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My husband is due to leave the service in the Spring, but will start terminal leave before then. He's been sending out applications everywhere and has been able to start the hiring process (written/physical test) for a few departments already. He has two forearm tattoos (a 9 inch long, 1 inch tall line of Latin Scripture, and a 7 inch tall cross with his granddad's name on dog tags wrapped around it).
The departments in the area we'd like to end up represent the full gamut of tattoo policies, ranging from tattoos seemingly being a non-issue (provided they're not blatantly offensive) to tattoos basically not allowed (unless they're super inconspicuously located...like, on the inside of the upper thigh or on the bottom of the foot or something).
Some of the these departments, however, have a somewhat more ambiguous policy: no visible tattoos while in a standard issue short sleeve uniform. While a few do explicitly state that such tattoos may be covered with flesh-colored patches or wraps and/or make-up, some don't go on to clarify as much, and some say that long sleeve uniforms are not an option. Would it be splitting hairs to assume that if such tattoos were rendered invisible (by way of a tat jacket, specifically) there would be no violation of the department's policy?
Additionally, at what point during the hiring process would it be appropriate for my husband to inquire about this? I'd hate for him to go through all the time and trouble to get on with a department, only to be told that by "no visible tattoos" they actually mean "no tattoos in an area not covered by the uniform." I also know he doesn't wish to seem as though he's just thumbing his nose at the rules by going through the hiring process while keeping his tattoos covered until he can find out for sure what the specifics of their policies are/build a good rapport. Should he just call each department and ask for clarification before going any further? With whom should he speak when calling to make sure he's getting the most accurate answer?
Thanks!
The departments in the area we'd like to end up represent the full gamut of tattoo policies, ranging from tattoos seemingly being a non-issue (provided they're not blatantly offensive) to tattoos basically not allowed (unless they're super inconspicuously located...like, on the inside of the upper thigh or on the bottom of the foot or something).
Some of the these departments, however, have a somewhat more ambiguous policy: no visible tattoos while in a standard issue short sleeve uniform. While a few do explicitly state that such tattoos may be covered with flesh-colored patches or wraps and/or make-up, some don't go on to clarify as much, and some say that long sleeve uniforms are not an option. Would it be splitting hairs to assume that if such tattoos were rendered invisible (by way of a tat jacket, specifically) there would be no violation of the department's policy?
Additionally, at what point during the hiring process would it be appropriate for my husband to inquire about this? I'd hate for him to go through all the time and trouble to get on with a department, only to be told that by "no visible tattoos" they actually mean "no tattoos in an area not covered by the uniform." I also know he doesn't wish to seem as though he's just thumbing his nose at the rules by going through the hiring process while keeping his tattoos covered until he can find out for sure what the specifics of their policies are/build a good rapport. Should he just call each department and ask for clarification before going any further? With whom should he speak when calling to make sure he's getting the most accurate answer?
Thanks!
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