Policy Text
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 202 6/01/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the
Sheriff Facial Coverings - 1 Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Custody Policy Manual
Facial Coverings
255.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for all peace officers regarding the restriction
of facial coverings when performing their duties except in limited specific circumstances
(Government Code § 7289).
This policy also serves as a declaration that the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff is
committed to transparency, accountability, and public trust. Facial coverings are restricted as set
forth in this policy.
255.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Facial covering - Any opaque mask, garment, helmet, headgear, or other item that conceals or
obscures the facial identity of an individual, including but not limited to a balaclava, tactical mask,
gaiter, ski mask, and any similar type of facial covering or face -shielding item.
Facial covering does not include:
• A translucent face shield or clear mask that does not conceal the wearer's facial
identity and is used in compliance with this policy.
• A N95 medical mask or surgical mask to protect against transmission of disease or
infection or any other mask, helmet, or device, including but not limited to air-purifying
respirators, full or half masks, or self -contained breathing apparatus necessary to
protect against exposure to any toxin, gas, smoke, inclement weather, or any otherhazardous or harmful environmental condition.
• A mask, helmet, or device, including but not limited to a self -contained breathing
apparatus, necessary for underwater use.
• A motorcycle helmet when worn by a deputy utilizing a motorcycle or other vehicle
that requires a helmet for safe operations while in the performance of their duties.
• Eyewear necessary to protect from the use of retinal weapons, including but not limited
to lasers.
255.
2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff that facial coverings shall not be
worn by deputies in the performance of their duties except as set forth in this policy.
Generalized and undifferentiated fear and apprehension about deputy safety shall not be sufficient
to justify the use of facial coverings.
255.
3 FACIAL COVERINGS
Facial coverings shall not be worn by deputies when performing their duties except under the following conditions: Policy
255
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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 202 6/01/01, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Clara County Office of the
Sheriff Facial Coverings - 2 Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Custody Policy Manual
F
acial Coverings
(
a) Active undercover operations or assignments authorized by a supervisor or court order
(b) Tactical operations where protective gear is required for physical safety
(c) Applicable law governing occupational health and safety authorizes such use (e.g.,
N95 masks against transmission of disease or infection, self -contained breathing
apparatus or air purifying respirator against exposure to hazardous conditions)
(d) Protection of identity during a prosecution proceeding
(e) Applicable law governing reasonable accommodations authorizes such use
Facial coverings shall only be used when no other reasonable alternative exists, and with the
approval of a supervisor. The supervisor shall document the necessity of facial coverings in the
appropriate report.
A supervisor shall not knowingly allow a deputy to violate state law or Office policy limiting the use of a facial covering.
255.
4 POSTING OF POLICY
The Sheriff or the authorized designee shall make this policy publicly available on the Office website.
A written challenge regarding this policy shall be forwarded to the Sheriff or the authorized designee, who shall then have 90 days to address or correct any alleged deficiencies. Court proceedings may not be initiated by the challenging party until this 90- day period has been
completed.
255.
5 POLICY REVIEW
The policy shall be reviewed at least once every two years.
255.
6 POLICY TRACKING
Date of Origin 11/13/2025
Review Date 01/01/2028
Revision Date
Date Approved 12/30/2025
Effective Date 01/01/2026
Supersedes New Policy
References Government Code § 7289
Regulatory Authority Government Code § 7289
Signature of Issui ng Authority
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