Victoria Police has seen a notable increase in recruitment numbers following a change in its tattoo policy. As of earlier this year, the force now allows recruits to have tattoos on their hands and the back of their necks—an amendment that has already led to 86 applicants reapplying after being previously rejected due to their body art.
A police spokesperson explained that public opinion suggests there is little concern regarding non-offensive tattoos on officers, with many viewing the ink as a reflection of officers’ connection to the communities they serve. “We also don’t want to exclude suitable candidates simply because of harmless tattoos,” the spokesperson said.
The policy shift comes at a time when Victoria Police is facing a staffing shortage. As of October, more than 1,000 positions across the state remain unfilled, an increase of 200 from June. Despite this, there are currently 1,600 individuals undergoing the recruitment process. Of these, over 400 candidates are awaiting psychological evaluations, while 420 are pending final medical assessments.
Additionally, more than 680 officers are currently off duty due to WorkCover claims. The tattoo policy change has provided a boost to recruitment numbers, with 135 applicants being turned away last year due to their tattoos. Since the change, 86 of those individuals have reentered the recruitment process.
Under the updated guidelines, tattoos are prohibited on the front of the neck, with the restriction extending to an imaginary line running from the ear to the shoulder. However, tattoos on the hands and the back of the neck are now allowed, provided they are not deemed offensive or overly visible. Tattoos on the face, head, and front of the neck remain strictly prohibited.
Victoria Police employs over 21,700 people across the state. The changes to its tattoo policy are seen as a move to widen the pool of potential recruits while ensuring that officers maintain a professional and non-offensive appearance.
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