PNP bans visible tattoos for personnel
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has issued a policy prohibiting its personnel from wearing or sporting revealing tattoos.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Monday noted that since the assumption of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, there has been no directive to erase or remove tattoos of any PNP personnel. However, there is a memorandum circular regarding the bearing and sporting of tattoos.
“Those who enter or intend to enter the PNP via lateral entry, whether line units or technical units, our cadets in the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy), our incoming patrolmen and patrolwomen definitely cannot enter the PNP with a tattoo,” Fajardo said at a press briefing at Camp Crame.
She added that for existing personnel with tattoos, once the necessary requirements are met and the Memorandum Circular 2024-023 is published, they must declare their existing tattoos.
The memorandum circular, which was approved last March 19, will become effective 15 days after its publication on the Official Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation.
After the circular takes effect, they are not allowed to add additional visible tattoos, according to the PNP official.
“Visible tattoos, especially on areas like the face, head, neck, arms or any visible part while in uniform, are prohibited,” she said.
She added that aesthetic tattoos, such as those on the eyebrows or lips, are exempted.
Fajardo clarified, though, that the regulations aim to maintain a professional appearance and are not a curtailment of rights, but rather part of the rules and traditions of the uniformed service.
Regarding the removal of tattoos, personnel are given a grace period of three months to have visible tattoos removed at their own expense.
Fajardo said that failure to comply may result in disciplinary measures, including pre-charge investigation.
She stressed that while some may view tattoos as a form of creative expression, being in the PNP means adhering to specific rules and policies.
She underscored the importance of maintaining a professional image and following organizational regulations.
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Police officers who refuse to remove visible tattoos on their
