My FD doesn't have a tattoo policy. I don't have any, but many of my co-workers do. Several have full sleeves.

If I had some in visible areas it would certainly prevent me from applying at a place that required them to be covered up. It's way too hot in this state. Plus we have a hard enough time getting qualified candidates to apply...couldn't afford to exclude anyone else.

I'm obviously biased, but if you have an emergency and need help you shouldn't care if I show up wearing a clown suit to help you.

I'd prefer full tat sleeves. Clowns creep me out.

Just to bump the read count past 666...

Can't help but notice that officer on Live PD with the colorful arm display. I put it with men wearing earrings...doesn't make sense to me but if that's what you want then do it. If I was an employer I would have a strict policy.

This post is for those that do have tats. I don't and it is not a big deal with me. Here is my question " what is your reason for having the tats?" Is it a mind set or what? I am not trying to create a problem but just curious as to why?

I don't care what you look like smell like or your color just as long as your there to save my butt I could care less.

This post is NOT for those who have tatts. This post is for should they be covered up in the first responder profession and does the public really care

I have tattoos and they are seen by everyone at my job and I kinda the face for our company. I work for a water company serving 2340 customers in an area where people have some money. I was promoted to field supervisor about 2 years after starting here and I was asked to cut of my long hair and I did so, I'm now the water superintendent and I have customers that ask about my hair being short even talk to me about my tattoos. I've been in this industry for less than 5 years and can only take one position GM. All that being said I believe if a person no matter the industry they serve, if they are doing their jobs and making effective decisions tattoos shouldn't matter. just my opinion

Dislike!

They’re not professional. I saw a cop the other day 5,8” 350lbs, eating lunch in a small town. He had SHEPHERD tattooed on his forearm, in GIANT letters. I had a lot of questions about whether his tattoo meant he was the Shepherd and I was the flock, if he liked the Dukes of Hazzard and he was lost sheep to Shepherd and that was his CB handle? I had many questions. I didn’t ask but I knew I could outrun him or kick his arse. Since he was the law I didn’t ask.

Being out of shape is unprofessional.

I don’t care one way or another about visible tattoos as long as they aren’t on the neck, head, or face. I do not like piercings on men, long hair, or facial hair on police officers. And whoever says it’s too hot to wear long sleeves to cover your arm tats is ridiculous, I wear long sleeves in uniform all year. I also wear Class A uniforms because I think the Class B looks like pajamas, now that does vary from department to department.

My lawn guys wear long sleeves. I see roofers do it too.

Could care less, to each their own. MERICA!

In some jobs appearance matters more than others. I wouldn't consider a first responder as someone who having a tattoo could potentially be a detriment to their career as it could in other professions. Like others have said, most important is that they are proficient at their job. Honestly, I would expect most cops and firemen to have tattoos, but I think covering them up looks more professional in some lines of work.

I got a logo if someone is man enough to get it tattoo’d on themself!

Place I work at has some dang good Paramedics with full sleeve tats. So far nobody that was mangled in a wreck, had heart problems, couldn't breathe, had back pain, or any other thing has complained about any of them.

I am former LEO and I have tattoos. Non of which were visible when I was in uniform. I not necessarily saying that tattoos are unprofessional. I am just saying that ANY first responder needs to maintain a high level of professionalism and in my opinion tattoos could take away from that. I think it would be a case by case basis for me. I never applied/did not apply based on a tattoo policy.

Why is that?

DPD class B uniforms are terrible.

Those sweet white t’s

That was pretty good. Off the skateboard and onto the rollies was cool.

i have some tats including a full sleeve but im not a cop, some of these cops look worse than the criminals they arrest. that doesnt seem right. professionals need to look the part just my opinion

My daughter got me a new tatto yesterday got a daddy daughter tat
I were long sleeves when in uniform anyways but this is not really visible anyway

If someone is saving my life idgaf if they have tats.