IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
AN ORDINANCE prohibiting law enforcement officers from concealing their faces or badges during performance of their official duties and establishing penalties and exemptions.
Intro
ORDINANCE NO. 6050, December 8, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, the purpose of this ordinance is to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement; and,
WHEREAS, prohibiting officers and agencies from allowing concealment unless a valid exemption applies, including: undercover assignments, tactical/SWAT operations where concealment is necessary, medical or protective equipment requirements, helmets or visors that do not significantly obscure identity, other urgent or exceptional situations with written documentation; and,
WHEREAS, agencies must adopt written policies governing when concealment is allowed and document all uses of exemptions, including date, reason, and supervisory approval; and,
WHEREAS, agencies must report annually to the Legislature on exemption usage; and,
WHEREAS, violations may result in internal disciplinary action, increased exposure to civil liability in related legal claims, and criminal misdemeanor penalties; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED, that law enforcement officers performing official duties in Jackson County shall keep both their faces and badges visible to the public.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its signature by the County Executive.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Unsigned by County Counselor
___________________________
County Counselor
I hereby certify that the attached ordinance, Ordinance No. 6050 introduced on December 8, 2025, was duly passed on ____________________________, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______________ Nays _____________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
This Ordinance is hereby transmitted to the County Executive for his signature.
____________________ ________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature
I hereby approve the attached Ordinance No. 6050.
___________________ ________________________________
Date Phil LeVota, County Executive