Three Garda cadets sent home from training for having tattoos

Visible tattoos are not allowed according the Garda handbook.

Three trainee officers have been sent home from Garda training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary for having visible tattoos. It is understood that the tattoos were visible on the cadets' lower arms, which would be visible if they were to wear a short sleeve uniform. They were among 175 trainee officers who arrived at Templemore college last month. The three officers were told that they could return to another training course if they had their tattoos removed.

If there was ever a ridiculous reason for exclusion this has to be it. Change this rule now please and allow recruits to continue training - God knows we need them @HMcEntee https://t.co/mjY9Waboxa

— Regina Doherty (@ReginaDo) August 13, 2023

A Garda spokesperson said on the issue: "A number of Garda recruits have had their positions deferred pending their compliance with the Uniform and Dress Code within An Garda Siochana. "An Garda Siochana Uniform and Dress Code is published on the Garda website and details provided in the Recruitment Candidate Information Booklet." The booklet states that tattoos on the face and above the collar aren't permitted and all other tattoos must be covered "in order to retain a professional image." None of the three recruits have resigned or been sacked. The incident happened this month among the current recruitment crisis involving An Garda Síochána, which has piled further pressure on Commissioner Drew Harris. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced a new funding package of up to €10 million to provide for extra garda visibilty on the streets on the back of a number of high profile incidents in Dublin. The package will go towards extra garda hours and shifts until the end of the year.

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