Future Vermont state troopers will be allowed to have arm tattoos, if they cover them up.
In the past, applicants with tattoos that were visible when wearing short sleeves were not considered for employment. Under a policy update that starts Monday, such applicants would be welcomed, but if hired, would have to cover their arms with department-issued fabric sleeves. The policy continues to prohibit tattoos on the face, neck or hands, except for commitment band tattoos on ring fingers.
Officials say they recognize that tattoos have become more popular and the new policy will allow the state to recruit a wider pool of applicants.
New Hampshire state police prohibit tattoos that would be visible outside the uniform. Lawmakers there rejected a bill last year that would have loosened the restrictions.
