Cover up.

IN recent years, social mores have bent to include tattoos as an acceptable form of self-expression. But that tolerance doesn't extend to the brass of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Last month, the LAPD instituted Special Order No. 48, which states that officers must "cover any visible tattoos and/or brandings by wearing a department approved uniform or by wearing a skin patch."

"Some officers have them covering their arms. It can present an unprofessional appearance," said Commander Bob Hansohn of the LAPD's Personnel Group.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League said the policy goes too far.

Bob Baker, president of the police officers' union, said that after three years of discussions about tattoos the Protective League was caught off guard when the policy was put in place Nov. 19.

Instead of a blanket policy requiring tattooed officers to wear long sleeves in summer heat (undercover cops are exempt), Baker said there should be a system to determine what is appropriate.

"There are things like swastikas and gang symbols that a lot of people would find offensive," he said, "but I don't think anyone is going to be offended by someone putting 'Semper Fi' on their arm or a heart that says 'I Love Mom.'"

The Protective League is holding discussions with the department in an effort to ease the restrictions. But Hansohn said a change in the policy was unlikely.

"This was a special order signed by Chief (William Bratton)," he said. "It's pretty clear from the order what he expects of his officers."