The phrase “All Cops Are Bastards” (ACAB) has moved from the fringes of protest chants to a widely understood sentiment, especially since the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013. For some, this isn’t just a slogan; it’s a deeply held belief that becomes a permanent part of their identity through tattoos. While not everyone who opposes police brutality chooses to get inked, those who do often have compelling stories behind their decision to get “Cop Tattoos.”
This article delves into the world of “cop tattoos,” exploring the motivations and meanings behind choosing to permanently display anti-police sentiments on skin. We interviewed individuals with these tattoos to understand their reasons, the symbolism they employ, and the impact these bold statements have on their lives. To protect their identities, all interviewees are referred to by first names or nicknames.
The Rise of “Cop Tattoos” in Tattoo Culture
The increasing visibility of anti-police tattoos reflects a broader societal conversation about law enforcement, justice, and power. Fueled by events that have highlighted police brutality and systemic issues, more people are expressing their discontent through various forms of protest, including body art. Tattoos, as a form of permanent and public expression, become a powerful way to declare solidarity with movements like Black Lives Matter and to voice personal experiences and political beliefs.
For many, getting a “cop tattoo” is a response to feeling unheard or marginalized by the traditional systems of power. In a world where discussions about police reform and accountability are increasingly urgent, these tattoos serve as a visual representation of a stance against what they perceive as systemic injustice.
Personal Stories Behind the Ink: Motivations for “Cop Tattoos”
To understand the personal significance of these tattoos, we spoke with individuals who have chosen to get inked with anti-police messages. Their stories reveal a range of motivations, from direct experiences with police misconduct to broader political and social beliefs.
Daan, 28, Sterilisation Technician: Illustrative Anger
ACAB tattoos – black ink, illustrative tattoo of four dead bodies in uniform hanging from a meat factory hook
Daan’s tattoo is a stark visual statement: dead police officers hanging from meat hooks. For Daan, recent events, including the conviction of 16 officers in Antwerp for harassment and bullying, solidified his decision. He sees the tattoo as a reaction to the abuse of power within law enforcement. Despite potential future regrets or disapproval from family, Daan feels no current remorse, viewing it as a personal statement etched onto his skin.
Amore Flow, Age and Occupation Undisclosed: Symbolic Rebellion
ACAB tattoos – left: three dots arranged in a triangle on someone
Amore Flow sports two symbolic tattoos. The three dots arranged in a triangle are a French symbol representing “Mort aux vaches,” literally “Death to cows,” a slang term for “Death to pigs,” equating “cows” to cops. Additionally, the number 1312 tattooed on their lip is a numerical code for ACAB (A=1, C=3, A=1, B=2). Amore Flow’s tattoos are rooted in symbolic language and coded messaging, reflecting a desire for radical police reform, humorously suggesting police should wear shorts and only be contacted for domestic emergencies.
Beatriz, 25, Programmer: Personal Experience and Systemic Critique
ACAB tattoos – small
Beatriz, a Portuguese-Angolan programmer, explains her tattoo stems from personal experience and academic study. Identifying her skin color as a factor in negative interactions with police, she also studied social and forensic sciences, learning about police psychology. Beatriz believes that problematic tendencies pre-exist the job itself. Feeling unsafe around police, she criticizes their lack of extensive training compared to professions like doctors and advocates for police education focused on social sciences and understanding systemic privileges.
Toto, 30, Self-Employed: Anti-Establishment Pig
ACAB tattoos – black ink illustrative tattoo of a pig wearing a police helmet and carrying a baton
Toto’s tattoo is a pig wearing a police helmet and carrying a baton, a direct and illustrative representation of the derogatory term “pig” used for police. Toto sees the police as part of a system that maintains oppression, protecting the wealthy and suppressing the working class. For Toto, the police are a “racist and violent militia,” and the pig tattoo is a playful yet pointed jab at this perception, resonating with activist mockery of law enforcement.
Matéo, 26, Social Media Editor: Trauma and Distrust
ACAB tattoos – 1312 tattoo on the underside of someone
Matéo’s 1312 tattoo is a direct response to multiple negative encounters with the police, one of which was a particularly traumatic experience of being aggressively confronted and detained by police for simply exploring an abandoned train station. This experience, marked by feeling unjustly targeted and racially profiled, solidified his distrust and led him to get the tattoo as a permanent reminder of his disillusionment and a symbol of solidarity with others who share similar experiences.
Bee, 31, Tattoo Artist: Institutional Critique
ACAB tattoos – red ink drawing of a donkey dressed in 19th century aristocratic clothes and carrying spectacles, looking at an elementary school blackboard with
Bee, a tattoo artist, chose a donkey dressed in aristocratic clothing looking at a blackboard for her anti-police tattoo. While attracted to the design’s aesthetic, Bee connects it to her feelings about the police institution, particularly in France, citing recent instances of brutal repression of protests and a lack of personal support from law enforcement. Bee emphasizes that her criticism is directed at the institution, not necessarily individual officers, focusing on issues of violence, unequal treatment, and systemic racism.
Antoine, 31, Musician: Betrayal of Trust and Camouflage
ACAB tattoos – four dice in black ink on someone
Antoine’s “1312” tattoo is cleverly disguised as four dice. Growing up in a suburb with surprisingly aggressive policing, Antoine’s trust in law enforcement was broken after an incident where he was pressured to betray a colleague for a minor offense. Feeling unfairly targeted and witnessing the potential for escalation, Antoine chose the dice design as a subtle yet personal statement against police overreach, appreciating its camouflaged nature while still holding personal meaning.
Björg, 26, Bartender: Anti-Authority and Personal Conflict
ACAB tattoos –
Björg’s tattoo, inspired by the clothing brand Fuck The Population, is a direct “Fuck The Police” statement. Motivated by personal negative encounters, including an incident where police threatened his ex-partner with a baton, Björg’s tattoo represents a broader hatred of authoritarian power. While acknowledging that not all police are bad, Björg criticizes inadequate training and aggressive approaches, planning to get another tattoo of a Molotov cocktail thrown at a police officer, further emphasizing his anti-police stance.
Patat, 36, Tattoo Artist: Subculture and Deep-Rooted Hatred
ACAB tattoos – Black ink tattoo of a cop arresting a skateboarder while another takes a board and smashes it over the policemen
Patat, a tattoo artist with four anti-cop tattoos including ACAB on his hand and “1312” dice, embodies a deeply ingrained anti-police mentality stemming from his upbringing in the skateboarding scene. For Patat, confrontations with police are common in skate culture, leading to an automatic anti-cop stance. His tattoos are an extension of this subculture identity, representing a strong and unwavering hatred, to the point where he states he could not be in a relationship with someone related to law enforcement.
Symbolism and Variations in Cop Tattoos
“Cop tattoos” are not monolithic; they come in various forms, each carrying its own nuance and message. Beyond the explicit “ACAB” lettering and “1312” numerical code, imagery plays a significant role. Pigs in police uniforms, as seen in Toto’s tattoo, are a common and direct insult. Illustrations of violence against police, like Patat’s skateboarder design or Björg’s planned Molotov cocktail, represent a more aggressive stance. Subtler symbols, like Antoine’s dice or Amore Flow’s three dots, offer a coded form of rebellion, recognizable to those in the know but potentially ambiguous to outsiders.
The choice of style, from simple lettering to elaborate illustrations, also contributes to the tattoo’s overall impact. Bold, graphic tattoos make an immediate statement, while smaller, more discreet designs might reflect a more personal or cautious expression of anti-police sentiment.
The Controversy and Social Impact of Cop Tattoos
Unsurprisingly, “cop tattoos” are controversial. They are inherently provocative and can elicit strong reactions, both positive and negative. For those who share anti-police sentiments, these tattoos can be a badge of honor, a way to find community, and a conversation starter. However, they can also lead to negative consequences, including social stigma, strained relationships, and potential targeting by law enforcement.
The act of permanently inking such a divisive message on one’s body highlights the depth of feeling and commitment behind these beliefs. In a society grappling with issues of police reform and social justice, “cop tattoos” serve as a visible and enduring reminder of the ongoing tensions and the deeply personal impact of policing on individuals and communities.
Conclusion: More Than Just Ink
“Cop tattoos” are more than just edgy body art; they are potent symbols of protest, personal narratives of injustice, and declarations of solidarity. The individuals featured in this article, and countless others with similar tattoos, showcase the diverse and deeply felt reasons behind choosing to display anti-police sentiments permanently. From anger and trauma to political conviction and subcultural identity, “cop tattoos” are a powerful form of expression in a world grappling with complex issues of law enforcement and social justice. They are a permanent mark of a sentiment that, for many, is equally indelible.
