Towers and Tattoos

By RANDALL C. RESCH - AT Operations Editor Tattoos and body art have a history in various cultures around the globe; they go at least as far back as 4,000-3,500 B.C. In archeological sites in northern Egypt, bronze tattooing tools were unearthed; in Greco-Roman burial sites at Akhmim, tattooed mummies had various forms of permanent markings. If tattoos and body art aren't new, why are they considered offensive by some and awesome by others? In our industry, there's a fine line with requirements of law enforcement contracts that cover outward appearances. Should towers having visible tattoos be allowed to serve law enforcement, and at what point can an agency dictate what towers can and can't do? Remember that the American society as a whole is extremely conservative as is law enforcement. Up until recently, tattoos weren't openly worn by most. Does your contract prohibit tattoos or body art? Are drivers required to wear long sleeves? When tow operators are certified, experienced and accepted by background investigations, visible tattoos or body art shouldn't have any bearing on the operator's ability or manners. I'm not talking gang, prison, or satanic tattoos; body art that's considered offensive, but tattoos that tell a story or illustrate past personal experiences in the manner of socially acceptable ink and form. If you wear tattoos or body art, and at the same time serve law enforcement, understand your agency's requirements.