L-R,Heriberto Torres, Keith Archiquette, Jacob Randt, Ross Walden, and Memphys Seizertare newly swornin recruit officers for the Green Bay Police Department, January 7, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Green Bay Police Department)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay police department is reassuring the public on its hiring standards after community members raised concerns about a recruit’s tattoo.
On Wednesday, the department posted a photo on its Facebook page of five newly sworn in recruit officers.
The department says the photo generated comments and inquiries citing a visible tattoo of recruit Officer Ross Walden.
The department said, as with all applicants, Officer Walden underwent an extensive background investigation as part of its standard hiring process.
Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis released the following statement:
The investigation included a review of tattoos and other identifying markings. Nothing in the applicant’s background investigation raised concerns regarding bias, extremism, or conduct inconsistent with the values of the Green Bay Police Department.
Recruit Officer Walden is a United States Marine Corps veteran who received these tattoos while deployed overseas. He has stated that the American flag represents his patriotism and service to his country. The “Three Percenter” tattoo was intended to symbolize resistance to tyranny, not affiliation with any extremist ideology or unlawful organization.
As part of the background process, department investigators conducted reference checks with twenty-two individuals from across all areas of the applicant’s life, including personal references, roommates, co-workers, employers, relatives, friends, fellow veterans, and neighbors. Each reference was specifically asked whether they had ever observed the applicant engaged in questionable behavior or if he ever displayed bias or prejudice toward others. All references consistently described Recruit Officer Walden as a person of strong character and integrity.
In addition, like all police applicants selected for employment, Recruit Officer Walden completed a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed professional. This evaluation screens for emotional stability, decision-making, and potential bias or intolerance.
Our department does not make assumptions about applicants, officers, or members of our community. We are committed to an objective, unbiased hiring process and to selecting the most qualified candidates who demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to fair and ethical policing.
We take public concerns seriously and remain transparent about our processes. Our standards for hiring are high, and we have strong policies that clearly prohibit any form of biased policing. Every officer is held accountable to the values and expectations of this profession and the community we serve.
This concludes our comments on the matter.
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