Title
Adding Chapter 268A to the Legislative Code to require law enforcement officers performing law enforcement duties to visibly display identification on the outermost layer of their uniform.
Body
Section 1.
WHEREAS, transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations are essential to maintaining public trust; and
WHEREAS, across the country, state and local law enforcement respond to calls in full uniform, including calls to dangerous or violent situations or situations that may threaten their well-being;
WHEREAS, Saint Paul residents have the right to be aware of an officer’s identity and agency affiliation in order to know their rights and understand the lawful authority the officer possesses, as different law enforcement officers operating in this city have different levels of authority to make arrests and enter certain spaces.
WHEREAS, without knowledge of a law enforcement officer’s agency, there is no way for people to report or hold officers accountable for unprofessional behavior or misconduct, even in instances of violence or illegal activity;
WHEREAS, the increasing use of face coverings, the absence of visible names, officer identification or badge number, or other individually identifying information on an officer’s uniform, the failure to be clearly and conspicuously identifiable as law enforcement, or the use of unmarked vehicles during law enforcement activities has raised concerns for public safety;
WHEREAS, the lack of consistent and visible personal and agency identification renders it difficult for state and local law enforcement to distinguish between authorized personnel and bad actors;
WHEREAS, Chapter 10, United States Code, Section 723, provides that during a civil disturbance, federal law enforcement personnel employed to provide support are required to visibly display the individual’s name and the name of the agency of which they are employed;
WHEREAS, Department of Homeland Security regulations, p...
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