The Pennsylvania State Police are easing their tattoo policy.
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Colonel Robert Evanchick, the commissioner of the state police, made the announcement on Wednesday as he issued a special order to alter the agency’s longstanding policy that made tattoos taboo.
“Effective immediately, enlisted members and prospective cadets may have tattoos on their biceps and forearms; however, they are required to wear a long-sleeved uniform shirt on duty,” state police said in a statement.
The previous policy said that cadets who had “visible tattoos/brandings when wearing the standard short-sleeve uniform shirt” would be “immediately released from the training site.” The policy further stated that applicants had a short time to have the tattoo removed, but would not be considered for employment if the tattoo remained.
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The change comes as the state police prepare for their next recruiting period.
“The policy change is a reflection of internal and external feedback and the evolving public perception regarding tattoos and other body modifications,” said Evanchick. “We want to recruit the most qualified candidates available. Department leadership recognized we were potentially missing out on a larger group of applicants because of our restrictive policy and after careful consideration, we revised it accordingly.”
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State police said: “Tattoos depicting words, pictures, or symbols which can be interpreted to advocate, promote, or support racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or intolerance are not permitted. Also prohibited are tattoos that can be interpreted to advocate, promote, or support discrimination towards any race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.”
Those looking to enter the state police force – one of the largest in the nation – would have their tattoos reviewed by a screening committee prior to appointment to the academy.
“We are mindful that words and symbols can mean different things to different people,” said Evanchick. “Tattoos deemed detrimental to the mission and function of the Pennsylvania State Police remain prohibited.”
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Despite the easing of regulation, troopers with tattoos would not be allowed to have visible markings below the wrist line or above the neckline at anytime.
In New Jersey, state police ban applicants from having tattoos on one’s ace, head, neck, scalp, hands, or any part of the exposed body.
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