union must suck. Mine has no dress code. (teacher)

[oldsmoboat]

Youe union must suck. Mine has no dress code. (teacher)

They apparently also have lax standards for writing proficiency.

[Doheny]

Ask your question here. It's a CHP forum.

[SedaDog1]

You'll have NO problem getting into the Department of Corrections with those tattoos. On either side of the bars...

[CaptMike]

As has been stated earlier, most departments are clamping down on tatoos. The problem is that most citizens have an image of a peace officer as clean cut, wears a pressed uniform and speaks professionally. The image does not include tatoos that may make the peace officer look like the local gang members. with the increased popularity of tatoos with todays youth (tv show LA Ink), they are becoming more common. even though they are more common, most people still do not want to see a cop with a neck tatoo or full sleaves walking up to their door. It really does affect service when the person you call for help, looks like the person you need help from. I have a few friends on my department that have tatoos on their forearm and they are required to wear long sleaves. believe me, long sleaves in the middle of the summer in Lancaster is not the best situation.

If you really want to be a cop, you have to use some common sense and do what is required for this job. If you must have a tatoo, then just put it somewhere that a short sleave t-shirt will cover it up. good luck

[waitwha?]

lower back

[CaptMike]

LOL, a tramp stamp. I guess that would fall within most depaetments policy. LOL

[Triad]

One of my partners has a military type tattoo on his inner forearm and gets away with wearing a sweatband that covers it...never been questioned about it - but its 1000 degrees here in the summer. I am sure hes thought of some creative justification for wearing a sweat-wrist-band