DALLAS — Dallas police officers can now show off tattoos on their arms.
And that includes the chief himself.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia posted a photo on X on Wednesday, with his arm tattoos visible. That previously would have been a violation of department policy, which had required officers to wear long sleeves to cover arm tattoos.
But that changed last week, when city officials announced an update to the policy for both police officers and firefighters. Under the revised policy, firefighters now have "limited allowance of visible tattoos," while police officers will be allowed to show "approved, visible body art."
The revised policy also allows for police officers to have "groomed, natural beards."
"Please let us have tattoos they asked," Garcia posted on X. "Well, I pushed back for over 3 1/2 years. They work tirelessly for our city....I gotta evolve a little... Won't be everyday....but, we were go!"
Garcia in May reached a deal with the city to remain in Dallas, after drawing reported interest for the same position in Houston and Austin.
Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert said in a news release that Garcia has agreed to a plan that will keep him in Dallas through at least mid-2027. Garcia's salary will remain $306,440.40 but starting this November he will receive a retention bonus of $10,000 every six months.
In return, Garcia is committing to stay in Dallas until at least May 2027.
Garcia in a statement said Dallas is the "right place to complete my service."
“To live and work in Dallas is to love Dallas,” Garcia said. “This is the right place to complete my service, and I know your police officers are honored to serve Dallas residents. We will keep doing our jobs with excellence and results.”