State police job applicant sues over tattoo policy

HARRISBURG (AP) — A northeastern Pennsylvania man claims his rights were violated when he didn’t get a job as a liquor agent with the state police because he wouldn’t have an arm tattoo removed.

Ronald Scavone sued the department last week, asking a federal judge to decide whether the policy is constitutional and if his treatment as a job applicant violated his rights of free speech, due process and equal protection.

Scavone says the policy infringes on his “freedom of choice in personal matters” and that it lacks a legitimate or rational purpose.

The state police isn’t commenting on the pending lawsuit.