June 09--Chicago police officers will be required to cover their tattoos while working, according to a new directive issued this week.
"Tattoos and body brandings will not be visible while on duty or representing the department, whether in uniform, conservative business attire, or casual dress," the directive states.
The hands, face, neck and other areas not covered by clothing must be covered with "matching skin tone adhesive bandage or tattoo cover-up tape."
The order was issued Monday and is effective Friday. It also does away with knit caps and baseball-style caps as uniform items.
The department said in a statement that the changes were made "to promote uniformity and professionalism. Too many uniform variations became available, making Chicago police officers less immediately identifiable to the public."
Chicago Tribune's Jeremy Gorner contributed.
