Georgia DPS Tattoo Policy Adjustment Expands Applicant Pool

GEORGIA — Georgia state troopers still can't have visible tattoos — but now they can wear long-sleeved shirts year-round to cover up arm tattoos.

Lt. Auston Allen, recruiting coordinator for the Georgia DPS, told WMAZ-TV the change to the tattoo policy was made earlier this month. While state troopers and any applicants still can't have tattoos on their face, neck or below the elbows, the latter part of the policy can be addressed with the new long-sleeved shirt rule.

"The new policy, some of the same verbiage is there, you still can't have a visible tattoo. However, the trooper now has the option of wearing the long sleeved shirt, the Class A uniform, year-round," Allen said.

Allen said troopers were previously required to switch from the long-sleeved to short-sleeved uniforms during warmer months, but the new policy says troopers or applicants with forearm tattoos can keep wearing their long-sleeved uniforms all year.

The policy adjustment will allow more people to be eligible to apply, particularly military veterans, according to Allen.

"People that are in service, in public service, have been allowed to get tattoos on their forearms or slightly below the elbow that until this policy change has automatically been disqualified from attending trooper school. Now they have an option and some of those will make outstanding troopers no doubt," Allen told WMAZ-TV.

No other requirements to become or remain a trooper have changed.