Pennsylvania State Police now permitted to have tattoos on arms

Pennsylvania State Police have changed the department's policy on tattoos. Enlisted members and prospective cadets can now have tattoos on their biceps and forearms, however, they are required to wear a long-sleeved uniform shirt while on duty."Members with tattoos that would be visible when wearing the short-sleeved summer uniform shirt are required to wear long sleeves. Tattoos are not allowed to be visible below the wrist line or above the neckline at anytime," A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson said in a news release. Previously, enlisted members and prospective members were not permitted to have any tattoos that were visible when wearing the summer uniform shirt, which is a short-sleeved shirt. “The policy change is a reflection of internal and external feedback and the evolving public perception regarding tattoos and other body modifications,” said Col. 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.”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 toward any race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson said prospective cadets will have their tattoos reviewed by a screening committee prior to appointment to the academy as part of the hiring process.

Pennsylvania State Police have changed the department's policy on tattoos.

Enlisted members and prospective cadets can now have tattoos on their biceps and forearms, however, they are required to wear a long-sleeved uniform shirt while on duty.


"Members with tattoos that would be visible when wearing the short-sleeved summer uniform shirt are required to wear long sleeves. Tattoos are not allowed to be visible below the wrist line or above the neckline at anytime," A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson said in a news release.

Previously, enlisted members and prospective members were not permitted to have any tattoos that were visible when wearing the summer uniform shirt, which is a short-sleeved shirt.

“The policy change is a reflection of internal and external feedback and the evolving public perception regarding tattoos and other body modifications,” said Col. 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.”

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 toward any race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson said prospective cadets will have their tattoos reviewed by a screening committee prior to appointment to the academy as part of the hiring process.