October 3, 2018 4.34 pm This story is over 65 months old

Voice of Lincoln: Your views on police with tattoos

The new rules “modernise our police force”

You may have noticed more police officers with visible tattoos in Lincolnshire after the force relaxed its rules. Do you welcome the change?

Lincolnshire Police this year relaxed their rules on tattoos, meaning they no longer need to be covered up so long as it is not discriminatory, offensive, obscene, or indicate attitudes of views inconsistent with the code of ethics and standards of professional behaviour.

Each tattoo is assessed on a case-by-case basis and the change in policy is to help modernise the Lincolnshire Police force further and help it connect more with people in the community.

Lincolnshire Police sergeant Emma Ward, who has several tattoos visible, said: “Since March this year, as a force we have relaxed the rules on tattoos to modernise our police force, but also to represent further our communities, and society as a whole.

“This means that tattoos that used to need to be covered can now freely be expressed as long as they are in line with our code of ethics, which means they are not discriminatory, offensive, obscene, or indicate attitudes of views inconsistent with the code of ethics and standards of professional behaviour.

“I have personally found that I can relate easily to anyone who has a tattoo.

“While they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I am happy that we as a force are allowing people to be themselves and not have to cover them up.”