Tattooed Metropolitan Police officers told to cover up or face sack (From Haringey Independent)

Tattooed Metropolitan Police officers told to cover up or face sack

12:14pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

Tattooed police officers in the capital have been ordered to cover up or face the sack.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has told Metropolitan Police officers to hide unsightly tattoos over fears the force is becoming “thuggish”.

Officers with artwork on their hands, neck or face must declare their body ink in the next few weeks.

Commissioner Hogan Howe says visible tattoos “damage the professional image” of the service but critics argue his views are “old fashioned”.

Are you a Met Police officer? Contact the news desk anonymously on 07824 530112 or email bthain@london.newsquest.co.uk and let us know what you think.