Policy Text
Departmental Memorandum
Volume 25-6
To: All Police Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
From : Captain Clayton Buchanan, PSU
Facial Coverings
09-16-2025
This memorandum is regarding the identification of department employees and the use of face coverings while
performing official duties involving the public. Although pending legislation has not yet become law, bills are
advancing through the legislative process and reflect a growing public expectation for transparency in law
enforcement (California Senate Bills 627 and 805)
In alignment with these expectations and in support of our continued commitment to public trust, the
Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is adopting the following standards, consistent with the principles of
General Order 380.02 (Identification Cards) which states “It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police
Department that employees, while on duty OR at a department facility, be readily identifiable as employees of
the Department by wearing an ID card, badge, or pocket name plate.”
Effective Immediately:
• All department personnel must be readily identifiable while on duty or during public -facing
assignments. This includes the visible display of identification that includes their agency and either a
name or badge number, or both name and badge number.
• Face coverings that obscure identity are not authorized during public interactions or enforcement
activity, except under the following circumstances:
o For medical or health- related protection (e.g., N95, surgical mask).
o During operations requiring protective gear (e.g., EOD, CSI, or SWAT deployments).
o During inclement weather, motor officers are allowed facial coverings with the caveat that the
covering is removed during contact with the public.
o In environmental hazards such as wildfire smoke.
o While assigned to undercover operations.
• Non-uniformed officers involved in enforcement duties must display a visible ID or badge identifying
themselves and their affiliation with the Sacramento Police Department unless doing so would
compromise an authorized undercover role.
This guidance is intended to bridge current department practice with evolving legal standards. This
memorandum will remain in effect until General Order 380.02 is formally revised and reissued , at which time
this memorandum will expire.
For any questions regarding this memorandum, please reach out to the Professional Standards Unit.
LOOK at GO 380.02 D, E, and F