NHSP Policy Change on Tattoos

Change is a good thing – especially if it opens recruitment chances to a wider range of applicants! For years, NH State troopers have been prohibited from having arm tattoos thanks to a policy update. The ban was costing them valuable recruitments and causing them to turn away many talented applicants. Many local police departments in NH have already loosened their tattoo policies for this reason. Now, NHSP is to follow suit – announcing that they are changing their tattoo policy.

Thanks to the new policy, state troopers are now allowed to have tattoos on their arms up to their wrist. The tattoos can’t be deemed racist, sexist or indecent. Once approved, the tattoos must be covered by compression sleeves or long sleeve shirts while on duty. The move was made to widen the NHSP’s applicant pool as more and more people have tattoos. In terms of statistics, 25-35% of Americans have at least one tattoo – and state troopers should be no exception. Loosening the policy would also offer a sort of moral boost as troopers would be able to express their individuality more freely. In addition, many studies have found that clients (civilians in this case) feel more comfortable and relate easier to professionals with tattoos. Tattoos on the hands, neck or head are still prohibited, however.

Tattoos Right now in the Workplace

As acceptance of tattoos grow in society, we will likely see more and more officials rocking tattoos. Professionals are already taking big steps in tattoo acceptance. You can already see your doctors sporting sleeves. Even your lawyers have tattoos. Though it may still be likely they need to cover these tattoos. Overtime, there may be a shift in how professionals may present themselves. Allowing for freedom of tattoo exposure. It is likely acceptance towards placement will continue to grow. Til then, we look forward to seeing how the tattoo industry and its acceptance grows.