A SENIOR police officer has told potential police recruits not to let having tattoos stop them from applying for jobs.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans wrote a letter to the Worcester News, after we revealed police candidates must send in photographs of tattoos to make sure they comply with force policy.

Mr Evans wrote: “Our intent with our policy on tattoos is to make sure that we reflect current thinking on them, as well as the views and expectations of our communities. Our new policy is more inclusive than it has been in the past and balances that with considerations about the role our officers play in our communities and the duties they undertake.

“I would be hugely disappointed to think that someone felt they couldn’t apply just because they have tattoos. The important thing is what you can bring to us, and the opportunities we can offer you.”