Tattoo ban for police officers

[GommeInc]

I think these regulations on tattoos are entirely reasonable, there's a reason why visible tattoos are called interview killers and just because the Police Force is a public service does not mean it is not allowed to have standards of appearance. It's also incredibly inconsistent for police officers to have visible Tattoos, a practice commonly associated with criminals.

Isn't the police force meant to be doing away with stereotypes? It's bad enough they target black males, because black males are "commonly associated" with crime. If they're police officers they're clearly not criminals. Actions speak louder than tattoos.

[Alkaz]

Absolutely the right measure and along with it I would put back in place the old height, weight and strength restrictions which we have abolished over the years purely for dogmatic politically correct reasons - ie, to allow more women into the force purely to meet quotas.

The job of the Police is to command respect and to be able to catch criminals whilst on foot (and thats another thing I would bring back, foot patrols) - a Police officer who is weak, overweight or too small is simply a ridiculous concept because like it or not, an average sized woman or a small man will not have the strength to overpower a suspect and nor will an overweight Police officer.

As for those opposed, no it's purely for professional reasons and most people do see it as thuggish (apart from teenagers whom naturally think they look good but realise otherwise when the reach the age of 30). The Police should be subject to restrains other professions have, for example it'd be unlikely that you would find a Bank Manager with a studded nose and a mohawk would it? same ought to apply here.

Fully behind this and quite amazed we've got some common sense left in the year 2012.

Totally agree with this. Also police officers chewing gum and especially with their mouths open is disgusting.

[Chippiewill]

Isn't the police force meant to be doing away with stereotypes?

Police are meant to be doing away with giving off the impression of acting on stereotypes. In reality stereotyping, as long as it's accurate, is just more efficient.

And ultimately they don't want policemen to look like unapproachable thugs.