Requires the development and implementation of a tattoo policy by law enforcement agencies

• Democratic1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

Under current law, law enforcement agencies across New York State have inconsistent or outdated policies regarding visible tattoos. These discrepancies can lead to unequal treatment of officers, hinder recruit- ment efforts, and invite legal challenges related to First Amendment and employment rights. For decades, many police agencies in the United States had policies strictly regulating the wearing of tattoos among their officers. Most agencies either prohibited tattoos altogether or, at a minimum, placed restrictions on their size and/or required that they be covered at all times. The prevailing attitude was that tattoos were unprofessional and might be perceived as intimidating or inappropriate by members of the community. Such restrictions have had an impact on police hiring until recently. A surge in the popularity of tattoos, especially among young people, has forced police agencies to reconsider their traditional thinking on the issue. As generational norms around tattoos have evolved, a growing number of qualified applicants and current officers have, visible tattoos that are not offensive or inappropriate. A standardized, reasonable policy will help agencies maintain a professional appearance while respecting the rights and individuality of law enforcement personnel. In addition, clear guidance will improve transparency,'limit subjective decision-making by departments, and support diversity and inclusion in law enforcement hiring and retention. This policy also directly affects the veteran community, as tattoos are very much a part of military culture, and a large proportion of service members have tattoos. If the state of New York values veterans and their service, it should adopt this policy, which would allow individuals with tattoos that are not offensive or inappropriate to be eligible for employment with all law enforcement agencies within the state. At a time when police departments around the country are struggling to recruit and retain good, qualified law enforcement officers, and with criminal justice and policing reform front and center in national discussion, the state of New York should be doing everything it can to recruit and retain the best candidates possible. A 2017 report by the U.S. Department of Justice "Hiring for 21st Century Law Enforcement Officer: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies for Success" stated: "Police Departments Need to Ease Tattoo Restrictions in Order to Attract More Applicants 29% of Americans have at least one tattoo per a 2016 Harris Poll and 69% of those have two or more. While only 13% of Baby Boomers, 10% of those age 70 or more, 36% of those age 46 to 50 have a tattoo, 47% of Millennials reportedly have a tattoo and 37% have more than one. This means that nearly half of police recruits have a tattoo. You can have visible tattoos and be a teacher, join the military, even be a legislator! There is no reason why tattoos should be an automatic disqualifier to joining any New York State law enforcement agency if those tattoos are not offensive or inappropriate.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.