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

Tattooed Metropolitan Police officers told to cover up or face sack

12:30pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

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 07795 305271 or email hwright@london.newsquest.co.uk and let us know what you think.