There is Finally a Policy Change For Tattooed Troopers, And The Comments Are Hilarious

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has updated its tattoo policy, allowing on-duty troopers to have visible arm tattoos, and no longer have to cover them up with sleeves.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol posted on Facebook saying, “Live PD fans might remember the sleeves Trooper Russell Callicoat wore during a recent episode. Well those sleeves are no longer required!”

The policy states, as long as the tattoos do not violate policy, they can be uncovered.

Troopers Russell Callicoat and Seth Hudson are two troopers happy with the policy change. In fact, the two are already planning their next tattoos.

Their post reads, “OHP has updated our tattoo policy. Troopers with arm tattoos used to have to cover them with sleeves. Live PD fans might remember the sleeves Trooper Russell Callicoat wore during a recent episode. Well those sleeves are no longer required! As long as the tattoos don’t violate policy – they can be uncovered. Troopers Russell Callicoat and Seth Hudson are just 2 troopers happy with the policy change! And apparently they’re already planning their next one!”

Oklahoma Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Sarah Stewart said, “The policy change had been considered for some time for reasons including uniform costs and recruitment.”

Many are happy with OHP’s Facebook post. However, there are some users (likely untattooed) who aren’t as excited about this policy reversal.

A Facebook user commented on OHP’s post, writing, “Real men don’t need tattoos to symbolize their masculinity. I was a two time Vietnam Veteran, I’ve been around the world, a city police officer, an OHP Trooper, the Undersheriff of Craig County, a Cherokee reserve officer, and not one tattoo. My life is my legacy.”

Another agreed, writing, “ Doesn’t look very professional at All OHP. suprised yall made this move. Yall took a hit with this one today.”

However, the support is (thankfully) in full swing.

One user commented, “Can’t help but laugh at all the judgmental baby boomers talking about how “unprofessional tattoos are.” Okay Susan, you have a collection of plates that no ones allowed to eat on.”

Another added, “Lord have mercy, you’d think they had meth pipes and prostitutes on their arms the way some of you are acting. They’ve been doing the job with ink on their arms the entire time. It’s not going to change the way they do their job other than perhaps being less uncomfortable without those hideous cover sleeves. Maybe even enjoy their job more, not having to hide part of themselves.”

But one comment stands out for us, with a simple, yet important, point: “Well… for those of you that don’t like it – should you ever need OHP, please be sure to tell dispatch to send a trooper without tattoos.”