The Englewood City Council has moved to put some very clear name tags on local policing. On Tuesday, the council voted 5-1 to adopt a resolution aimed at tightening policing practices in the city amid concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, requiring clearer identification for anyone wielding official law enforcement power inside city limits.
The measure directs that law enforcement personnel operating in Englewood wear clothing that clearly shows their agency, last name and rank, and it bars face coverings during law enforcement activity, with an exception for weather. Supporters said the move protects constitutional and human rights, while critics warned it could create enforcement complications and potential overreach.
As reported by the Littleton Independent, the resolution, passed during Tuesday’s meeting, requires all law enforcement agencies operating in Englewood to comply with community values and constitutional rights and spells out the identification and face-covering provisions. Councilmembers Tena Prange and Othoniel Sierra worked on revisions over several weeks, and the language was changed from “strongly urged” to “required” after discussion. The measure also affirms that the Englewood Police Department will comply with applicable state law surrounding immigration enforcement.
What the resolution requires
“The purpose of the resolution is to protect the human and constitutional rights of all residents,” Councilmember Tena Prange told the council, arguing the measures will make local policing more transparent. The resolution specifically asks officers to wear outer clothing displaying the agency name and an individual’s last name and rank, and it forbids face coverings while carrying out law enforcement duties except for weather-related reasons…