Milwaukee Police Department facial covering policy change

Milwaukee Police Department facial covering policy modification

The Milwaukee Police Department is now prohibiting officers from wearing face coverings intended to conceal their identity while on duty.

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Common Council announced on Monday, March 2, that the Milwaukee Police Department will adopt an addition to its Uniform Standard Operating Procedure that explicitly prohibits the use of facial coverings for the purpose of concealing identity.

A news release from the Common Council stated, the "SOP modification strengthens public trust, further ensures officer identification, and positions Milwaukee as a national model for transparent, accountable policing under the ICE Out framework."

Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)

The Milwaukee Police Department issued the following statement on this policy modification:

"MPD is grateful to our elected officials, the MPA and MPSO who worked in collaboration to make this SOP modification. We are always better together."

What they're saying:

"Authority should always display their identity so that anyone can properly see who is possibly going to be arresting them or detaining them. That is scary. We don’t want a secret police anywhere in this city. That actually is counterproductive to safety," said Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic.

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"There will be no secret police in our city, and we are setting high standards for safety for all. Our residents deserve to know who is working in their neighborhoods as we work to make our city the most welcoming city we can," said Alexander Ayala, Milwaukee Police Association.

Reaction

What they're saying:

A number of other members from the Milwaukee Common Council also issued statements on this policy change.

Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez

"This is a core issue at the center of the federal shutdown right now, and without federal action, we are taking steps locally to increase transparency and accountability."

Milwaukee Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa

"We met with the Police Chief, delivered the message of what our constituents were demanding, and he acted. This is about responsiveness, accountability, and trust."

Milwaukee Alderman Alex Brower

"This SOP change is a fantastic first step, and to align with this momentum, there will be a forthcoming ordinance before the Council to codify these standards citywide, reinforcing the prohibition on facial coverings by any law enforcement operating in Milwaukee."

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Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera

"These actions represent important steps toward greater transparency, accountability, and protection of civil liberties in our community. They are also the direct result of sustained pressure from residents, advocates, and community leaders who organized, spoke out, and demanded safer, more transparent approaches to public safety. We celebrate the responsiveness shown by appointed and elected officials at the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, and the Milwaukee Common Council who listened and acted. This moment demonstrates that when communities engage and hold institutions accountable, meaningful change is possible — and that public safety must always be rooted in trust, dignity, and respect for the rights of all people."

What's next:

The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission is expected to meet on Thursday, March 5, to officially approve the police change. Alderman Browser said his colleagues are working to make it city law, so that it applies to all law enforcement officers in the city.