Columbus cops upset over new tattoo crackdown
COLUMBUS (AP) — Tattooed police officers in Ohio’s largest city would like to arrest a department policy that their ink must be decent and discreet.
Columbus police should not have tattoos of questionable taste or tattoos visible on any exposed body part, under rules enforced since early this month on the orders of a deputy chief.
Inked-up officers are complaining that the tattoo crackdown is bad for morale. The police union has filed a notice that the restrictions need to be submitted for negotiations.
Deputy Chief Kim Jacobs says the tattoos are becoming larger, and more officers are getting them. She says they become an issue during the summer short-sleeves months.
Police departments in St. Louis and other cities have similar policies.