ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- The Orange County Sheriff's Office is debating a controversial plan that would force deputies to hide their tattoos. Department leaders said it's a credibility issue and could soon force deputies to wear long shirts and pants to cover up their ink, even during the hot summer months.

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VOTE: Okay For Officers To Have Visible Tattoos?

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Some deputies said it's too hot to wear long sleeves. However, the sheriff's office has had to turn away good candidates because of too many tattoos or offensive markings. They want to keep a clean image, so now they are drafting a new tattoo policy.

If you are thinking about getting tattoos, body piercing or capping your teeth in gold, and want to work in law enforcement, you might want to reconsider. At least 30 law enforcement agencies in the state have or are in the process of drafting a new image policy.

"We see it's a growing trend, where it's occurring more and more," said Chief Deputy Brad Margeson.

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The Orange County Sheriff's Office said tattoos are a big problem. Officials said they want to project an image of professionalism and, if a deputy or employee is in the public eye, some people can be offended or even think they are dealing with a fake deputy.

"There are stereotypes of people who are heavily-tattooed," Margeson said.

According to the initial policy, any tattoos that are visible, such as those on the legs or arms, would have to be covered up.

Eyewitness News talked to several deputies who have tattoos. Many did not want to go on camera, but said they are concerned. They don't want to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants in the summer.

The agency said the deputies who already have tattoos may be grandfathered in.

"They would have to understand it would limit the type of uniform they wear and it would be inconvenient for them," Margeson said.

Undercover deputies would not be affected by the policy.

Commanders within the sheriff's office will be meeting on Wednesday to try and come up with a finalized policy.

The Orlando Police Department is also in the process of drafting a tattoo policy. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office and the Sanford Police Department currently have a tattoo policy. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office had considered a policy, but decided it wasn't necessary.

The policies typically pertain to not only deputies, but also administrative employees within the agency that deal with the public.