June 09--The union that represents rank-and-file Chicago police officers says it plans to file an unfair labor practice complaint with the Illinois Labor Relations Board over a new directive requiring officers to cover their tattoos while on duty.
In a memo to members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, union President Dean C. Angelo said the directive, which also bans knit and baseball-style caps, should have been negotiated with officers before it was issued this week.
"It remains the Lodge's position that the dress code policy is a mandatory subject of bargaining, especially when it impacts current officers who have visible body tattoos and/or body brandings," Angelo wrote to union members Tuesday afternoon.
The directive was issued Monday and is to go into effect Friday.
"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," according to the directive.
The department said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the changes to its uniform policy were made "to promote uniformity and professionalism. Too many uniform variations became available, making Chicago police officers less immediately identifiable to the public."
The changes were prompted by newer officers who were "over the top" with their style of dress, according to a source familiar with the department's implementation of the new policy. Tattoos covering arms and necks, and baseball caps worn backward "had gotten extreme," the source said.
One issue the department encountered in developing the directive was whether officers would have to cover their tattoos if they commemorate their military service. "It's difficult to draw a line, so they went with none," the source said.
Several tattooed officers told the Tribune on Tuesday that the policy is ridiculous and violates their freedom to express themselves. The officers declined to be identified for this story because they're not authorized to talk to the media.
The officers said they've often been complimented for their tattoos by the public while walking the beat or working a case. They believe the tattoos make them more approachable by people who are fascinated by them, especially at a time when Superintendent Garry McCarthy is trying to foster better relations between the police and the community.
"The general public already looks at police like robots," said one of the tattooed officers, a sergeant who works on the South Side. "We're already thought of as not being personable."
None of the officers, each of whom has about 20 years with the department, could recall an instance when they offended people because of their tattoos.
