As of today, police officers or individuals applying to become police officers can feature visible tattoos – under a number of criteria.

The longstanding debate has finally come to an end, with Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri saying the changes in rules reflect cultural changes in society. The changes also hope to attract more young people to join the force.

“I would rather not judge a person not on whether or not he has a tattoo but on his abilities and the way he behaves in the workplace because we are talking about police officers,” Camilleri said.

New guidelines are being drawn up for officers, with applicants now being asked to send in a picture of their tattoo as well as its dimensions – but a number of key things need to be kept in mind if anyone wants to join the force and is proud of their ink. 

The tattoos can be visible on their arms from the sleeve down or legs. They cannot be on the officer’s face, neck or palms, unless for medical reasons.

The tattoos cannot feature anything indecent, sexist, racist or inclined to offend public sentiment.

A board will be set up to vet tattoos and to ensure they do not offend any community, race, religion or show a negative message to the public.

Before this week, the police force did actually have officers sporting tattoos – but they were not visible, and kept under uniform. 

Police Deputy Commissioner Ramon Mercieca told TVM that officers who did sport visible tattoos prior to this rule change would be reported and face disciplinary action – even being forced to remove the tattoos from their body.

As far as the related topic of facial hair – having officers sport medium to long beards – there have been no updates.

Lovin Malta spent an evening patrolling the streets with officers from the island’s Rapid Intervention Unit – watch it below to get a glimpse into officers’ nightly duties.