County Council
Proposed bill takes aim at officer anonymity amid immigration enforcement.
Officers, including federal agents, couldn't wear masks or hide badges on duty in Allegheny County under a proposed law. Introduced April 14, it would punish each violation with a fine up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail. Undercover officers and those wearing medical masks would be exempt. For now, council has referred it to the public safety committee.
Written by Amy Whipple
Allegheny County Council may increase accountability for law enforcement officers.
Council Member Dewitt Walton of the Hill District introduced legislation at the April 14 meeting that would bar local, state and federal law enforcement from wearing masks, obscuring their badges or otherwise concealing their identity while working in the county. It would also require law enforcement vehicles to be publicly identifiable.
Officers wearing medical-style masks for health reasons or protective tactical equipment as well as officers who are working undercover would be exempt from the legislation.
For each violation, officers will face either a fine up to $500 or imprisonment for up to 90 days. They may also face additional penalties such as payment of court costs. According to the legislation, officers would not be able to claim qualified immunity from civil liability if they are violating the statute.
The bill also aims to make it more difficult for people to impersonate officers, which has increased related to federal immigration enforcement. “The need for accountability is heightened when state actors are granted policing power by the people,” the legislation reads.
Council referred the bill to the public safety committee.
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