TATTOO REMOVAL PROGRAM
The Salt Lake Area Gang Project, in conjunction with the University of Utah Medical Center Coordinates a tattoo removal program. The program was started in 1991 to allow former gang members to finalize their break with the gang lifestyle.
The Procedure
The University of Utah Medical Center provides, free-of-charge, the physicians, technicians, and equipment necessary to provide this service. Most tattoos require at least two visits; larger tattoos may require as many as six to eight visits. The procedure can only be repeated every six weeks. Tattoo removal is a slow process, but for those who are committed to breaking free from their former, destructive lifestyle, it is worth it.
A laser beam is used for tattoo removal. The beam penetrates the skin until it reaches the pigment in the tattoo. The procedure enables the laser to lock onto the pigment, bombarding the ink and breaking it into thousands of smaller bits that the body can absorb. The process goes slowly as the physician carefully traces over the tattoo, trying not to miss any of it. This procedure is mildly painful, described by some as similar to a sunburn. Tiny blisters rise on the skin's surface as the laser beam passes by. The blisters disappear in a day or two.
Applying For Tattoo Removal
Interested applicants must fill out the application below. The completed form should be returned to the Salt Lake Area Gang Project at 3365 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119. The applicant must::
- reside in Salt Lake County
- not be involved with any gang members not have been arrested within 1 year of applying
- not have had any active status for 1 year for incarceration, parole, probation, and/or an active treatment center
- not have had any active status for 1 year for arrests, criminal activity, or warrants
- have no unresolved issues with the courts (fines, bail, etc.)
- complete 20 hours of community service and provide verifiable written confirmation
- submit digital or 35mm photos of any tattoos that are to be removed. The tattoos must be gang-related.
The application must be complete before the application can be accepted. Failure to complete any one of the above requirements will result in the denial of your tattoo removal request.
Applicants may be required to appear for a screening interview at the discretion of the Metro Gang Unit. Incarcerated individuals, as well as those on parole, probation, supervised release, under the continuing jurisdiction of the court, or who have outstanding warrants are not eligible
If you have any questions please contact the Gang Project at (801) 743-5864.
Tattoo Removal Program Application
****ALL AREAS MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY!**** Date:_________
Personal Data:
Full Legal Name: __________________________________
Street Address:__________________________________________
City __________________State_____________Zip Code____________
Phone:(____) ____________________ E-mail:_____________________
Date of Birth: ___________________________
Place of Birth:___________________________
Full Legal Name of Parents:____________________________
Parents' street address:___________________________________
City __________________State_____________Zip Code________
Parents' phone #: (____) ______________________
Physical Description:
Height ____________ Hair Color ________ Weight _________________
Eye Color _________ S.S.# __________________D.L. # ____________
Description and Location of Tattoos:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Gang Background:
Name of gang:______________________ Street Name: _____________
Age when first joined:_________ Currently active in a gang? ____
Reason for joining: ___________________________________________
How did you leave the gang: ____________________________________
Are you currently on probation or parole? ______________________
If yes: Agent's name_________________________ What state?______
Current Activities:
School name_______________________________________________
Street address______________________________________________
City___________________State_______________Zip Code_________
Employer name _____________________________________________
Street Address _____________________________________________
City___________________State______________Zip Code__________
Future Goals & Plans_________________________________________
Explain why you should you be accepted for the tattoo removal program?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Please return completed applications to:
Salt Lake Area Gang Project
3365 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
Attn: Detective Stone