There was a time not so long ago when tattoos were strongly associated with prison culture, and having ink labeled someone as an outlaw at best, and a career criminal at worst. There was little chance of seeing a police officer with a tattoo; however, things have changed in the last thirty years. Now tattoos are less a testament to a criminal record than they are a personal expression of passion and culture. Nowadays, in most departments in major cities, finding a police officer with a tattoo is almost guaranteed.
While tattoos have become far more mainstream—even in the world of law enforcement—there are still guidelines that most officers must follow. It is generally understood that tattoos on the face and neck are inappropriate and some departments may require officers with large arm pieces to wear long sleeves year-round. Vulgar and racist tattoos are also prohibited. Despite the professional limitations, there is a growing acceptance of ink among law enforcement and pieces dedicated to the sacrifice the men and women make in the line of duty are becoming more and more popular.