Police re-think on ink cover-up
POLICE officers in West Yorkshire will now be allowed to display tattoos on their arms while on duty after the force reversed its coverup policy.
Previously,
regulations
stipulated that officers were only allowed to show “small, inoffensive and nonprominent” tattoos on their necks and hands.
But tattooed arms were a definite no-no and had to be covered up.
Now, thanks to 18 months of lobbying from West Yorkshire Police Federation, that policy has been eased.
Officers’ arm tattoos can be on display while on duty – providing they aren’t offensive.
West Yorkshire Police’s change of policy now brings it into line with other forces.
A Federation survey of officers last year revealed the majority backed a change in the restrictions; 1,182 officers completed the survey with the majority (55%) saying they had a tattoo.
More than 80% of respondents said they felt colleagues should be allowed to display inoffensive tattoos on their arms. And 75% said they felt the policy of covering up visible arm tattoos was wrong.
Eight in 10 said the policy didn’t represent the communities they served.
West Yorkshire Police Federation general secretary, Guy King, said: “It has taken some considerable time and effort, but the force has agreed to change the policy on tattoos.
“They have listened to the case, and from today, West Yorkshire Police officers can now show openly show their tattoos.
“This brings West Yorkshire in line with what is accepted in most other forces around the country.
“The decision to change the policy comes after continued pressure from the federation over the last 18 months and we have long argued that the policy was bizarre and unfair, as small and non-prominent tattoos on the hands and neck were allowed to be shown but all others must be covered.
“It brings us in line with what is widely accepted within society at large and reflects the modern, diverse workforce we have.”