Courtesy of The Jail Report/Augusta Crime Report
A hiring flyer posted Wednesday for deputy candidates in Richmond County promises applicants that they won’t have to hide their tattoos.
“We are PROUD to be Diverse and Contemporary agency,” the flyer says next to photos of Sheriff Richard Roundtree and tattooed deputies.
But not all local sheriffs share that welcoming attitude to visible ink on their personnel.
In Columbia County, visible tattoos are prohibited for all personnel while representing the agency, a long-standing policy from Sheriff Clay Whittle. Any existing tattoos must be covered by clothing, Sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said.
“Sheriff Whittle has been consistent in that deputies with no beards and no visible tattoos while in uniform looks professional,” the major said.
In Aiken County, sheriff’s employees must have no tattoos that are “obscene, violent or offensive and which cannot be covered up,” according to their policy. And don’t even think about applying if you have tattoos on your face or neck that are exposed.
Aiken County deputies who have tattoos that are visible 30 percent or more must cover them up with a cover sleeve that matches their skin tone or the department’s long sleeve uniform shirt and tie.
Most agencies in the region allow exceptions for undercover officers.
At least one other agency allows visible tattoos. Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland came into office in January with an existing policy that required black elastic sleeves over any arm tattoos. But there are several officers who have ink, Sheriff Rowland said.
“I do not personally care for them. I do not like tattoos at all. However, the times are a-changing,” he said. “And it seems EVEYRBODY has tattoos today.”
So, Sheriff Rowland relaxed the elastic sleeve policy. As long as the tattoo is not offensive, he is not requiring any covering.
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“I reserve the right to say what is offensive or not,” he said.
How are local residents reacting to Richmond County’s appeal to tattooed officers?
An informal survey on The Jail Report’s Facebook page showed huge support for visible tattoos.
Brooke McGahee said tattoos don’t keep officers from doing their job. In fact, Heather Boddiford thinks tattoos on officers are “hot.”
Vanessa Hassett and dozens of others agreed: “Tattoo is a freedom of speech. . . What does the ink of the skin have to do with them.”
Still, there was one person who said this change in policy came too late.
“This would’ve been nice 10 years ago when I got turned down by RCSO SPECIFICALLY for my tattoos,” Pat Sanders said.
Some don’t approve of visible tattoos on officers. James Miller said tattoos “are nasty and not professional.” Henry Williams agreed: “Cover them up.”
But Lynn Cooper Witt pointed out that a lot of military have tattoos and make great officers, and John Schweitzer said that tattoos don’t hold the stigma they once did.
“I think if you’re in distress or need help, the last thing a person cares about is if the person helping them has a tattoo or not,” wrote Edward Kaminer. “Don’t judge & be not judged!”
Interested candidates who want to become a deputy jailer in Richmond County are asked to apply online at www.richmondcountysheriffsoffice.com/information-for-applicants.cfm.
Greg Rickabaugh is the Jail Report Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at greg.rickabaugh@theaugustapress.com
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