Mixed reactions to Gwent police tattoo cover-up comment (From South Wales Argus)
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Mixed reactions to Gwent police tattoo cover-up comment
10:20am Monday 11th February 2013 in News
CONTROVERSIAL: Tattooed officers should be forced to cover up their tattoos on duty, said Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston
COMMENTS by Gwent’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, claiming police should not display tattoos on duty, have provoked mixed responses from Argus readers.
On Thursday we reported on PCC Ian Johnston’s comments, in which he claimed it was “wholly inappropriate” for officers to have tattoos on showwhile on duty.
Many Argus readers reacted angrily to Mr Johnston’s opinions, criticising his priorities and questioning his reading of public opinion.
Last week, Mr Johnston, 60, said: “It gives totally the wrong impression. Somebody with a tattoo which covers the whole of their arm, it doesn’t reassure the public that the police officer is on their side. If they decide to have this, while they’re on duty they should cover it up.”
The comments sparked mixed reaction on the Argus’ comments section, with most people highly critical.
Maud123 said: “I don’t think that anyone would be bothered if a policeman had a tattoo or not if they had just been attacked or burgled!”
Gareth said: “When it comes to factors that would bolster my confidence in the police, first on my list would be ‘seeing them’. ‘A tattoo on display’ is pretty much down there with ‘shiny shoes’.”
Katie said: “Must say, I can’t see why a police officer having a tattoo or not would have any effect on confidence in their abilities.”
But some of you agreed with Mr Johnston.
Woodgnome said: “He’s right. The Met Commissioner has also proposed this. Police should command respect across all society – and most older folks are unimpressed with body art.”
Cwmderi said: “It appears that many people do not care how police officers present themselves, as long as they are seen policing our streets.
I for one do not agree with that view. Standards of appearance are very important for our police.”
Comments(3)
ShankRiley
says...
6:48pm Mon 11 Feb 13
smokintheweed
says...
7:39pm Mon 11 Feb 13
ShankRiley wrote:Why are people with tattoos so concerned about telling people about their tattoos. They are pretty commonplace and no one really cares.
Quite a few law enforcement agencies have a no visible tattoo policy. It has to do with a military style standards and discipline. I have two forearm tattoos that I am required to cover up at work and I actually work in retail sales. It doesn't bother me. Yes, we should stop stereotyping but employers have the right to enforce a dress code. I love my tattoos and really don't mind covering when needed. Here are the sleeves I wear: http://www.tat2x.com
Jedi Master Katarn says...
11:49am Mon 11 Feb 13
That type of negative social stereotyping is exactly what the police should be preventing and setting an example against.
Just because a person is male or female, black or white, Christian or Muslim, straight or gay, young or old, tall or short, disabled or not, etc does not mean they have a greater or lesser ability to do their job so why does having a tattoo?
The police should be actively seeking to break the social stigmas upon these issues not creating more of a problem.
Oh look I have a hood on my top therefore I must be a thug with an ASBO and drinking problem not a Jedi Master!