I've met quite a few Troopers with Tats, a couple of which had some visible ones (in short sleeves). I hear that tattoos are not a big deal anymore presuming that they aren't offensive, gang related, etc. Is this true that MSP doesn't care much anymore unless of course you have a huge "I'd rather be stealin' " across your forehead?
Tattoos in MSP
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·Don't even think about getting tattoos that are visible. First, you look like an idiot and second you disgrace the summer uniform. I recall one younger trooper than I who transfered into my barracks in the winter. Come the summer and the short sleeves and I was horrified to see EXTENSIVE visible tattoos on both arms(spider webs, lightning bolts, etc.). After asking around I found out he got them after the academy. If you wanted tats on your arms you should have been a sailor or a biker.
just my opinion...
Guinness2429
just my opinion...
Guinness2429
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From what I have heard, military tattoos are ok, but like guinness said it is a disgrace to the summer uniform. Word of advice if you don't have one, don't get one. I was the only marine in my company to not have a USMC tattoo and I don't regret it. Besides don't even think of doing undercover work with tattoos.
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I know who you are talking about. The Major wasn't too happy. He is a good Trooper, though.Guinness2429 said:
Well, some people like myself have visible tattoo's, so to say that someone is an idiot because they have them is just rude!!. I have meet alot of Law Enforcement in Massachusetts and just because you can not see visble one believe they have on other parts of their body, so does that make them idiot's too? just because you can not see them. I am sure the State Police do not judge the person on some visible tattoo's compared too education and work experiance then again I might be wrong.
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It's an appearance thing...Most PD's let you have a moustache too, but it's just not done on the MSP. I have seen some local guys with full beards, etc..It just looks weird. I know a lot of guys with Tattoos, but they have them someplace not visible in the uniform.Enforcer said:
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Re: tats
In Guinness' defense, I believe he was referring to your appearance in the Summer (short sleeved) Uniform with visible tattoos. I agree, it looks ridiculous (depending on the tattoo)...Picture a m/v stop where the Trooper saunters up the the vehicle with chinese writing on his neck, and bizarre symbols all over his forearms...I know I would think it looked unprofessional. If a guy had a USMC or Navy tat on his bicep it probably wouldn't look so strange.Joe B said:
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·Wait a minute! The "biggest jackass" statement?? I've seen a lot worse on my very short time on this board. But, I'll humor you.....Appearance is not everything, but it can go along way to gaining respect and at least looking the part. I know plenty of do-nothings who look great in the uniform, but I wouldn't trust them to back me up if they were the last trooper in the state! I'd rather have a guy with tats whose a good cop than a guy who just looks like a good cop, but sucks.
It is just my personal opinion that you shouldn't have exotic and extensive tattoos on the visible part of your arms. It also depends on what type of tats you have, i.e. spider webs, pot leaves, naked women, etc. vs. mother/wife/kids name, hearts, shamrocks(of course), religious or ethnic tattoos, etc. It gives the wrong first impression to both fellow police and the public. If you want a lot of tattos, illustrate the other parts of your body hidden by the uniform.
Lastly, I was also trying to give that fellow or originally posted the question an unequivical(sp?) answer.
What's next? Nose rings or lip plugs while in uniform?
just one jackass' opinion...
Guinness2429
It is just my personal opinion that you shouldn't have exotic and extensive tattoos on the visible part of your arms. It also depends on what type of tats you have, i.e. spider webs, pot leaves, naked women, etc. vs. mother/wife/kids name, hearts, shamrocks(of course), religious or ethnic tattoos, etc. It gives the wrong first impression to both fellow police and the public. If you want a lot of tattos, illustrate the other parts of your body hidden by the uniform.
Lastly, I was also trying to give that fellow or originally posted the question an unequivical(sp?) answer.
What's next? Nose rings or lip plugs while in uniform?
just one jackass' opinion...
Guinness2429
What about Janet Jackson nipple clips....... :lol: Actually those are fine because they are under the uniform.....I have to agree with Guinness2429 on this one. When you wear the uniform, you always have the public eye on you....with that being said, I think the professional look is most important. Shows you take pride in your position and image. I have tatoos on one shoulder and one bicep...not visible though....so I will say there is nothing wrong with having them, just use good judgment on where they are being placed.
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Now all prospective candidates for the 77th RTT should get a tatoo of a bulldog with a smokey hat "ROAD-DAWG" and a patch of the MSP on their right arm. That will show your dedication in the academy and it will clearly identify you as someone that needs special attention in the academy. :lol: :mrgreen:
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Once we got short sleeve shirts, tattoos below the elbow were a disqualifier for enlistment in the MSP...I don't believe that is the case now.
Previous to short sleeves and slacks, the summer uniform consisted of changing from the garrison cover to the campaign cover(a practice that continued through the sixties).
Tattoos are appropriate for Maori tribesmen, sailors and bikers. I can't think of any use for "body art", but if you can, go ahead and get ink: discreet should be the watchword for placement.
Previous to short sleeves and slacks, the summer uniform consisted of changing from the garrison cover to the campaign cover(a practice that continued through the sixties).
Tattoos are appropriate for Maori tribesmen, sailors and bikers. I can't think of any use for "body art", but if you can, go ahead and get ink: discreet should be the watchword for placement.
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·Maori tribeman...excellent referrence. Nothing wrong with a well-read and educated cop. I agree with your opinion 100%. Carry on!
Guinness2429
Guinness2429
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Hee-Hee! Reminds me of my time in Marine Corps boot camp, Parris Island, SC. 1985...A kid in my platoon arrived with a big-ass USMC tattoo ALL READY permanently displayed on his bicep! The DI's gave him some of that special attention you speak of...... They had him write "RECRUIT"H50 said:
with a black, permanent Sharpie Marker underneath his "USMC" tattoo, which he would have to "touch-up" every day or two when it started to fade, all the way up to graduation. Ha-Ha!
The DI's wanted to remind him, and all of us, that becoming a Marine was not guaranteed to any one of us, and we should consider boot camp to be like a "Three-Month-Long Job Interview"! Oh the memories! Ooh-Rah!
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Hey Scott!! Ask Yimmy where his SUPER Tattoo is. It can also read SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS in certain instances..... 
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