By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Milwaukee Police Department updated its uniform policy to ban officers from wearing facial coverings intended to conceal their identities, city officials said.
• The change was announced March 2 by members of the Milwaukee Common Council as part of the “ICE Out” public safety framework.
• The updated Uniform Standard Operating Procedure still allows masks for safety, health or weather reasons.
• Council members said the ban is meant to strengthen transparency and accountability in policing.
• Additional legislation may extend the prohibition to all law enforcement agencies operating within the city.
MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee Police Department has adopted a policy that prohibits officers from wearing facial coverings for the purpose of concealing their identities, city officials said.
Members of the Milwaukee Common Council announced the policy change March 2, saying it was developed in coordination with Police Chief Jeffrey Norman as part of the city’s “ICE Out” public safety framework aimed at boosting accountability and public trust.
The updated directive was added to the department’s Uniform Standard Operating Procedure and specifies that facial coverings and masks “shall not be used for the purpose of concealing identity,” though they remain permitted for protection from hazardous materials, disease control, and cold or extreme weather during extended outdoor assignments.
Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, who authored the motion for the modification, said the change followed discussions with the police chief and reflected constituent demands for responsive and transparent policing.
Council members indicated plans to introduce additional legislation that would codify the prohibition on facial coverings for all law enforcement agencies operating in Milwaukee, extending the policy beyond the police department.