Britain’s counter-terrorism and domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has banned new recruits from having tattoos.
“Being able to blend into the background and remain covert is of paramount importance in our investigation,” the job description for MI5 said, United Press International reported. “Any distinguishing features such as tattoos on your face, neck or forearms would make you more recognizable to someone who is under surveillance and would therefore make you unsuitable for this role.”
The agency also makes clear male recruits have to be 6-foot-1 or under, and females, 5-foot-8 or under, UPI reported.
The regulations come as Andrew Parker, MI5’s director general, said that the threat of terrorist attacks on the West is in the rise.
“Mass casualty attacks against the West [are being planned] by a group of core al Qaeda terrorists in Syria,” Mr. Parker said, UPI reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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