This story originates in Des Moines, Iowa (you know, I never quite understood the pronunciation of that city! Maybe that is my southern redneck grammar kicking in, I don’t know for sure). But, I certainly did understand the story.
It seems that many of Des Moines’ finest will soon have to go undercover after the police department adopted a policy restricting body art (for my fellow rednecks, that basically means tattoos). The new policy says that any tattoos, branding and intentional scarring on the face, head, neck, hands, or exposed arms and legs are prohibited. The employees who already have tattoos are exempt from the new policy but they must provide photographs of their existing tattoos—I guess at some point, a new photo will have to be taken to ensure they haven’t added more tattoos, thereby breaking the department’s rules. (Maybe the department will need to set up a tattoo/branding/scarring investigative department to ensure compliance!)
Of course, you would know that the police union has spoken out against the policy. The union president (a Mr. Barnes) said the policy is unreasonable and he has filed a grievance.
Also, as no surprise, the policy chief, Judy Bradshaw, has defended the new policy. She says that tattoos distract from a professional image.
I love the last statement made by the Des Moines police union president. He said that his tattoos sometimes help with his job by providing a common ground with young people.
Oh, where do I start with this one? I guess a disclaimer is in order here. I don’t have any tattoos. I probably would, but I’m allergic to needles! Well, that’s not quite true, I’m more allergic to pain! I cannot for the life of me envision willingly having someone inject dye through a needle into my body over and over again! I just can’t see that happening!
I also don’t like the idea of thinking about what the tattoos will look like in 10 years or 20 years. You’ve seen older people with tattoos, right? The eagle they once proudly flew on their arm now looks more like a sickly or dead vulture! Or what about the people who have their husband or wife’s name tattooed on their body, only to divorce that person later! How would you like to be the NEXT spouse to have to see that tattoo every day for the rest of your life?
The police union president’s comment about the new policy really struck me. He said that it provided him with common ground to talk with the young people. Well, if that’s the case, is Mr. Barnes going to start wearing baggy pants to work every day? Is he going to proudly let everyone see his boxer shorts as his pants hang low? Is he going to get a nose piercing or lip piercing or worse?
At one time, police officers and fire personnel were people to look up to and admire—they rarely wanted to be seen like everyone else. They took pride in their appearance and demeanor. Apparently, some in Des Moines have a problem with that.
What do you think? Am I being too hard on Mr. Barnes? Am I being unfair to people with tattoos? Do you have a tat that you’d like to tell the world about?
As you have time, let me hear from you.
