Cops unmasked Bay Area lawmakers bill would bar police from wearing face coverings

The No Secret Police Act, introduced by California Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, aims to prevent law enforcement officers from concealing their identities during operations. The legislation requires officers to display their names or other identifiers on their uniforms to enhance accountability and trust within communities. This initiative responds to recent federal immigration raids that have generated widespread fear among residents. The bill exempts SWAT teams and medical-grade masks during emergencies like wildfires. Law enforcement officers are defined broadly, encompassing local, state, and federal agencies.

Violating the proposed law would incur misdemeanor penalties. The senators emphasized that public confidence in law enforcement hinges on transparency, stating, "If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police. " This legislation reflects a growing demand for accountability in law enforcement practices.