German court: Police can reject applicants with 'trust no one' tattoo

Police in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state are permitted to reject job applicants based on tattoos that raise concerns about their character, according to a recent ruling by the Higher Administrative Court in Münster. The decision affirmed the rejection of a candidate whose tattoo depicted two bullets, each inscribed with the words "trust" and "no one."

The court reasoned that the tattoo, which translates to "trust no one" in conjunction with ammunition imagery, suggests a potential lack of willingness to engage in non-violent conflict resolution and foster trusting interpersonal relationships. These qualities are deemed essential for police officers, particularly in their interactions with the public and within team settings.

The applicant had argued that he had given the tattoo artist complete artistic freedom and was solely focused on the aesthetic appeal of the design. However, the court found this explanation lacked credibility. The judges emphasized that trust is a vital component of police work and essential for effective teamwork, making the applicant's expressed distrust of others a valid reason for doubt regarding his suitability for the role.

Even though the applicant had since covered the tattoo with a different design, the court ruled that the state could still maintain its rejection. The decision was made in an expedited procedure shortly before the applicant's potential start date of September 1, 2026, confirming the court's stance on the importance of a candidate's perceived character and trustworthiness in law enforcement.

“

trust no one