New LRPD Policy Bans Visible Tattoos, Piercings
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: April 12, 2012
The Little Rock Police Department is cracking down on it's own officers with tattoos and body piercings. An updated appearance policy kicks in April 18th.
Now, officers will have to prepare to use make-up or wear long sleeves in the summer to cover up their ink.
7th Street Tattoo owner Robert Berry says he thinks it's a strange time to implement such a policy. He considers tattoos a form of storytelling.
"Here's my 5 kids, 24 stars, 24 years of marriage," he said, pointing to a large colorful tattoo on his arm.
Berry also says the face of his clientele continues to change.
"Everybody gets tattooed. We get lots of police, firemen. We've had church groups come in 10 to 15 at a time and get religious symbols on their bodies," said Berry.
Little Rock Police Officer Bruce Jones says his tattoo carries multiple meanings.
"I got this after my second friend was killed here, it says lest we forget," said Jones.
Should he have to keep it covered at work even though he is honoring his profession? According to the new policy, yes.
"Someone may have something on their arm. To them it may not be offensive, if they stop someone on a traffic stop and they see it they might be offended by it," said Lt. Terry Hastings.
The departments' first tattoo policy requires any visible tattoos be covered with clothing , bandages or makeup or removal, paid for by the officer.
Lt. Hastings says it's their way of dealing with growing trends and keeping the appearance of the force neat.
"In past history, people had a few had tattoos and most of them were hidden and not where they can see today young folks get arms tattooed and faces," said Lt. Hastings.
But is it outdated?
"Back in my day if you had a tattoo you were a desirable a biker or on the fringe of society these days it's so mainstream its small."
No matter how popular, soon it won't be allowed, but Jones says most will adapt.
"It may be a hassle during warm weather and you're wearing a long sleeved shirt, that's what I consider a hassle, but at the same time the guys will be able to handle it," said Jones.
Now, officers will have to prepare to use make-up or wear long sleeves in the summer to cover up their ink.
7th Street Tattoo owner Robert Berry says he thinks it's a strange time to implement such a policy. He considers tattoos a form of storytelling.
"Here's my 5 kids, 24 stars, 24 years of marriage," he said, pointing to a large colorful tattoo on his arm.
Berry also says the face of his clientele continues to change.
"Everybody gets tattooed. We get lots of police, firemen. We've had church groups come in 10 to 15 at a time and get religious symbols on their bodies," said Berry.
Little Rock Police Officer Bruce Jones says his tattoo carries multiple meanings.
"I got this after my second friend was killed here, it says lest we forget," said Jones.
Should he have to keep it covered at work even though he is honoring his profession? According to the new policy, yes.
"Someone may have something on their arm. To them it may not be offensive, if they stop someone on a traffic stop and they see it they might be offended by it," said Lt. Terry Hastings.
The departments' first tattoo policy requires any visible tattoos be covered with clothing , bandages or makeup or removal, paid for by the officer.
Lt. Hastings says it's their way of dealing with growing trends and keeping the appearance of the force neat.
"In past history, people had a few had tattoos and most of them were hidden and not where they can see today young folks get arms tattooed and faces," said Lt. Hastings.
But is it outdated?
"Back in my day if you had a tattoo you were a desirable a biker or on the fringe of society these days it's so mainstream its small."
No matter how popular, soon it won't be allowed, but Jones says most will adapt.
"It may be a hassle during warm weather and you're wearing a long sleeved shirt, that's what I consider a hassle, but at the same time the guys will be able to handle it," said Jones.
