The Santa Fe Police Department has a strict policy regarding tattoos and body modifications. As such, the following tattoos and body modifications are prohibited.Candidates with tattoos and/or body modifications are encouraged to check with the recruiting staff early in the application process.  

BODY MODIFICATIONS

Policy # 88.1.116 Body modifications visible while on duty are prohibited. Body modifications include, but are not limited to: 

• Tongue splitting or bifurcation
• Complete or trans-dermal implantation of any objects other than hair replacement
• Abnormal shaping of the ears, eyes, or nose
• Outlandish or unnatural contact lens colors or color variations that detract from a professional appearance
• Gauging or gradually increasing the radius of a surgically induced opening in the flesh in areas such as the ear lobes or lips
• Branding or scarification
• Abnormal filing of the teeth
• Body modifications shall not include those procedures medically necessitated by illness, deformity, or injury when performed by a licensed medical professional.

TATTOOS

Policy # 88.1.117  Officers are prohibited from having tattoos on any part of the hands, neck, face, or head. 

Tattoos that are visible in any department uniform shall not exhibit:

• Depictions of nudity or violence
• Sexually explicit or vulgar art, works, phrases, or language
• Symbols likely to elicit a strong negative reaction in the workplace or public
• Illustrations, references, symbols, acronyms, etc. that represent criminal, oppressive, prejudicial, or discriminatory beliefs or organizations
• Political beliefs, political parties, or represent any in a negative light
• Illustrations, references, symbols, acronyms, etc. that  denigrate the United States, State of New Mexico, City of Santa Fe, or the Santa Fe Police Department.