Surrey’s police officers have been order to cover up their tattoos and wear a shirt and tie when not on the beat in a bid to raise standards.

A police spokesman said changes have been made to Surrey Police’s dress standards policy "to reflect the high standards of professionalism and service the force expects from its officers and staff".

Under the new policy, all visible tattoos of staff members, officers, volunteers and special constables must be covered up.

It states that white shirts, ties and office trousers must be worn by all uniformed staff when they are not wearing body armour, for example, when they are in an office-based role, attending court or meetings; and gives more formal guidelines for non-uniformed staff to "give greater clarity and consistency" around the dress standards expected".

Chief Constable Lynne Owens said: "I firmly believe that our ability to deliver a first-rate standard of service to the public and be seen as a reassuring, authoritative presence is inextricably linked to our standard of dress and this is why I have updated our policy.

"It is important that staff are clear as to what is expected of them and the policy ensures clarity and consistency for all."