New Jersey bill would require police to reveal faces and ID before detaining or arresting
TRENTON, NJ – A newly introduced bill in the New Jersey Senate would require law enforcement officers to reveal their faces and provide clear identification during most public interactions, a move sponsors say is intended to rebuild public trust and prevent crimes committed by police impersonators.
Senate Bill 4976, introduced Thursday by Senators Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic) and Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset), establishes what is titled the “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.”
The bill would mandate that officers interacting with the public while on duty refrain from wearing masks or facial coverings that obscure their identity, with specific exceptions for undercover assignments, protective shields, medical-grade masks prescribed for health reasons, or masks worn during emergencies involving smoke or hazardous air.
Identification required before arrests or detentions
The legislation also requires that officers clearly identify themselves before detaining or arresting an individual. Acceptable forms of identification would include wearing an official uniform with an agency insignia, showing a department-issued ID or badge, or verbally disclosing the officer’s name and department in a clear and audible manner.
Exceptions would apply if revealing the officer’s identity would jeopardize an investigation, require stealth as determined by a supervisor, or pose a personal safety risk. Officers in plain clothes or unmarked vehicles would still be permitted to act in urgent public safety situations.
Response to growing concerns over impersonation
In a statement attached to the bill, lawmakers cited a rise in nationwide reports of police impersonators using masks and fake uniforms to commit crimes such as robberies and kidnappings. The sponsors said requiring visible identification and uncovered faces during most public encounters would reduce confusion and improve transparency.
The bill also directs the state Attorney General to issue guidelines or directives to implement the law.
Public trust and safety cited as key goals
Wimberly and Zwicker said the measure is designed to prevent unnecessary confrontations between officers and civilians by ensuring clear recognition of legitimate law enforcement.
According to the bill’s sponsors, the proposal aligns with federal recommendations encouraging agencies to verify and display credentials during enforcement actions.
Senate Bill 4976 would require most New Jersey law enforcement officers to keep their faces visible and identify themselves before arrests or detentions to strengthen public trust and deter impersonators.