Police officers are now banned from getting facial and neck tattoos under a new policy aimed at balancing the professionalism of the force with an increase in young people getting body art.

The policy, endorsed by Commissioner Andrew Scipione on November 20, also prohibits officers from getting racially or sexually offensive tattoos and requests they ''cover up'' tattoos on their arms on formal occasions.

Stars and gripes: Tattoos are said to upset some people. Credit:Kirk Gilmour

Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, head of police human resources, said the policy also prohibited officers from getting tattoos on their ears, scalp and hands.

''Some of the older generation don't like tattoos,'' she said. ''They feel a bit scared, there's a belief they might be from a criminal background just because they've got body art.''