In a recent decision marked by controversy and debate, the Philadelphia City Council has passed legislation to ban ski masks in certain public spaces, a move seen by supporters as a step towards enhancing public safety in light of the city’s troubling crime rates.
The legislation, which was approved with a 13-2 vote, is now awaiting the review of Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney. A spokesperson for the mayor said he “looks forward to our ongoing work with City Council on the urgent matter of ensuring public safety,” reported by the Associated Press.
The law specifically targets ski masks or balaclavas, prohibiting them in areas such as schools, parks, city buildings, and public transportation. This measure will impose a $250 fine on violators, though it makes exceptions for religious attire and, of course, during protests.
Philadelphia’s decision comes against a backdrop of increasing violent crime, with the city experiencing a record number of homicides in 2021, primarily gun-related.
Although there was a slight decrease in homicides in 2022, falling from 562 to 516 in 2022, the numbers remain alarmingly high compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This pattern of rising crime mirrors a national trend seen in major cities during the pandemic, though there is now a gradual shift towards pre-pandemic crime rates.
The city’s approach contrasts starkly with New York City’s recent policy changes. In 2020, New York City repealed a longstanding law that prohibited face coverings in public, a change primarily intended to accommodate mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This repeal was also seen as a move to prevent the law from being used against protesters and to reduce instances of police harassment, particularly against men of color.
Philadelphia’s ban is partly in response to an increase in the casual wearing of ski masks during the early stages of the pandemic, which coincided with a rise in individuals sought by the police.
Supporters of the ban argue that ski masks make it difficult for law enforcement to identify individuals, thus hindering police efforts. Councilman Anthony Phillips, the bill’s sponsor, has been contacted for comments but has not yet responded.
However, the legislation has faced strong opposition from progressive members of the Council and the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Solomon Furious Worlds, an attorney for the ACLU, criticized the ban, stating, “Giving police the authority to stop civilians without suspicion of unlawful activity is unconstitutional.”
This ban is a part of a larger challenge faced by Democrats in balancing accountability, especially in the wake of protests against police brutality, and addressing community safety concerns.
Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker, who won her election with a tough-on-crime stance, plans to increase police presence in communities. Her approach, however, has sparked debate, particularly her support for the use of “reasonable suspicion” by officers to stop people, a tactic that some argue is akin to the controversial stop-and-frisk policy.
Parker has also appointed Kevin Bethel, a seasoned police official, as her police commissioner, emphasizing his ability to restore order while ensuring police accountability.
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