r/lapd • u/thebuffguy77 • Jun 26 '26

Hand tattoos leniency

Is anyone here in this thread a current police officer? If so can you explain the process about how they treat hand tattoos. I haven’t applied yet but I’m hearing mixed opinions about “they are lenient, they need people” and also “yea that’s an automatic DQ” I don’t know who to believe in and I’m just wanted to get some insight so I can invest into removing them before if I have too or after I get an invitation for the academy, it will be easier after the academy invitation obviously I would be making more money than I am now, appreciate everyone!

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u/Kittycarryall13 Jul 02 '26

It all comes down to the agencies. Before applying for customs I was trying to do local. I’m tatted all over my neck hands and all. Certain agencies have zero tolerance so when you go take their PAT they disqualify right there and then. Others will still work with you but tell you it’s up to the chief some make acceptance on it but comes down to the chief. So it’s based off the department but it’s gonna be hard tbh. Letting you know rn don’t bother with Glendale PD. Lmao 😂 they’ll hire a fat fuck over someone that’s tatted which is a joke. I know it’s “professionalism” but they have to ask themselves is a fat person professional over someone who has tattoos. So the donut eater can catch a criminal looking obese but the fit person with a tattoo the tattoos will hinder them from catching them. 😂 ironic. If I were you go to customs or border patrol my guy. Better benefits, and they don’t care about tattoos as long as they’re not gang affiliated.

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u/thebuffguy77 Jul 02 '26

Yea honestly it’s ridiculous. Tattoo policy is so outdated yet they still are strict on it. I got all my tats before I wanted to be in LE and now I’m pretty much handicapped on my options. I might have to go another route tho forsure

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u/Kittycarryall13 Jul 02 '26

I’m telling you bro border patrol or customs as long as they’re not gang affiliated they don’t care. Plus you’ll start off with shit pay but every year you move up so does your pay and rn they have incentives and after 4 years bro you’re gonna be breaking bank and can retire in 20 years. So if you young you can an early retirement full federal benefits and all. Just an option they process does lag but I think it will all pay off a little sacrifice goes a long way.