Odisha Police asks its Special Security Camp personnel to remove tattoos within 15 days

Bhubaneswar:

Odisha Police has asked its Special Security Camp personnel to remove body tattoos within 15 days as these skin markings are easily visible in uniforms and are considered “obscene and derogatory”.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security), Bhubaneswar, issued an order to this effect on Tuesday and asked all officials concerned to prepare a list of SSB men with “tattoos that are easily noticeable”.

SSB personnel provide security to important facilities such as the Chief Minister’s residence, Raj Bhavan, State Secretariat, Odisha Legislative Assembly and High Court.

They also provide security to important personalities and dignitaries within the state and to people visiting Odisha from other parts of India.

“We have found that many unit personnel have tattoos on their bodies which is detrimental to the image of the battalion as well as the Odisha Police as these tattoos are offensive, obscene and derogatory in nature.

“Therefore, after careful consideration, it has been decided that visible tattoos will not be allowed while wearing uniform with effect from today,” the DCP (Security Branch) said in the order.

All guards in charge of SSB personnel have been directed to make a list of men with “tattoos on parts of their bodies that are likely to be conspicuous while wearing uniform” and asked them to permanently remove the tattoos within 15 days from the date of receipt of the order.

The DCP warned that if the order is not implemented, the department will take necessary action against those who fail to comply with the directive.

He advised SSB personnel to avoid getting ink on their face, neck and hands to maintain professional standards.

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