Police Tattoo Policy: Can You Join with Tattoos?
A complete guide to UK police tattoo rules: what is and isn't permitted, force-specific variations, face and neck rules, offensive content policy, and tips for applicants.
Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).
Policy varies significantly between forces. There is no single national tattoo policy. Always contact your target force directly before applying. The guidance below reflects common standards across UK forces and is not a guarantee of any individual force's position.
Police Tattoo Policy Guide
What the police allow, what is absolutely prohibited, and how force-specific variations work.
Quick Summary
Covered tattoos (inoffensive content)
Forearm tattoos — at many forces if content passes
Cultural or religious tattoos (declared and assessed)
Wrist tattoos — varies significantly by force
Ear area tattoos — varies by force interpretation
Face, neck tattoos — generally prohibited for officers
Hand tattoos — generally prohibited for officers
Offensive, discriminatory, or extremist content
Sexual or graphic violent imagery
Practical Tips
- Contact your target force's recruitment team directly to ask about their specific tattoo policy before applying
- Be completely honest on your application — declare all tattoos including those normally covered
- If you have a tattoo that could be interpreted as offensive, seek honest opinions from a diverse group of people before assuming it is fine
- Consider professional tattoo removal for face/neck/hand tattoos well in advance of applying — laser removal typically takes 6–18 months
- Tattoo coverage sleeves are available but check whether your target force accepts them as a solution
- Cultural or religious tattoos will be considered in context — be prepared to explain the significance clearly
- Do not rely on online forums for definitive policy guidance — policies change and vary by force