Prison officers are responsible for maintaining safety and order within prisons and correctional facilities. One question that often arises along with whether you can be a prison officer with a criminal record, is whether or not individuals with tattoos can become prison officers. In this article, we will explore the issue of tattoos and becoming a prison officer.
Tattoos and the Prison Service
In the past, tattoos were generally viewed as a negative attribute for those seeking employment in the prison service. This was due to concerns that tattoos could be associated with criminal organizations or violent behavior. However, in recent years, attitudes towards tattoos have changed and the prison service has become more accepting of tattooed individuals.
The UK Prison Service, for example, has no specific policy on tattoos for prison officers. While some prisons may have their own guidelines on visible tattoos, the general policy is that tattoos are not a barrier to entry or employment in the prison service.
Assessing Tattooed Applicants
When assessing applicants for employment in the prison service, tattoos are not typically viewed as a barrier to entry. However, there are some factors that may be considered when assessing tattooed applicants. These factors may include:
- The Location of the Tattoo: Tattoos in visible areas such as the face, neck, or hands may be viewed as more problematic than tattoos in less visible areas.
- The Content of the Tattoo: Tattoos that are considered to be offensive or inappropriate may be viewed more negatively than tattoos that are less controversial.
- The Size of the Tattoo: Tattoos that are large in size or cover a significant area of the body may be viewed as more problematic than smaller tattoos.
Tattoos are generally not viewed as a barrier to entry or employment in the prison service. While there may be some factors that are considered when assessing tattooed applicants, the general policy is that tattoos are not a problem for those seeking to become prison officers. As attitudes towards tattoos continue to evolve, it is likely that the acceptance of tattooed individuals in the prison service will continue to grow.
