Tattoos not allowed: Odisha Police’s 15 days warning to Special Security Battalion

The Odisha Police have requested its special security battalion troops to remove tattoos from their bodies within 15 days, as these skin marks are plainly visible in a uniform and are regarded “obscene and derogatory.”

On Tuesday, the deputy commissioner of police (security) in Bhubaneswar issued an order to this effect, directing all officials to compile a list of SSB men with “easily noticeable tattoos” on their bodies. SSB officers guard critical institutions like as the chief minister’s house, Raj Bhavan, the state secretariat, the Odisha Legislative Assembly, and the High Court.

They also provide security to VVIPs and dignitaries within the state and those visiting Odisha from the rest of India. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security)instructed SSB workers to avoid having tattoos on their faces, necks, and hands in order to maintain a professional appearance.

“A good number of unit men are found making tattoos on their bodies, which demeans the image of the battalion as well as Odisha Police since these are offensive, obscene, and derogatory in nature.Hence, after careful consideration, it was decided that, from today onwards, tattoos that are visible while wearing a uniform are not permitted,” the DCP (security) said in the order.

“All Guard I/Cs are directed to make a list of men having tattoos on their body part easily noticeable while with uniform and ask them to permanently remove the tattoos within 15 days from the date of receiving the orders failing which necessary departmental actions as deemed fit shall be initiated against the wrongdoers. Once again, it is advised to avoid getting inked the face, neck and hand to maintain a level of professionalism,” the order said.