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A resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to pass House Bill 1442, regarding the identification of law enforcement officers.
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WHEREAS, masked, plain clothed federal agents have concealed their identities while conducting immigration raids in the United States; and
WHEREAS, seventeen state attorneys general have warned that the increased practice of masking while conducting raids and arrests makes it easier for imposters to pose as law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, imposters have been arrested and accused of impersonating law enforcement officers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California; and
WHEREAS, this behavior poses significant security issues, creating scenarios where imposters can claim to be law enforcement and harass, threaten, and harm immigrants and women; and
WHEREAS, these actions serve as a threat to law enforcement officers themselves, making it more difficult to distinguish themselves as legitimate officers; and
WHEREAS, State Representative Justin Jones filed House Bill 1442, or the Stop American Gestapo Act, which would forbid law enforcement officers from wearing masks, face coverings, or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their official duties, with exceptions for health-related reasons and for protection from physical harm during SWAT-related work; and
WHEREAS, the bill also requires law enforcement officers to clearly display their names or badge numbers on their uniforms or other clothing while officially interacting with the public; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to support this legislation to ensure transparency and address rising concern that members of the public are impersonating law enforcement to deceive and intimidate vulnerable populations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as urging the Tennessee General Assembly to support House Bill 1442, the Stop American Gestapo Act.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.