State Police plan to ban tattoos

Aspiring police officers may need to reconsider getting prominent tattoos if they want a career in the NSW Police Force.

A draft proposal to be reviewed by the state’s police commissioner, Andrew Scipione, is recommending for potential recruits to be barred entry from the academy if they have visible tattoos on their faces and necks.

The proposal aims to clean up the public image of the NSW Police Force. It bans existing officers from getting any tattoos and suggests that those who already have obvious body art will need to keep them covered.

Assistant Police Commissioner and co-author of the proposal, Michael Corby, said the proposal will set the bar of professionalism in the police force and will portray a cleaner image.

“It’s about time we had the debate about tattoos and body modification in the police force,” Mr Corby told 2UE.

“Does the community want someone knocking on their door with a Mike Tyson tattoo on their face or neck? I don’t think so.”

The draft document is also a response to complaints from the public about police officers wearing tattoos, with some even calling them offensive.

State Opposition Leader, John Robertson, has criticised the proposal for not being an urgent issue, and said the focus should be putting an end to the drive-by shootings in Western Sydney.

“Tattoos are a complete side-issue when our streets are under siege from drive-by shootings. I don’t think the public gives two hoots whether a police officer wears a tattoo – only that the streets are kept safe,” he said.

The proposal also raises questions about existing officers having tattoos on their arms and legs, suggesting they be covered with long sleeve shirts and pants.

The debate about taking extreme measures to remove tattoos using laser treatment will also be considered; however, the costs involved in the procedure have sparked controversy.

The President of the Police Association of NSW, Scott Weber, said: “In principle, we agree that new police recruits should not have excessive tattoos, especially above the neck. However, it will be important to recognise that many people have existing tattoos for range of important personal and cultural reasons.”

Mr Weber said any new police policy on tattoos will have to be carefully worded to avoid potential discrimination issues.

Bondi Ink Tattoo Studio owner, John Tadrosse, said that’s exactly what the policy will do. “You’re discriminating against them [police officers] – it’s not like it’s going to stop them from doing their job properly.”

“It allows the public to relate to them and think he doesn’t look like a hard ass anymore … He looks like us,” he said.