In Washington State, where trust in our community is vital, the appearance of our law enforcement officers holds significant importance. The rise of police impersonation crimes and a society that lacks accountability is in direct opposition to constitutional principles. My aim is to ensure safety and transparency by requiring all representatives of law enforcement—state, local, and federal—to remain unmasked while in uniform performing duties in public in Washington State. This small adjustment can significantly deter impersonation crimes and increase public trust. Forms of secret police or unidentified armed persons acting upon citizens in ways that would be considered criminally offensive to others shall not in any way obscure their identity specifically because same officers will have to appear in court and verify their identity and role in the case which would follow. A 62-year-old Spokane man was arrested on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after attempting to impersonate a police officer near Leavenworth. In April "Richland Police Catch Man Playing Cop"

In Washington state, impersonating a police officer or public servant is a crime, classified as criminal impersonation in the second degree (RCW 9A.60.045). This is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. It involves pretending to be a law enforcement officer and performing actions in that pretended capacity, such as stopping vehicles or engaging in other official duties. 

Police impersonation is a troubling crime on the rise, with National statistics indicating an alarming increase of such cases in recent years. When officers conceal their faces, it becomes alarmingly easier for individuals with malicious intent to pose as law enforcement, putting innocent individuals at risk. By requiring officers to keep their faces unobscured, they maintain accountability and ensure that they can easily be identified and verified by citizens.

While we understand the necessity of anonymity in certain undercover operations, this petition calls for transparency in daily public interactions. Clear identification helps in building trust and improving the relationship between officers and the community they serve. By ensuring that officers' facial identities are visible, we are advocating for an enhancement in security measures that protect not just the citizens but also the integrity of law enforcement agencies.

Defenders of the practice say if the identities of arrest teams were known, they or their families might become targets for public shaming, harassment, or even violence. Similar concerns haven’t deterred judges, who in the past year have come under a wave of threats, often serious. Despite the real fear, jurists haven’t resorted—and in a free society, mustn’t resort—to concealing their role in administering the law. 

It's imperative for lawmakers in Washington to consider this proposal to safeguard our communities. Safety and trust can go hand-in-hand with these simple yet effective measures. Law enforcement officers serve as protectors, and their presence should be reassuring, not a cause for concern.

Urge Washington's lawmakers to take immediate action by signing this petition. Stand up for safer interactions and help deter police impersonation crimes effectively.   

Learn more https://www.cato.org/blog/ice-agents-seizing-people-now-routinely-wear-masks-thats-wrong