No visible tattoos!
Published:Saturday | January 15, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
POLICE COMMISSIONER Owen Ellington has reminded members of the force that it is against the rules for them to be sporting tattoos that can be seen when they are in the public.
"It has come to notice that there are some police personnel with tattoos engraved on visible parts of their bodies. The variety, sizes, and messages being portrayed by these symbols are inimical to the image of the force, unbecoming of our members, and are not in the best interests of the organisation," Ellington said in the latest Force Orders.
"Members must desist from wearing tattoos, body piercing, and other portraits as such practices are bringing the force into disrepute," added Ellington.
He instructed divisional commanders and other leaders of the force to reinforce the issue over the next six weeks.
This is not the first time that Ellington has had to chide the men and women under his command about the image they are presenting.
Recently, Ellington used the Force Orders to remind the cops that they were breaking the rules by wearing face masks, tams, and baseball-style hats.
Strong action
The commissioner has also taken strong action against members of the force found guilty of misconduct.
Last year, almost 400 disciplinary cases were addressed by the Police High Command, with policemen and women facing action ranging from dismissal to salary deductions.
"I believe that there is a strategic alignment between our strong internal disciplinary actions and the renewed professionalism of members and the improved operational results we have been having in the fight against crime," Ellington said recently.
"That is why I will continue to pursue those who would hurt and hamper this progress with behaviour which is inconsistent with a professional, disciplined, and efficient police force," said the commissioner.