Mayor Harrell proposes ban on face masks for law enforcement officers

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed a new city ordinance Wednesday that would ban the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers to increase transparency and accountability.

If the legislation is approved, Seattle would be the first city in Washington and among a few major U.S. cities to adopt a law enforcement mask ban, the City of Seattle announced.

“Federal law enforcement officials operating in Seattle are not above the laws of our city,” Harrell stated. “The Trump administration’s tactic of using masked, unidentified agents to carry out their inhumane deportation agenda with impunity not only erodes accountability but also sows fear in our communities and creates a dangerous possibility for copycat actors.”

Face coverings and identification requirements

The face coverings that could potentially be outlawed include any mask, garment, helmet, headgear, or additional items that conceal law enforcement’s facial identification. Other facial coverings include a Balaclava, tactical mask, gator, or ski mask. The ordinance would also require officers to visibly display badges and emblems of their agency.

Various exemptions are provided for law enforcement officials who use medical or surgical masks to protect against the transmission of diseases or other environmental hazards.

Violations of the proposed ordinance by an agency or officer would result in a civil violation and a penalty of $5,000, enforced by the Office for Civil Rights.

“Accountability is not punishment, it is a promise kept,” said Derrick Wheeler-Smith, Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. “This legislation strengthens civil rights by ensuring that masked or unidentified federal agents, and those pretending to be, are seen, documented, and addressed rather than swept aside.”

The ordinance aligns with two previously signed executive orders by Mayor Harrell earlier this month. The orders focused on the City’s preparedness in the event of unilateral troop deployment in Seattle, and its role in not aiding civil immigration enforcement.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is also developing policies for officers responding to cases where masked and unidentified individuals are detaining people. The mayor’s office noted that the increased use of masks among officers has contributed to civilians impersonating federal immigration enforcement officials, which poses a severe threat to communities.

“Our officers’ appearance will be consistent when someone calls 9-1-1 for help and Seattle police officers are dispatched. They will show up ready to serve the public with their faces uncovered and their SPD badge and name proudly displayed,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said. “At our core, we are peace officers, and our goal is to protect people and keep the peace.”

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