119 replies to this topic

[Mikkyo]

I like my ink and was about to finish off a sleeve on my right arm of old 1950's stuff, but after reading this thread (a lucky find from google whilst searching for information on tattoo's in the police force, just filling out an application form at the moment) I've decided to keep all my ink on my upper arms and I'm going to start another half sleave on my left arm instead.

Oh I got a nudey lady on my right arm but I'm, hoping that as it'll be covered I won't have to have a bra tattoo'd onto her.

[Basic_sample]

Iv got 2 tattoos

one on my right arm. a short sleave shrt will cover it up. its just a trible design and i have got a tattoo on my left side of a cross. no religious attatchment, again not that visable throught a shirt, and if i have the stab proof vest it would be ok.

do you think this would hinder my chances of becoming a reg. Im applying for the strathclyde police

[Baloo]

I have 6 Tattoos and eagle on my sholder and my two childrens names a bit lower down in some medival style wooden writting, on my right arm i have a tazmainian devil (taz) my wifes name in a heart and the batman wings non are visible unless im naked or wearing a wife beating vest

I didnt disclose them on my application as they only asked if i had them on my forearms, neck or hands... i guess everywhere else is fine ?

[Bravo Charlie]

I start training at Strathclyde 2nd June, have 6 tats 2 of which are on the underside of my forearm, cantonese writing of my partners name and son. I also have a panther on my left top arm and a thistle with Scotland underneath it. On my back I have a set of wings and again some cantonese writing of our 2 daughters names. Recruitment Sgt looked at them on handing me my offer letter and siad, they're nice!

[Muse2k8]

How about a half sleeve of fantasy art? Ill try and post a pic. The application doesn't ask about your upper arm so it should be ok yeah?

Here it is...

Attached Files

•  DSC00284.JPG   228.73K   171 downloads

[Muse2k8]

Bump

[adslegend]

Only the force can answer that question

[Muse2k8]

The dark force

[adamthejanner2]

I cant believe the attitude to tattoos is still this bad. the question is could they tell a native new zealander who had followed all the process of becoming a brit and applying to the police and then get told he cant join because he has a tattoo on his face. surley that would go against the core competencies. Respect for Race and Diversity.
I dont think that Tattoos are a problem in plymouth you see alot of ex marine coppers with loads of tat's. even Corp badges surley that could be deemed offensive to someone say a para. does that mean that police officer has to be removed??
i have a few tattoos one large one on my stomach and a small english rose on my chest and my family caot of arms on my shoulder. i was only asked if i had tattoos on my forearms , neck and hands. so i havnt disclosed it on my application.

[Gforceuk]

I'm booked in for the first 3 hours next week of a good few tattoos i'm after..

[supermancss]

Honestly?

ACAB = All Coppers are B**tards.

Not right nice.

I thought it said Arab!!!! Would never have known that stood for that!

[Garethcain]

I wanted to get my name down the left inside of my arm. Would i still be able to apply if i had this?

[ojm947]

I wanted to get my name down the left inside of my arm. Would i still be able to apply if i had this?

Well if you cant remember what your name is then go for it!

But no it wouldn't stop you from appointment, if its only your name and is not rude, sexist or written in a way that others will find distressing you will have no problem

Edited by ojm947, 30 October 2009 - 01:04 AM.

[Bart S]

Well if you cant remember what your name is then go for it!

But no it wouldn't stop you from appointment, if its only your name and is not rude, sexist or written in a way that others will find distressing

I've got my wife's name down the inside of my right arm, just to remind me what her name is!! Alzheimer's is a terrible thing

[GSLOW87]

I have a tribal dragon on my right upper arm, they asked me what kind of tattoo it was although did not ask to see it, they did not seem bothered by that. In my opinion you will more than likely be fine unless you have something deemed very offensive.

[xeon]

ACAB? I still trust that nice man (who was later arrested) that it means "always carry a bible"

[Waddle]

I have one tattoo on my upper right arm. I enquired about it with recruitment who wanted to se a photo anyway as it may still protrude from a short sleeved shirt, although its is only a small tribal design which is not a problem in itself.

[JH99]

I have a question mark under my watch on my left wrist...

[Vol]

I'm thinking of applying for the position of a Police Officer at my local constabulary (Devon & Cornwall), I have no idea what they are like in terms of tattoos and unfortunately I may have one which might be deemed as 'offensive' by some. Here is an image of the artwork (albeit not on my arm): CLICKY ME . It is on my left forearm, from the inner elbow to just above the inner wrist, it would be fully covered with a long sleeve shirt, but I fear it may cause a problem. I was thinking of having the red done over with black, so nobody would really know what it was (since the detail on my arm isn't as great, and half the time people don't know what it is anyway, they just see red and black. One guy thought it was a spade.). Anyhow, back to the main question: would that be deemed as offensive? If so going over the red with black should fix the problem?

Cheers chaps!

Vol.

Edited by Vol, 09 March 2010 - 10:06 PM.

[JH99]

I would say that probably is, as its depicting death. I've seen a lot less rejected and must be covered

[Vicster]

Your first port of call should be to ask what their tattoo policy is.
I have one full sleeve, and one almost-full sleeve. They are very unoffensive indeed.

The force for my policy is that you cannot have tattoos on the wrists or hands (or face or neck) - basically, they have to be coverable by a long sleeve shirt. I had to declare I had tattoos on my initial regs application form, and describe what it was, but I have never been asked to provide a picture or show anyone (although I understand that is an option if they want to check).

I would think, with your tattoo, that you are running close to the line on offensiveness - as JH99 says, it depicts death (it looks like the figure has slit their throat or wrists?). I can't imagine that colouring it in black would change that.

My suggestion would be to first decide if you want to join, then find out what the policy is about content. If you are on risky ground, you could then look at a complete cover up with a safe design - stick a koi over it or something (a decent tattooist could cover that no problem), or get it lasered off completely (go somewhere reputable!).

[GSLOW87]

I have a "FF" on my neck for a favourite band of mine, its on the back of my neck just under my hairline. I'm currently a special and nobody has mentioned it to me as being a problem, I did not have it at the time of applying however. With the new black, short sleeve polo shirt however I think you can only see a small part of it, not enough to make out what it means. Hopefully it won't affect me application for the regulars, although I very much think it won't!

The way it is styled also, many people ask me when I'm out and about... what does 77 stand for? I just say its when I was born, which would make me 10 years older than I am!

[btp pc]

After having mine on show for the last five years (2 full sleeves) I have now been 'ordered' to cover them up with long sleeves.
They have never caused a problem when dealing with people, in fact they have been used as an ice breaker on many occassions when dealing with someone for an offence.
Then again I suppose the senior ranks that took exception to them don't have to break ice with anyone anymore.

[LMTS]

There was a huge thing in the paper last week regarding tatoots.... 4 scottish forces are now refusing officers with either tatoos or tatoos in necks and face, A few cops i know who have them full sleves have now been told to cover up...

[Scrubby]

How about a half sleeve of fantasy art? Ill try and post a pic. The application doesn't ask about your upper arm so it should be ok yeah?

Here it is...

I cant imagine a tattoo with a baby with a devil tail and a skull with devil horns would be viewed as best appropriate on a police officer lol. but only your fore can answer that.

I dont undestand why a St. Georges cross is offensive? its a huge part of our culture and flag, who would be offended??