In April 2022, Cincinnati Police Officer Eric Weyda, a 16‑year veteran, became the center of an unusual controversy when he received permanent tattoos across his knuckles reading “PURE” (right hand) and “EVIL” (left hand). What might seem like a personal artistic expression turned into a career‑ending decision—and a debated case on professionalism versus personal freedom.
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1. Policy Breach: Where Ink Meets Protocol
Cincinnati police policy strictly prohibits visible tattoos on the face, neck, head, or hands. When Weyda unveiled his knuckle tattoos in December 2021, department leadership viewed it as an ongoing, irreversible breach. He was reassigned to work at a police impound lot to “limit his public exposure” before an internal investigation led to a termination notice last April for insubordination and failure of good behavior .
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2. Officer’s Defense: A Moral Reminder or Misstep?
During the investigation, Weyda argued the phrase signified a “struggle between good and evil,” not a declaration of malevolence . He said he wouldn’t remove the tattoos—they were part of his personal beliefs. Yet he did express some regret over having gotten them so visible.
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3. Public Image vs. Personal Message
Internal documents note that the tattoos “do not promote the professional and neutral image of the Cincinnati Police Department and are injurious to the public trust” . In evidence, the department highlighted that unrestricted access to public spaces meant the tattoos reflected on the entire institution—and they decided it warranted more than just reassignment.
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4. Arbitration Upholds Firing
When Weyda challenged the termination, arbitration affirmed the decision, citing the tattoos as a persistent policy violation—especially given his refusal to remove them . The panel agreed: regardless of intent, a uniformed officer carrying such visible messaging could damage public trust.
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5. Social Media Speaks: Reddit Weighs In
Reddit users weren’t shy about weighing the controversy:
“He’s an idiot and…doesn’t want to pay for the procedure to get it removed…huge red flags—as well as his work ethic deteriorating…”
“Department policy prohibits tattoos on the face…hands… you thought we were done? Hold on tight!”
Many applauded the enforcement of the rules, even cheering the decision, while others pointed out the inconsistency of punishing a tattoo while other misconduct often goes unchecked.
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6. Broader Implications: Tattoos and First–Responder Standards
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