Tattoo policy ends ambiguity in South Yorkshire Police

A BLANKET ban on officers displaying tattoos removes any ambiguity around what can and can’t be shown whilst on duty, says South Yorkshire Police Federation.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson’s office issued the ban in July saying that it recognised the prevalence of body art in society but that it was concerned about the force projecting ‘a professional image’.

It went on to say that, in its view, showing off tattoos can ‘diminish the confidence’ members of the public have in the police.

A recent PFEW survey of the public unearthed an opposite result but South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Zuleika Payne said the decision had removed any potential complications of ink being on show.

“Of course, tattoos with inappropriate and offensive pictures or words are a complete no no. However, tattoos come in all shapes and sizes and therefore what one deems permissible, another may not. By stating that all tattoos have to be covered means there isn’t any ambiguity or poetic licence, it can’t be open to interpretation and line managers have a policy to support them.

“There’s not going to be any debate on whether this tattoo is okay or this one isn’t – we are not allowed to show tattoos whilst on duty, so we have real clarity on it.”

Zuleika says she can understand the arguments on both sides of the coin which have been further fuelled by there being different tattoo policies among forces across the country.

“The decision has encouraged debate among officers,” she said.

“And there are variances in views across the national force which can prompt that debate.

“But the Chief Constable is very clear on standards, appearance and dress code, and he’s keen on sending out the right message to the public.

“There may be 43 variances in tattoo policy up and down the country, but a decision had to be made.

“He’s made that decision, he’s our boss, so we’ll cover them up.”