Can state troopers have tattoos in Texas? The Department of Public Safety Officers Association has yet to take a position on the matter, but several local police departments have recently imposed policies that force officers to cover their tattoos or cover them up completely. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue, but there is little doubt that the decision will ultimately make law enforcement safer. Regardless, many troopers have taken steps to protect themselves and their bodies.

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

One law enforcement agency in Texas is making it possible for state troopers to have tattoos. The Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association has yet to take a position on the new policy, but several local police departments already require officers to cover up tattoos or remove them altogether. In the meantime, tattoos on the face, neck, and hands are all perfectly legal, as long as they are in “ring style” designs.

While the policy on police officers’ beards and tattoos is still controversial, many localities have changed their policies to accommodate officers with tattoos or visible beards. In White Oak, for example, state troopers can now sport a beard, provided they’re clean-shaven and get permission from their supervisors. In Longview, officers who started before the policy was adopted can wear a tattoo, and in Kilgore, police officers can wear a beard if it’s small and discreet.

White Oak

The state of Michigan recently passed a new trooper tattoo law. Previously, state troopers who wanted to apply for the position were prohibited from displaying their tattoos. However, a recent tweet from the trooper’s department stated, “Got ink? We’re hiring!”

The policy is designed to reduce the possibility of discrimination against inked candidates. While many police departments are easing their no-tattoo policies to attract more candidates, the new White Oak State Trooper tattoo law still has a ban on visible tattoos. Still, state troopers should be clean shaven to avoid being branded as a “tattooed cop.”

The new law would also regulate the tattoo industry. This new legislation would require tattoo artists to complete an apprenticeship program of at least 200 hours before they can apply for a license. The reality is that you can’t learn how to tattoo in five weeks. It would also entail licensing tattoo artists, which would mean taking competition under their wing. It would be impossible to keep up with demand. Therefore, the proposed legislation should be put on hold until more information is available.

Kilgore

There is a new policy allowing state troopers in Texas to have tattoos. It’s not completely clear what it means, but this new policy is based on the comments of public officials and the recent growth of offensive tattoos among troopers. To be eligible to serve as a state trooper, a person must be at least 18 years old and must have no tattoos on the body part where their job is most visible, such as their face, neck, or head.

Although the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPSOS) cannot explain the new policy, several agencies in the state have relaxed their policies regarding tattoos. The Corinth, Texas, Police Department is a recent example of an agency that has relaxed their tattoo policy. However, the State Department of Public Safety does not permit the presence of Xtreme E facial tattoos. While it is difficult to know if this new policy will affect troopers in Texas, the Irving Police Department has made it clear that they are not averse to the new policy.

San Antonio

It seems as if every police officer in San Antonio has a tattoo or two. That’s because the San Antonio Police Department has a strict tattoo policy. New recruits are required to have tattoos covered by skin-toned sleeves. And even though the policy isn’t widely known, it does exist. Currently, tattoos are allowed on the arms, but they’re not allowed on the face, neck, or head. There are a few exceptions to the policy, including wedding band tattoos.

Police officers in San Antonio must cover up their tattoos to appear more professional. A recent policy from the city’s police department bans officers with visible tattoos on the hands, arms, or neck. While it doesn’t completely ban tattoos, it isn’t entirely clear why this new policy was adopted. The reason behind the policy, according to chief William McManus, is to make the department look more professional. The chief said he’s been thinking about it for years and decided that now was the time to implement it. In addition to the new tattoo policy, the police department also stopped accepting cadets with tattoos on their hands.