House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	August 12, 2020 08:21 AM
From:	Representative Brian Sims
To:	All House members
Subject:	Demilitarization of Police Uniforms

This summer, federal law enforcement agents were deployed to patrol the streets of Portland, Oregon. These federal agents were sent in response to widespread protests and peaceful demonstrations for racial justice that have taken place over the past few months. Images and video from Portland show these agents, in military-style uniforms, engaging in violent, menacing behavior around demonstrators. Confusion on the streets, instigated by this behavior, left many demonstrators concerned that the military had been turned against the citizenry. In addition, we have seen across the country local law enforcement utilizing similar military-style fatigues to respond to protests. As a result, demonstrators have been unable to accurately identify what type of law enforcement is on the streets, leading to unnecessary panic and fear. In Pennsylvania, there is no law that specifically allows for the use of militarized uniforms by municipal and state law enforcement. Considering the recent events that took place in Portland, it is imperative that our citizens are able to distinguish between a member of the military and a law enforcement officer. I am introducing legislation that would prohibit the use of camouflage and military-style fatigues by local, municipal, and state law enforcement. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that aims to build transparency and trust with law enforcement in our communities.
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Introduced as HB2817