Des Moines police ease tattoo rules

Driving the news: DSM Police Chief Michael McTaggart approved the changes in late April.

• Department rules still prohibit them on an officer's head or hands, although a ring tattoo on each hand is acceptable.
• Ink that's deemed to be offensive by McTaggart must also still be covered.

What they're saying: For years, tattoos were considered somewhat extreme by the public, and law enforcement leadership held the widespread belief that they might be offensive, Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.

• But they've become more mainstream in recent years, so agencies nationwide have relaxed their policies, potentially opening up a wider pool of job applicants and helping officers appear more approachable, he said.

Yes, but: Most piercings, except for in the earlobes of female officers, are still prohibited.

• Beards are also still on the no-no list.

The big picture: Police in cities like Chicago and Dallas also rolled back similar ink restrictions in recent years.