Number
251797
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BROWER, ZAMARRIPA, DIMITRIJEVIC, PEREZ, TAYLOR AND BAUMAN
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to law enforcement identification.
Section
105-140 cr
Analysis
This ordinance prohibits all law enforcement officers, when acting in an official capacity, from wearing masks or face coverings and requires that both agency and individualized identification be worn. It is also requires that law enforcement vehicles clearly display agency identification. Exceptions are made for Milwaukee Police Department members because they are expected to follow applicable department standard operating procedures. Exceptions are also made for compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and for undercover assignments.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 105-140 of the code is created to read:
105-140. Law Enforcement Identification.
1. PROHIBITION ON FACE COVERINGS. No law enforcement officer may wear a mask or face covering that obscures their face or identity while acting in an official capacity.
2. IDENTIFICATION. When acting in an official capacity, all law enforcement officers shall visibly wear a badge or insignia identifying the law enforcement agency the officer is representing and a marking that can be used for individualized identification, such as a badge number or nametag.
3. VEHICLES. When acting in an official capacity, no law enforcement officer may operate a vehicle that does not clearly identify the law enforcement agency the officer is representing.
4. EXCEPTIONS. a. Face coverings may be worn when working in a capacity in which occupational health and safety regulations require the use of a mask or face covering to protect against hazardous conditions.
b. The requirements of this section do not apply to members of the Milwaukee Police Department.
c. A law enforcement officer engaged in an undercover assignment for which concealing identity is necessary for the investigation of a criminal offense is exempt from the requirements of this section, provided that deconfliction arrangements are in place with the Milwaukee Police Department.
4. PENALTY. Any person violating this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $5,000, nor more than $10,000, and in default of payment thereof, shall be imprisoned as provided by law.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
____________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: February 19, 2026
______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date: ______________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181368-2
Dave Gelting
February 12, 2026