LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)- A new policy regarding the appearance of Lexington police officers is now in effect, officials confirm.
Chief Lawrence Weathers announced changes in the personal appearance policies for both sworn officers and civilian personnel, which took effect last week.
Employees of the Lexington Police Department are now permitted to have approved tattoos visible while in a work uniform.
“These policy changes have been considered for quite some time as societal views on tattoos have changed over the years,” Weathers said. “I think police employees will be pleased with this updated policy, and I hope the community will be able to see officers as regular people and not just someone in a uniform. With this change, we also anticipate an increase in our police applicant pool.”
The department’s previous policies did not allow recruits or employees to have any tattoos that were visible while in a short-sleeved uniform. With the news changes, tattoos and body alterations on arms and legs are permitted after they have been approved by the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee.
Chief Weathers reviewed the policies of other law enforcement agencies and discussed the issue with several officers and community members before finalizing the change.
According to the new policies, a tattoo or body alteration that may be perceived to be or is vulgar, indecent, sexist, racist, anti-social, gang-related, extremist group-related, or may bring discredit upon the department is prohibited. Sleeve tattoos and tattoos that appear on the hands, neck, or above the neck are also prohibited.
