en 
In a written response sent to Lusa, the GNR General Command states that, during that period, the officer is authorised to use “elastic sleeves” to hide the tattoos.
“If the officer does not remove them within the period stipulated for this purpose, he will commit a new offense. In this case, in addition to the initiation of a new disciplinary process, the suitability of opening a service dismissal process, provided for in the statute for Guard officers, may also be assessed”, it adds.
At the initiative of the commander-general, an officer may be dismissed whenever their behaviour indicates clear deviations from the status of a member of the Guard, in particular from the moral, ethical, military or technical-professional requirements required by his/her status and function.
The dismissal from service results in the termination of the functional link and the loss of the rights of a member of the Guard, without prejudice to the granting of a retirement pension under the terms of the law.
In question is a GNR officer of the Braga Command of the GNR who was given a 30-day suspended sentence for having tattoos on both forearms.
The suspension is contained in an order dated August 27, 2024, signed by the commander of the Braga Territorial Command.
The General Regulation of the GNR Service, in the version updated by an order dated October 22, 2021 of the commander-general, stipulates that soldiers may not have tattoos, or other forms of body art, below the elbow, or on the neck and head.
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It goes to show the poor quality of recruitment into the GNR. Only superficial people feel the 'need' for those hideous and disfiguring tattoos or piercings. A person has to be extremely shallow to find value in having a tattoo. It's as if they're saying nature isn't good enough in having us all born without markings on our skin. I want to see a GNR composed of regular people, not freaks or weirdos seeking validation through a tattoo.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 19 Sep 2024, 18:03
Wow Billy, who soiled your cheerios this morning? Lots of people have tattoos and they aren’t freaks. Freedom of expression is fragile. Maybe one day they’ll decide to silence you, too.
By MimiB from Lisbon on 20 Sep 2024, 10:05
It is disheartening to learn that in today's diverse society, the GNR's strict policy on tattoos still stands, potentially affecting not just individual officers but also discriminating against entire cultures where tattoos are an integral part of cultural and personal identity. For instance, many Indigenous and Polynesian communities consider tattoos a rite of passage or a mark of social status and personal achievement. In Italy, nearly half of the population has at least one tattoo, and in Germany, 38% are inked.
In response to the comment regarding tattoos indicating 'poor quality of recruitment,' it’s crucial to challenge the stereotype that tattoos are superficial or disfiguring. Tattoos often represent deeply personal stories, cultural heritage, and artistic expression. Dismissing them as signs of shallowness misunderstands their significance across various cultures and professions. Tattoos do not detract from an individual’s professionalism or capabilities.
Rather than focusing on appearances, it would be more beneficial for institutions like the GNR to uphold principles of inclusivity and respect for diversity, reflecting the values of the society they aim to serve.
By James Hickey from Other on 20 Sep 2024, 10:46
Why then was he employed by GNR in the first place?
By L from Lisbon on 20 Sep 2024, 11:28
It’s important to remember that everyone has different perspectives and values. Tattoos and piercings are personal choices that can hold significant meaning for individuals. They don’t necessarily reflect a person’s depth or character. Many people use body art as a form of self-expression, to commemorate important life events, or to honor loved ones.
The GNR, like any organization, benefits from diversity and inclusivity. Judging someone’s ability to perform their duties based on their appearance can overlook their skills, dedication, and professionalism. It’s more productive to focus on the qualities that truly matter in their roles, such as integrity, competence, and commitment to serving the community.
By Vladimir Solano from Algarve on 20 Sep 2024, 12:22
Did he have the tattoos already before he was hired? Was he informed when he was hired that tattoos are not permitted on certain parts of the body?
By Nelly Djikounou-Bussing from Other on 20 Sep 2024, 12:47
Tattoos should not take away from the job. If this officer or any other officer does their job to the highest standard why should visible tattoos be a problem. I feel this a form of discrimination after the officer has already been in the force.
By Wilson DS from Algarve on 20 Sep 2024, 16:39
Oh just let the man have tattoos! This does not effect his ability to save your life nor the lives of others. His body. His choice. He puts himself at risk for the greater good every day. Forget the artwork and be grateful!
By Katherine Santarém from Other on 20 Sep 2024, 18:14
@ Mr. Bissett. Your comment is unnecessary, inflammatory, and fails to add to the civil discourse. I do not have or care for tattoos personally, but I also don’t believe a short article about a GNR officer being cited for failing to follow the guidelines for displaying tattoos provides the basis for labeling the officer, or anyone else with tattoos, as “superficial, hideous, a freak, or weirdo.” It does not appear that officers are forbidden to wear tattoos, just the location of is restricted. May we all seek understanding and be slow to condemn.
By James Atwell from Other on 20 Sep 2024, 19:03
I personally do not like the garish tattoos some people wear, like some members of the Bandidos motorcycle gang I used to know in Texas. However, I have found most of the one I see lately as rather attractive. On the subject of this article, depending on the type of tattoo, I think the GDR is wrong to jeopardize someone’s career over having tattoos. Now if they were on the face, maybe that would be a bit unsettling for those facing such an officer in a law enforcement situation.
By JoeT from Algarve on 20 Sep 2024, 22:11
Tatoos don’t make him a bad or good policeman.
By Rene from Lisbon on 21 Sep 2024, 11:02