South Australia Police allow officers to have tattoos and long hair

South Australian police will enable officers to have seen tattoos and have eliminated gender restrictions on lengthy hair to mirror the “societal change” within the state.

Police commissioner Grant Stevens permitted modifications to decorate requirements to permit officers to have “visible, non-offensive tattoos, and hair standards will no longer be gender specific”.

“SAPOL is aligning its standards to be a reflection of the community it serves. These changes are a major shift in our organisational culture,” Stevens stated.

South Australian police shall be allowed to affix the power with seen tattoos and males can have lengthy hair. (South Australia Police)

“All uniformed employees will be able to have longer hair if they choose; however, the hair must still be worn appropriately at the rear of the head so as to comply with health and safety requirements.

“Visible non-offensive tattoos may also now be displayed however they can’t be on the ears, face, head, scalp, entrance or sides of the neck.”

Stevens said the changes remove barriers to anyone wanting to apply for the police force who wanted to keep their long hair or were worried about hiding their tattoos.

”This will not be about reducing requirements however extra so balancing gown normal insurance policies to mirror societal change,” Stevens added.

“The skilled look of cops won’t be impacted, as this isn’t a free for all method to hair kinds or tattoos.”

Police minister Joe Szakacs said the change reflects shifting community standards and hopes to see more people look to the police force as a career choice.

”We hope it should encourage extra individuals to see policing a profession or alternative, if the gown requirements had beforehand held them again from making use of,” Szakacs said.

Officers from Wollongong Police district found the man driving around the car park where he was stopped and arrested. — All other police jurisdictions allow recruits to join with tattoos but there are caveats. (AAP)

Meanwhile in other states, NSW Police, Victoria Police, Queensland Police, and Tasmania Police officers are allowed to have visible non-offensive tattoos as long as it isn’t on their face, scalp, ears, neck or hands.

Western Australia Police officers are also allowed to have tattoos but have to submit a photo for review.

Face tattoos aren’t permitted but tattoos on the neck and hands are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

There are no bans for Northern Territory Police applicants with tattoos however body art on the neck and hands is prohibited if visible while wearing a uniform.