Starting October 29, police officers in Lower Saxony and Bremen will be allowed to display tattoos on their arms and legs under new appearance regulations, with specific restrictions on content and placement.

Police officers in Lower Saxony and Bremen will no longer be required to cover tattoos on their arms and legs under most circumstances, according to a new regulation set to take effect on Thursday, October 29. The updated rules, introduced by Interior Minister Daniela Behrens, reflect societal changes and replace a previous directive from 2013. However, tattoos must adhere to strict guidelines regarding content, placement, and professional appearance.

The regulation prohibits tattoos that are obscene, discriminatory, glorify violence, or are associated with banned organizations. Tattoos must align with a neutral and trustworthy professional image. While tattoos on arms and legs can generally remain visible, exceptions apply during official duties requiring a unified appearance or when a tattoo could undermine public trust in the officer’s neutrality. Tattoos on the face, ears, neck, and hands are subject to stricter rules, with most requiring coverage or being outright prohibited unless they meet specific criteria.

Additional guidelines address piercings, hairstyles, and facial hair. Small piercings with holes up to two millimeters in diameter are permitted, while larger piercings, tunnels, and plugs remain banned. Hairstyles and beards must not interfere with uniform requirements or compromise the officer’s professional image. Police unions have expressed mixed reactions, with the German Police Union (GdP) advocating for more flexibility in certain cases, such as small tattoos on fingers or behind ears, while the German Police Union (DPolG) supports the changes but calls for consistent standards across the board.