CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) — The South Carolina Highway Patrol released new restrictions on tattoos for anyone applying to become a trooper.
The new policy says applicants can’t have any tattoos that would be seen while wearing the uniform. Troopers cannot have tattoos on the neck, face, head, or upper chest “that would be visible while an SCDPS officer is wearing official attire or in uniform wearing a properly-fitting crew neck t-shirt.”
Anyone with visible tattoos on the arms would have to wear a cover-up sleeve approved by the department. Tattoos on the hands is also prohibited with the exception of a single band tattoo on one finger of either the right or left hand that cannot exceed 3/8 of an inch in width.
SCHP now has 800 officers on the streets and the department plans to hire 55 more.
“We’ve made some changes now to attract some applications, some new applications because we’ve been doing this for several years now, looking at new ways to attract applicants to our field,” says Cpl. Sonny Collins.
Ink symbolizing violence, nudity, and gangs are also restricted.
“There are some stipulations as we move forward,” explains Cpl. Collins. “They have to wear a skin sleeve over those exposed tattoos or either just simply wear the long-sleeved uniform.”
Visit the SCHP website for all restrictions on tattoos and body piercings.
