Public workers targeted for tattoos

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Public workers in cities like Los Angeles are being asked by their employers to cover up their tattoos to ensure a good public image, officials say.

Capt. Armando Hogan, a Los Angeles City Fire Department spokesman, said all department employees have been asked to keep any tattoos covered while on-duty to avoid potential problems with the public, USA Today said Friday.

"We didn't want to offend some people in the community," Hogan said. "I have been on drills and on scene where someone has said, 'I wouldn't want that person working on me,' and we've had to educate the individual who made the comment."

Joplin Schools Superintendent C.J. Huff said individuals would be well-advised to strongly consider tattoo logistics if planning on becoming a teacher in the district.

"We're saying before you get a tattoo, you have to think about how big it is and where it's located before you think about getting a job in our school district," he told USA Today.