Policy on Tattoos
Having a tattoo does not prevent you from joining the PSNI, but certain tattoos and their visibility will not be acceptable. The determination of whether a tattoo is acceptable comes at the vetting stage after all tests, assessments and examinations.
It is not possible to provide definitive advice prior to this, but the guidance set out here is intended to assist people with a tattoo in determining whether their tattoo(s) would be acceptable.
1. Tattoos, which will lead to rejection
A tattoo or tattoos, which would be visible when you are dressed in uniform (including short sleeve shirt order) and are considered to be:
- obscene; or
- sectarian; or
- offensive; or
- of disproportionate size in overall area; or
- likely to give rise to the impression that a member might not impartially discharge his/her duty.
2. Tattoos, which may lead to rejection
A tattoo or tattoos of the same classifications as 1-5 above, but which would not be visible when you are dressed in uniform (including short sleeve shirt order) may lead to rejection. All such tattoos must be described giving size, location and nature. Dependent upon the nature of the tattoo, it may raise questions about the applicant's suitability to be a police officer. Judgement has to be made on the nature of the tattoo, the individual's background and the impression it may convey to others. The variables are immense and cannot be defined. All cases of doubt will be referred to the Vetting Panel for decision. It should be noted that the PSNI is committed to maintaining a neutral working environment and tattoos, which may not be visible to members of the public, may in certain circumstances be visible to other officers. In cases of doubt the applicant may be required to produce photographs of their tattoo or tattoos.