wullie...I part owned a successful tattoo studio for over 11 years...I have seen a real shift from your average naavi and chavi coming in for tattoos to a more discerning, professional client who takes pride and time in thinking through the possibility of getting tattooed. That includes police, lawyers , teachers , judges , HM Forces, accountants , etc etc ....I believe that a real change has taken place in the general public's perception and views about those with tattoos. Partly because many famous celebs have them and partly because of the introduction of the Human Rights Act (1998), Article 10 , Freedom of Expression. Basically this could , maybe , if challenged correctly and strategically by someone be an infringement on one's Human Rights if they were discriminated against because they are tattooed. Note that the police in the occasion you mention did not say it was because the applicant was tattooed but because he had the word 'England' tattooed and this may cause offense. I am in no doubt whatsoever that it is only a matter of time before tattoos on individuals become so mainstream they will be visible on the likes of news readers, day time tv presenters etc.
As for the police, my opinion is the police force as a whole should represent the public, they are a micro society of the general British public and therefore tattoos should be accepted as long as they are not obviously racist or abusive.
I was so incensed by the police to reject the applicant because he had 'England' tattooed on his arm that I may seriously use a pseudo name such as Abdul Mahoo Ahem and write to the force concerned stating I have the word 'Pakistan' tattooed on my arm , will this bar my application? I guarantee it will enhance it and the silly Guardian Reading Police of today will rush my application through!! What a sad pathetic country this has become under this corrupt , criminal , abusive Labour Party!!
