PNP BANS TATTOOS FOR ASPIRING COPS, SETS RULES FOR PERSONNEL

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has banned tattoos for those who want to join the force.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said aspiring police officers are not allowed to have tattoos.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo also said the PNP has issued a policy prohibiting its personnel from wearing or sporting revealing tattoos.

She said the rules are stipulated in Memorandum Circular 2024-023 dated March 19, which covers both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.

She said PNP personnel must have their “visible” tattoos removed.

“For some sinasabing creative art ito, expression of oneself, belief sa artistic side po nila, but in every right, there are boundaries. Dito ay nasa loob tayo ng uniformed service kasi pangit na naka uniform ang pulis natin na tadtad ng tattoo,” Fajardo told reporters.

She said those cops with existing tattoos are required to execute an affidavit, declaring their tattoos which are not visible.

Fajardo said policemen should also state in their affidavit they cannot have additional tattoos, especially if these are visible.

“The policy does not cover aesthetic tattoos such as but not limited to eyebrows, eyeliner or lips,” she explained.

Among the tattoos that are considered unauthorized are extremist tattoos, ethnically or religiously discriminatory and offensive tattoos, indecent tattoos, racist tattoos, sexist tattoos, and tattoos associated with prohibited or unauthorized groups.

According to Fajardo, cops who refuse to follow the policy will face administrative charges.

“Remember, when you enter the PNP, you are expected na sumunod ka sa rules and regulations. If you cannot follow the regulations, then maluwag po ang pinto ng PNP para kayo ay magresign. Hindi naman po sapilitan ang mag-stay sa isang organization being governed by strict regulations,”  Fajardo said.