Anne Arundel police and union officials are still at an impasse over the county police?s tattoo ban after failing to hash out a compromise.
“We realized that while we were pretty open to some things, we were also very apart on others,” said O?Brien Atkinson, president of the county Fraternal Order of Police.
“There is a lot that still needs to be hammered out.”
Atkinson and Police Chief James Teare plan to meet later this week to continue discussing the ban, which prohibits the showing of tattoos on an officer?s body. A recent grievance hearing was held because of the ban.
“[Teare?s] intentions are to iron things out … and reach a compromise,” police spokesman Cpl. Mark Shawkey said.
Until then, the policy remains in effect, and officers must cover all tattoos, even if that means wearing a long-sleeve shirt during the summer.
Atkinson said the union is pushing for current officers to be grandfathered into the new policy.
He said about 20 officers will be immediately affected by the policy.
The issue began two weeks ago, when Teare handed down a mandate requiring all tattoos to be covered.
Tattoos on forearms would have to be covered by long-sleeve shirts, and waivers would be required for tattoos on the hands and the back of the neck.
Shawkey said Teare is expected to grant most waiver requests.
Police officials said the mandate was to improve the department?s image. Any indecent or derogatory tattoo is prohibited.
Last week, Atkinson spoke out on the updated policy, saying it should have been included during the recent contract talks. There is also a concern of heat exhaustion for those who will have to wear long-sleeve shirts in the summer heat.
Other Baltimore-area departments have similar policies, and Anne Arundel?s was based on Baltimore City police, officials said.
