New figures reveal that Police Scotland turned away a record number of applicants in 2024 due to offensive or extreme tattoos, reigniting debates over professional standards in law enforcement.
Graphic and Offensive Tattoos Lead to Rejections
Police Scotland rejected 25 applicants last year because their tattoos were deemed unacceptable under official recruitment policies. According to a Freedom of Information request obtained by the Scottish Sun on Sunday, the rejected body art included depictions of violence, disturbing imagery, and offensive text.
Among the most controversial tattoos flagged during the selection process were:
- A depiction of a sex slave
- A hanged man
- The word “stab”
- A nun holding a firearm
- A decapitated geisha head gagged with a rope
The force, which generally allows officers to have tattoos, draws the line at extreme or offensive imagery that could undermine public confidence.
Changing Policies on Tattoos in Law Enforcement
In 2015, Police Scotland relaxed its tattoo policy to widen the pool of potential recruits. The Metropolitan Police followed suit in 2018, reflecting a broader cultural shift in how tattoos are perceived in professional environments.
Despite this, the force maintains discretion over what is acceptable. Since 2022, the number of rejections has fluctuated:
| Year | Tattoo-Related Rejections |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 25 (record high) |
The Debate Over Tattoo Standards in Policing
David Kennedy of the Scottish Police Federation defended the policy, stating, “I think they are very liberal with the vast majority of tattoos that they let in. But they’ve got a policy in place, and certain types of tattoos aren’t allowed. They’ve obviously got standards.”
He also suggested that some applicants might have to cover up their tattoos to be considered for the force.
While tattoos remain a contentious issue, Police Scotland has previously introduced and later postponed a ban on beards due to health and safety concerns, further highlighting the ongoing debate over personal appearance in law enforcement.
