MI5: You can't be a spy if you've got tattoos or you're too tall

In a new job specification released for ‘mobile surveillance officers’ MI5 said applicants with distinguishing tattoos would be 'unsuitable'.

16:25 20 January 2015

MI5 is currently looking for applicants to take on the role of mobile surveillance officers. However, the Security Service has warned that anyone who has distinguishing tattoos on the hands, forearms, neck, or face would make them unsuitable for the position.

In the same manner, those who are too tall (6ft1in for men and over 5ft8in for women) would be more likely to be unsuited for the role.

‘Any distinguishing features such as tattoos on your face, neck or forearms would make you more recognisable to someone who is under surveillance and would therefore make you unsuitable for this role,’ says the guideline, posted on MI5’s website.

‘Mobile surveillance officers follow subjects who’ve been identified by intelligence officers as potential threats to national security.

‘It’s all about observing people and places, either on foot or by vehicle, and to do that it is vital that you blend in to your environment.’