For those who work in law enforcement, tattoos related to this profession can serve as a kind of armor that they can wear in the battle of their daily routines. For ink addicts across professional and cultural lines, the permanence and show of force embodied in a tattoo often has deep meaning.
For officers and law enforcement officers, police tattoos can provide a kind of symbolic protection or represent a figurative badge of honor.
Police tattoos can also be inked as a way to commemorate the sacrifices made by fallen comrades, or perhaps to speak of the enduring pride the wearer takes in their association with the field.
Common police tattoos include badges, handcuffs, the scales of justice, and countless artistic interpretations of the “thin blue line” known to symbolize brotherhood among those who consider police work their calling.
Styling options are entirely up to the client, as there are many things that can be done to develop this theme into a visually appealing scene. likewise, the placement on the body is also incredibly flexible. Because this is a general topic and not a specific piece with specific parameters, the possibilities are endless.
Police tattoos work just as well as small, understated tributes or large pieces across the back or chest. true dedication can be shown with an intricate set of full sleeves.
This tattoo is a prime example of a traditional American black and gray design that commemorates the wearer’s time with the Hartford Police Department. the shading in this piece is well executed and the line work is bold and consistent. the use of negative space for highlighting, along with areas of solid, saturated black, allows the artist to create contrast and increase definition without the need for the vivid colors usually associated with traditional American tattoos. This simple tattoo will serve as a permanent reminder of the wearer’s respect for the police community and will proudly display their time serving the community.
This full color police badge is another example of how these symbols of service and authority can be commemorated with tattoos. The level of detail and excellent application in this tattoo demonstrates the meticulousness of the artist, while the use of different overlapping colors effectively captures the look and texture of this insignia. the variation in shading on either edge of the insignia, as well as the white used in the raised lettering, gives the precise impression of a light source casting shadows and creating reflections on the polished metal.
Here’s a full color design that uses a more illustrative technique to create a meaningful tattoo. the level of color grading in the blues of the shirt and pants is well executed and creates a realistic image of the folds and wrinkles of the uniform. it also appears that the artist used the stars and stripes pattern of the American flag to form angel wings behind the officer as he comforts a small child holding a teddy bear. the little details included (the different parts of the belt, the different badges, patches, and the radio) all work to create a realistic monument to the good work that law enforcement officers do for the community.
This great black and gray piece uses great shading and a powerful quote to honor the important work law enforcement does. The quote comes from the Greek historian Tacitus and has become the de facto motto of Police Officers’ Memorial Day, an official holiday honoring fallen officers. This powerful phrase is combined with a statue of a lion, an animal long associated with truth and nobility, to create a deeply meaningful tattoo. The design is completed by the well-executed gray wash shading on the lion, accurately capturing the details in the hair and face and adding an extra layer of texture to this tattoo.
Here’s a tattoo that uses black and gray shading to create a powerful reminder of law enforcement’s legacy. the officer’s silhouette makes use of well-saturated black, as well as negative space and white to create realistic reflections, while the shading perfectly captures the somber expression on the woman’s face. Aside from the obvious skill involved in applying this tattoo, the most notable feature is the excellent composition: the overlapping layers of the officer, patrolman, cross, and woman all work together to create a cohesive and interesting tattoo.
This interesting piece takes several design elements that have become increasingly popular in the law enforcement community and incorporates them into one interesting tattoo. the spartan helmet, long a symbol of honor and loyalty, is combined with the “thin blue line” representing the police’s role in maintaining order and the punisher’s skull is a popular emblem in police circles. the black and gray shading on the skull, as well as the thin lining on the crest, work together to give this design a realistic look while maintaining some illustrative aspects. Small details like the bumps and dents on the helmet and the highlights complete this fierce tattoo.
frequently asked questions about police tattoos
can police officers have tattoos?
There was a time not too long ago when tattoos were strongly associated with prison culture, and the ink labeled someone an outlaw at best and a career criminal at worst. there was little chance of seeing a policeman with a tattoo; however, things have changed in the last thirty years. now tattoos are less a testament to a criminal record than a personal expression of passion and culture. Nowadays, in most major city departments, finding a policeman with a tattoo is almost guaranteed.
While tattoos have become much more common, even in the world of law enforcement, there are still guidelines that most officers must follow. it is generally understood that tattoos on the face and neck are inappropriate and that some departments may require officers with large arms to wear long sleeves year-round. vulgar and racist tattoos are also prohibited. Despite professional limitations, there is a growing acceptance of ink among law enforcement, and pieces dedicated to the sacrifice men and women make in the line of duty are becoming increasingly popular.
