Tattoo Appearance Policies in Municipal Police Departments

• In Event: Police Training and Appearance Policies

Abstract

Tattoos are an increasingly common feature of modern society, with a recent Pew survey reporting 32% of Americans having at least one and 22% having multiple tattoos to express body art. As younger, tattooed generations enter the workforce, departments must navigate the balance between maintaining a professional image and adapting to shifting societal norms, and law enforcement agencies must reconsider the relevance of traditional appearance policies. However, many police departments still prohibit visible tattoos or, if permitted, have varying policies covering allowable body art. The purpose of this study is to explore tattoo appearance policies. We do so by examining appearance policies from 31 police departments in Pennsylvania. Policies were coded on whether they were permitted, whether there were restrictions on visible tattoos, and whether departments permitted other forms of body art such as purposeful scarring. Results are discussed in light of the literature, and directions for future research and policy are suggested.

Authors

• Dessire Amaya, Penn State Harrisburg

• Angela Deras, Penn State Harrisburg

• Victoria McQueen, Penn State Harrisburg

• Angela Patterson, Penn State Harrisburg

• Makayla Smith, Penn State Harrisburg

• Jennifer Gibbs, Penn State Harrisburg

• Siyu Liu, Penn State Harrisburg