Speakout

The Baltimore Sun

ISSUE: -- A new requirement that Anne Arundel County police personnel cover up their tattoos - even if it forces bike patrol or animal control officers to don long sleeves, pants or turtlenecks in scorching heat - has the rank and file hot and bothered. The policy, among the strictest in the state, requires that all personnel, including volunteers, cover tattoos when they are on duty. The aim of the policy shift is "to promote the uniformity of appearance ... to maintain neutrality ... to foster discipline and to encourage public confidence," according to a memo sent June 22 by Col. James E. Teare Sr., the police chief. The officers union filed a grievance Tuesday, saying the measure is too stringent and could hamper recruitment efforts, especially among military veterans. "When you add the long-sleeve shirt and tie or turtleneck with bulletproof vest and gun belt, it makes for very hot and uncomfortable conditions," said Cpl. O'Brien Atkinson, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. What do you think of the new policy?

Police shouldn't have to hide tattoos

Instituting a ban on police officer tattoos that are racist or sexist is just sound public policy. The Police Department would be wise to scrutinize the character of any person sporting such a tattoo. But that is where the line should be drawn.

Outside of offensive tattoos, officers should be permitted to serve the public without having to cover up their body art.

As an honorably discharged member of the military, and a current member of the VFW, I can safely say that over 50 percent of my brothers in uniform sported a tattoo.

It was not frowned upon, or discouraged, by the military leadership. In fact, tattoos were common and accepted among all levels of enlisted personnel. Some of the best staff sergeants and petty officers serving on my amphibious Navy assault ship brandished not one, but multiple tattoos.

Not only was there no correlation between tattoos and military readiness and performance, but given the current popularity of tattoos one could make the case that these folks were simply ahead of the times.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department would be wise to continue recruiting from the ranks of the military, where certainly many of the best police prospects can be found.

Instead of concentrating on tattoos, the department should spend its time strategizing how best to continue the fight against crime in our neighborhoods. Sometimes we focus on extraneous issues to avoid having to deal with real, more difficult issues.

Michael P. DeCicco Severn

Officers not allowed to use judgment

Just another example of big brother making our decisions for us, because we all know we're too stoooooooooopid to think for ourselves.

Elisse Franco Odenton

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