Brea Police Department in Orange County has implemented a pilot program allowing personnel to display their tattoos while on duty. The idea was proposed by officers who observed a generational shift where tattoos became more prevalent among younger officers compared to 20 years ago. The department previously required tattoos to be covered while on duty, but now 11 out of 100 employees have been authorized to show their body art.
The pilot program requires employees to submit photos and meanings of their tattoos to a uniform committee for review. Tattoos cannot be displayed during certain events, and offensive or inappropriate tattoos are not allowed. This change in policy was inspired by Disney’s flexible appearance policy for employees, as well as the evolving attitude towards tattoos in society.
Other local police agencies, such as those in Huntington Beach, Westminster, La Habra, and Placentia, allow visible tattoos. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco also made changes to allow deputies to show tattoos and grow beards, boosting morale within the department.
The Brea Police Department is seeking feedback from the community as part of the pilot program to determine whether the tattoo policy will become permanent. Some law enforcement agencies, such as the Orange and Los Angeles County sheriff’s departments and the Los Angeles Police Department, still prohibit visible tattoos while on duty. However, attitudes towards tattoos are changing, and Brea’s initiative reflects a broader trend towards acceptance of body art in law enforcement.
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