Tattoo Policy

[straightpuke]

I have wanted to be an LEO ever since I was little. I was in the explorer program for Westminster for almost 2 years. I've had tattoos and was accepted into the explorer program, only thing was I had to cover it up when we were in our PT uniform. I have a sleeve from my ankle to the lower part of my knee (right leg).

What is the tattoo policy for officers? Is it different for every agency? Any LEOs with tattoos here?

Thanks in advance!

[Ron-Solo]

LASD is "no visible" tattoos. They have to be covered up with a flesh colored bandage or wear long sleeves.

All agencies are different.

[Invisible_Dave]

Almost all that I know of require cover-ups

[hitman13]

No vulgar / obscene words or images, no hand tats, nothing above collar of class A shirt

[Notorious]

Every department is different. Some don't care at all and you can show everything.

Most I know have a reasonable no-non-sense type of policy where you can show some as long as it is not obscene/vulgar/sexual, etc. and nothing above collars.

I have one on my upper arm and sometimes it shows in my short sleeves.

[ckim34]

My department allows visible tattoos just as long as its not obscene/offensive. I have a bunch and some show when I wear my short sleeves.

If you have tattoos on your legs it shouldnt really be an issues unless you were shorts for bike patrol or what not.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

My former department used to allow them... then changed the policy to "no visible tattoos". Some deputies went to long sleeves year round, at least one that I know had his only visible tattoo lasered.

[Che762x39]

When I was in the Marines I was told not to have visible tattoos so I had them placed where you can not see them in short sleeves. That was 40 years ago.

[tahoetarga]

My agency also had a no visible tattoo policy...those that had arm ones sure hated summer!

[jakekanen]

Kinda off the subject, but I was wondering if anyone had any input on piercings?

[Notorious]

Men, nothing visible (don't want to know about those which are not visible anyway)

Women, ear studs, no hoops or dangling pieces

[jakekanen]

Men, nothing visible (don't want to know about those which are not visible anyway)

Women, ear studs, no hoops or dangling pieces

Good to know, thank you for your input.

[Shank]

I have quite a few friends in law enforcement and the military. They too have no visible tattoo policies at work. It's too hot in the summer time to wear long-sleeves so they wear tattoo cover up sleeves. I actually own a pair that I wear for sun protection. Here's the site they recommend: http://www.tat2x.com

I don't know about concealing piercings but I think you can just remove them for work right?

[tahoetarga]

Kinda off the subject, but I was wondering if anyone had any input on piercings?

Ours was:

Women-one earring each ear, no bigger than 1/2" (in uniform). Civilian clothing: 2 max per ear.

Men: nothing...

No facial piercings for either sex.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

I was in line behind two SFPD officers at a taqueria and one of them had a huge screaming eagle tattooed on his neck. He had half of it covered up with a dark blue or black turtleneck shirt, but the tattoo went right up to his jaw. So if all else fails, apply with SFPD.