Judge tosses lawsuit over tattoo policy for Chicago police

CHICAGO (AP) - A federal judge has tossed a lawsuit challenging the Chicago Police Department's new policy requiring officers to cover up their tattoos.

The three Chicago police officers who filed the lawsuit against the city in July argued that the policy violates their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression. The Chicago Tribune (http://trib.in/1Sb5fXk ) reports that all three officers served in the military and have symbolic tattoos on their arms.

U.S. District Judge Charles P. Kocoras ruled Tuesday that the city's goal of having a professional-looking police force trumps the officer's desire to express themselves by keeping their tattoos visible while on-duty.

In his ruling, Kocoras said the meanings of certain tattoos could be negatively misinterpreted and could undermine the department's aim of establishing trust with the community.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com