Careers: Police/Tattoo Policy

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Expert: - 9/7/2008


Question
I have a tattoo on my right forearm, and another on my right bicep that comes below the sleeve about 3/8 of an inch, i was curious if i could still join the police department with these tattoo's or if i should consider getting them removed.

Answer
Robert,

Thanks for the question.


There are numerous law enforcement agencies that now prohibit tattoos,which eliminates some people. There are some law enforcement agencies that will hire people with tattoos, but make them cover them with long sleeves.

However, there are a lot of law enforcement agencies out there that don't care one way or the other if you have tattoos. Most of these agencies will only care if there are tattoos that could be pornographic, anti government, discriminatory, racist, and etc.

Most agencies that have a Web Site will describe their hiring standards, start taking a look at those and you will get a clearer picture.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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