LONDON (AP) - David Beckham has covered much of his body with them, but you won't be finding Scotland Yard's finest sporting visible tattoos anymore.

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London's Metropolitan Police has banned its officers from wearing tattoos, saying they damage the professional image of Britain's top police force.

Scotland Yard confirmed in a statement today it will no longer permit tattoos on the face or hands or one that appear above the collar line.

It said all other tattoos must be covered.

The force says officers who already have visible tattoos will be required to "register" those tattoos in writing to their managers by Nov. 12 or face disciplinary actions for gross misconduct.

Scotland Yard previously had prohibited tattoos deemed offensive to religion or beliefs or that could be construed as violent or intimidating.