PSP police agents have been told that they have six months to remove any tattoo that contains symbols, words or drawings of an extremist or racist nature or which encourage violence, according to Public Security Police (PSP) regulation.

These rules were implemented based on a code relating to presentation and the wearing a uniform for agents of PSP, rules which have not been updated for 12 years and now forbid officers from having tattoos with extremist or racist content and which also covers earrings, bracelets and rings.

An order on the “norms related to the presentation and wearing of a uniform”, published on 23 September, states that these types of tattoos are prohibited “on any part of the body” and the professionals must have them removed within 180 days.

The Police have given no estimate on how many officers might be affected by the new rules.