26-091 Prohibited Use of Facial Coverings During Law Enforcement Operations

The purpose of this Notice is to inform members of the updated definition of facial coverings per Senate Bill 627 and to reinform members of the procedures in this Notice.

The San Francisco Police Department has earned the trust of our diverse communities through transparent and unbiased policing. As we patrol our districts, walk our beats, attend community meetings, and engage with residents in countless other ways, we are acutely aware of concerns regarding masked federal agents.

To avoid confusion, to differentiate SFPD enforcement operations from federal immigration operations and maintain our high level of community trust, San Francisco Police Department members are prohibited from wearing facial coverings for the purpose of concealing their identities during enforcement actions. Facial coverings include opaque masks, garments, helmets, headgear, balaclavas, tactical masks, gator masks, ski masks, or similar face coverings.

As a reminder, SFPD complies with SF Admin. Codes 12H and 12I, where City agencies and employees are generally prohibited from assisting in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

This policy does not prevent nor is it intended to restrict members from utilizing masks or other facial coverings for reasonable and lawful purposes, such as:

• Undercover assignments authorized by an OIC or Commanding Officer.
• Preventing the transmission of airborne diseases.
• Protecting against exposure to smoke or during a state of emergency related to wildfires.
• Gear used by Tactical Team members necessary to protect their eyes, ears, and/or airways from harm in furtherance of their official duties.
• Protective gear issued to members such as gas masks, rebreathers, or bomb tech suits.
• Safety helmets and equipment issued to motorcycle, dirt bike, and horse-mounted units. 
• Protection of identity during prosecution.
• For reasonable accommodations.

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police