Sheriff’s office changes tattoo, grooming policies

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office has relaxed policies on visible tattoos and facial hair to recruit new employees and retain them once there, according to a press release.

Until last August, their hiring policy prohibited the sheriff’s office from hiring people with visible tattoos, Sheriff Tim Burkhalter said. Burkhalter said they felt this policy narrowed their applicant pool and was slowing down their efforts to recruit personnel.

At that time, they relaxed the tattoo policy and allowed personnel to cover exposed tattoos with nylon sleeves. This month, after a review, they decided to take that a step further.

The agency’s employee advisory committee — composed of 15 employees — reviewed these policies to make a recommendation to administration. They conducted a survey and the results showed 72 percent of employees felt the tattoo policy should be relaxed to allow employees to have visible tattoos.

Also, 62.75 percent of employees also wanted changes in the grooming policy allowing personnel to wear beards and goatees. The committee recommended that tattoo covering and facial hair restrictions be raised.

“Our goal is to make a noticeable effort toward stronger relationships in our community,” said Chief Deputy Tom Caldwell. “We hope to recruit a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community and give our employees a voice in changes that effect our operations.”

These changes to policy come with parameters.

The new policy does restrict tattoos above a T-shirt neckline and below a long-sleeved shirt cuff. Tattoos which are deemed offensive — such as extremist, indecent, sexual or how ethnic or religious discrimination — are not allowed.

“We pride ourselves on our level of professionalism. Professionalism is about one’s conduct — a conduct of integrity and commitment to service,” said Sgt. Carrie Edge, public information officer. “Professionalism is not about the number of hairs on one’s face or the quality of artwork of a forearm tattoo. Professionalism is about results, effectiveness and trust.”

Grooming policy changes ensure that beards and other facial hair are not only kept neat, but also establishes length limits to assure the safety of deputies.

Sheriff’s office officials say they have approved these changes for a 12-month trial period to see how the community will respond and if will bolster recruitment and retention.