Can a corrections officer have visible tattoos?

Technically, no. The "rules" of CA prisons state that officers cannot have visible tats. However, there are many that do (times have changed). One caveat - if it is a tattoo that indicates gang affiliation, it will not be tolerated. Most states are more concerned with exactly "what" the tattoo is and represents. But many states allow COs to have them. I have seen COs in New Jersey with full sleeves