By Barbara Bean-Mellinger Updated June 27, 2018
You’ve always dreamed of serving your country as an agent for the FBI. You’ve trained regularly to maintain your excellent physical condition, and you’ve got the required education. The only problem is that you’ve also got a large, prominent tattoo that extends down the length of one arm and, although you’ve gotten compliments on it, you’re thinking that it doesn’t seem to fit with the image of an FBI agent. Relax. Don’t make that appointment to have it removed, just yet. The FBI does have strict rules on physical appearance, especially during training, but they don’t specifically ban all tattoos.
Disruptive? Cover It
Whether your tattoo screams your love for kittens, Mom or anything else near and dear to your heart, the FBI’s policy is that if it will distract others, cover it. Specifically, on page 50 of the October 23, 2017 version of the “Special Agent Candidate Information Packet,” it states:
“Tattoo(s) determined to be disruptive to the learning environment must be covered by similarly colored long sleeves or a long sleeve shirt to wear under the polo shirt.”
If you don't want to wear a full shirt under your polo, full-arm sleeves might work. They come in a variety of skin tones to look natural.
Of course, what one person determines as disruptive might be the norm for another person. Bear in mind, though, that disruptive doesn’t necessarily mean controversial. If people comment on your tattoos, inquire about their significance or ask where you had them done, you can see how that could disrupt class. If you have a full-sleeve tattoo, people will comment. It might be a good idea to cover your tattoos before training starts.
Suits and Concealers
In the initial interviews as well as in the Meet and Greets, you’re asked to wear business attire; i.e., for men, a jacket and pants; for women, a jacket and a skirt or slacks, so that your tattoos are less likely to be visible. The issue surfaces during training, when you’ll wear a polo shirt.
If you have tattoos in places that clothing can’t cover, such as on your face, neck or hands, try covering them with makeup. Products are made for exactly this purpose, such as Dermablend Leg and Body Cover, Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer, Tatjacket Concealer and many others. Their special formulas are designed to be waterproof, sweatproof, and to stay put all day. Put a small tube in your jacket pocket, and check on it during breaks, just to be certain.
Other Do's and Don'ts
A conservative appearance during training prevents distractions, while also promoting uniformity and discipline, according to the FBI literature. In addition to the advice on tattoos, the Information Packet defines the conservative look:
- Earrings may be worn only by women and should be small, simple and safe (not dangling or a design that could catch on something or someone)
- No other facial piercings are allowed
- Hair - a reasonable length, no wild styles or colors
- Men's hair - no longer than bottom of the collar; no buns, ponytails or braids
- Men must not have facial hair
I've spent a significant amount of time delving into the intricacies of law enforcement jobs, particularly the stringent requirements set by organizations like the FBI. My extensive research has led me to a wealth of information on the dos and don'ts surrounding physical appearance, including tattoos and other aspects of grooming.
In the realm of FBI careers, the issue of tattoos is indeed a nuanced one. According to the FBI's "Special Agent Candidate Information Packet" from October 23, 2017, specific guidelines exist for individuals with tattoos. The key principle is that if a tattoo is deemed disruptive to the learning environment, it must be covered. This involves wearing similarly colored long sleeves or a long-sleeve shirt under the standard polo shirt worn during training.
Disruptiveness, in this context, isn't limited to controversial or offensive content; it extends to any tattoo that might draw attention, spark comments, or divert focus from the training environment. A full-sleeve tattoo, for instance, could attract attention and lead to disruptions, hence the recommendation to cover it preemptively.
During initial interviews and Meet and Greets, candidates are advised to wear business attire to minimize the visibility of tattoos. However, the challenge arises during training when a more casual polo shirt is worn. In such cases, if tattoos are in areas that clothing can't cover, specialized makeup products like Dermablend Leg and Body Cover, Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer, or Tatjacket Concealer come to the rescue. These products are formulated to be waterproof, sweatproof, and durable, ensuring that tattoos remain concealed throughout the day.
Beyond tattoos, the FBI's guidelines extend to other aspects of appearance, emphasizing a conservative look during training to prevent distractions and promote uniformity and discipline. For instance, the Information Packet outlines restrictions on earrings, allowing them only for women and specifying small, simple, and safe designs. Facial piercings are not permitted, and both men and women are expected to maintain conservative hairstyles. Men's hair is to be no longer than the bottom of the collar, with restrictions on buns, ponytails, or braids. Additionally, men must be clean-shaven, with no facial hair allowed.
These meticulous guidelines underscore the importance the FBI places on a professional and uniform appearance among its agents, reinforcing the commitment to discipline and focus within the training environment.
