Up to date

Given everything you hear about changes in acceptable mores with regard to things like tattoos, you'd think that "updating" your departmental policies on such would mean liberalizing them.  You would be wrong about that.

A new tattoo policy getting under the skin of some NOPD officers, according to a local police union. On August 1, NOPD officers will no longer be allowed to have tattoos visible while wearing their uniform, according to a new policy.

That NOLADefender article even goes on to cite a 2008 Pew survey  indicating that about 40% of all 18-25 year olds (prime NOPD recruiting stock) now have a tattoo.  Serpas must not be too worried about that manpower problem after all.  But, hey, at least we're up to date.

Serpas said the new policy brings NOPD in line with police departments who have updated their tattooed policies. Department spokeswoman Remi Braden offered New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, the U.S. Capitol, Dallas, Des Moines, St. Louis and Tampa as examples of police departments who have policies restricting tattoos.

Bullying employees based on superficial issues with their appearance really never does go out of style.  The enthusiasm for pushing particularly hard comes and goes, though.

Update:  Meanwhile NOPD has the darnedest time firing anyone for drunk driving, fighting, or shooting up somebody's car. Likely will have no problem kicking you to the curb for tattoos, though.