Officers in Arlington Police Department now have the right to bear tattoed arms.
On Monday, May 16, APD announced, via Facebook, that police officers are no longer required to cover up tattoos.
APD posted the announcement on their Facebook page:
“We hope this will not only enhance our employees’ quality of work life, but will also mean that APD won’t miss out on well-qualified applicants who may not have been keen on working here because they’d have to wear long sleeves / pants during the warmest parts of the year to cover their tattoos,” the post read, in part.
APD also said in the post that officers can also now grow and show facial hair within specific limitations.
“If this policy change helps us improve our employees’ work experience, while also helping us recruit additional quality employees, then we see this as progress,” the post continued.
APD says tattoos need to be approved and concludes the post by adding that they don’t believe the new policies will change the professionalism or integrity with which their officers serve the Arlington community.
The new policy in Arlington is similar to a policy Irving Police Department adopted in 2018.
According to Irving Police Chief Jeff Spivey, “You go to our recruitment events, and 60-70 percent of everybody walking through the door nowadays has some type of artwork.”
Chief Spivey said the policy shift reflected contemporary societal values that no longer perceive tattoos to be taboo.
“Tattoos don’t change the professionalism of the man or woman answering that call for service,” he said.
Dallas Police Department still maintains a strict policy regarding tattoos. According to the department, applicants must not have tattoos, brands, or body art that may be considered offensive or obscene.
Tattoos must be covered by a long-sleeve uniform shirt. Applicants must not have tattoos on their head, scalp, face, neck, hands, or fingers.