Former officer left `heartbroken` following rejection from force over tiny tattoo

A police officer with a wealth of experience has been told she cannot re-join the service because of a small tattoo.

Louisa Baker served with Sussex Police for ten years until 2006, before taking a break to bring up her two children.

But when the former police constable attempted to join Kent Police earlier this year, she was rejected because she has a tiny tattoo of a star behind her left ear, which the force deemed ‘inappropriate’.

Mrs Baker said she was “astonished” and “heartbroken” after being told she could not join the force over a tattoo – the size of a ten pence coin – that can be easily hidden by her hair.

She added: “They didn`t even interview me face-to-face to see first-hand how small the tattoo is, they just rejected me without clapping eyes on me.

“My professionalism and ability has never been brought into question, but now a tiny tattoo has ruined my chances of getting back into a job I love.

“The only reason I left in 2006 was to have a family.”

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Officers and staff are expected to maintain a standard of appearance that is considered professional, smart and approachable at all times.

“Applicants are also advised that some tattoos could potentially be deemed offensive to members of the public or colleagues, or could bring discredit to the police service.

“If a tattoo can be construed as being an offence to any religion or belief, discriminatory, violent, intimidating or unprofessional, applicants will be rejected.

“In addition, applicants are advised that tattoos appearing above the collar line, for example on the face, neck or hands, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis during their job application, regardless of how small or unoffending it may appear to them.”

Each force has a different policy when it comes to recruiting officers with tattoos, based on guidance from the Home Office.

The guidance states: “Officers should not have tattoos which could cause offence…with tattoos not acceptable if they are particularly prominent, garish, or offensive or undermine the dignity and authority of your role”.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has called for national standards on these rules.

If tougher policies on tattoos are adopted, the PFEW believes many forces will miss out on recruiting “able, talented and committed officers just because they are inked”.

A survey carried out by the federation showed that 81 per cent of public said dealing with an officer that has a tattoo had no effect on their confidence in the officer.