Chances of employment in the Met with numerous tattoos

[jones865]

Hi,
is anyone an expert with regards to how the Met feel about tattoos? I have quite a few tats on my upper arms, shoulders, back and chest. I also have 2 names on my forearms and one on each wrist. I am able to cover them with a long sleeve shirt and watch. I've heard various opinions with regard to acceptence, none are offensive, mostly tribal and family names ie my daughter and partner but I have been told that the amount of tattoos can be off putting for the police?!? Any advise would be much appreciated as this is a career I desperately would like to pursue after 11 years in the RMP.

[Cbev]

It what depend what exactly they are and how someone in the recruitment department opinion is off offensive. Best bet is to in to the recruitment place attached to New Scotland Yard on Victoria Street and speak to them there, they should be able to give you a better idea.

[covert munkey]

Thanks for giving your advice Cbev.

[simar]

 

• 1Tattoos
  • 1.1Acceptable
  • 1.2Unacceptable
• 2Call centre

Tattoos

You need to be aware of how your appearance makes an instant impression on people. As a member of the Metropolitan Police Service your appearance must avoid offence at all times. Whilst we judge each case on its own merits, and consider the context in which the tattoo is displayed, some tattoos (whether visible or not) might be in breach of this requirement.
If you have any tattoos we need to make sure that they are not:

• Rude
• Lewd
• Crude
• Racist
• Sexist
• Sectarian
• Homophobic
• Violent
• Intimidating

The nature, location, prominence and appearance of tattoos will need to be considered against the overall requirements. For example, tattoos on the lower arm, hand and face are more prominent. The quantity and size of any tattoos should also be taken into consideration – several tattoos or large or garish ones should continue to be considered with regard to the impression that they may give to members of the public or colleagues even if they do not fall into the above categories.
If any candidate has a tattoo that falls into any of the above categories, wherever it appears on the body, their application is unlikely to be acceptable.
The following are examples of the types of tattoos that are likely to be deemed acceptable and unacceptable, but this list is not exhaustive.

Acceptable

British/national flags, Bull dogs with union flags, Birds, Flowers, Scrolls with or without names, Regimental badges or crests, Football club badges, Dragons, Snakes, Peoples’ names and Cartoon characters providing they do not depict blood or violence.

Unacceptable

Guns, Daggers either covered in blood or dripping blood, Naked women/men, any tattoo that may have an association with paramilitary/violent organisations, any tattoo which depicts violence of any kind.

Call centre

You can also talk to a member of our recruitment team by calling 0845 727 2212.

Met Careers Office
Empress State Building
Empress Approach
Lillie Road
London SW6 1TR Opening Times
Mon-Tues 10am - 4pm

Funny the MOD Police were using that address when i joined in 1990.

[alexiniraq]

When was in the Job, you were not allowed any Tattoos on your forearms. But they did pay for people to have them removed. But things may have changed as the Service has got even more Politically correct than when I left.

[andynorris]

mate..!!!! take your oil for being a monkey in the first place..!!!

[chris1230]

My advice is leave the Rmp join a quality unit, for example, Royal Marines, then apply..... ;-)

[alexiniraq]

I don't know who your talking about mate. I was never in the RMP.

[airborne]

or even the para reg.

[co19]

if your tattoos are about your same sex partner and your diverse love child that one of you had with a deliance with a ledy of ethnic origin who partook in a left wing sexual orgy you should be OK for the Met!