Efforts to change police masking policies in Arizona have hit a roadblock as state lawmakers chose not to proceed with a proposal aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
The Arizona House, in a party-line decision, dismissed a suggestion by Rep. Mariana Sandoval that would have mandated law enforcement agencies to implement policies against regular mask usage by police. Sandoval, representing Goodyear, argued that having clear guidelines on when mask usage is appropriate would bolster public trust.
Sandoval emphasized, “The purpose of this amendment is simple: transparency, accountability and public trust.” She added that officers, with their significant authority, should remain identifiable to the public they serve.
The debate over police wearing masks gained traction due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers’ practices and concerns about masked officers’ involvement in incidents, including civilian confrontations and fatalities in Minnesota.
Federal authorities have argued that masks are vital to protect officers’ identities from being exposed publicly. However, critics argue that anonymity may lead to misconduct.
Sandoval’s proposal did not target federal actions but aimed to prevent similar practices in state and local law enforcement. She pointed out that several Arizona agencies already restrict mask use.
For instance, Tucson police have stated that officers are prohibited from wearing face coverings when responding to calls or during enforcement actions. They must also provide identification upon request. Phoenix has implemented comparable policies.
Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Lt. Col. Daven Byrd has instructed highway patrol officers not to wear face masks or conceal their identity.
In contrast, Greenlee County Sheriff Eric Ellison mentioned no formal policy exists, but he does not permit routine masking. Similarly, the Flagstaff Police Department clarified that full-face coverings are only permissible in bad weather, emphasizing the public’s right to verify an officer’s identity.
Sandoval believes that clear identification policies benefit both the public and police officers by fostering professionalism and accountability.
She tried to incorporate her proposal into HB2862, a bill by Rep. Quang Nguyen that proposes harsher penalties for crimes committed while masked. However, a procedural move by the Republican majority replaced her amendment, and later attempts to challenge this were voted down by Republicans.
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