City resident Peggy Nelson spoke at the March 4 Cottage Grove City Council meeting asking for an ordinance to govern masks by law enforcement in Cottage Grove. The following letter was received from Cottage Grove Public Safety in response:

Ms. Nelson,
At the City Council Meeting on March 4th, you proposed an ordinance to regulate facial coverings by law enforcement to promote public trust, effective communication, and identifiability during routine interactions with law enforcement. Staff has carefully reviewed and considered your proposal to reach a decision.
The Cottage Grove Police Department (CGPD) shares your commitment to constitutional policing and 21st Century Policing strategies, which are widely regarded as the best practices for building and maintaining community trust, communication, and partnerships.
While Minnesota State Statute 609.735 does not apply to peace officers acting within the scope of their official duties and CGPD’s policy does not prohibit facial coverings, our practices do limit the use of facial coverings. Officers may wear facial coverings only when necessary to conceal the identity of an undercover officer or provide hazard protection. CGPD officers should be readily identifiable even when facial coverings are necessary, except when operating in an undercover role. Thus, CGPD’s practices currently align with your proposal.
While the goals underlying your proposed ordinance are honorable, the legality and effects are debated. Firstly, federal agents may be exempt from local regulations, and unmasking mandates in other jurisdictions have not been definitively tested in courts yet. Secondly, enforcement of such an ordinance may create conflict leading to costly legal battles and hindered cooperation from our local, state, and federal partners.
We empathize with your concerns; however, the City of Cottage Grove will not regulate facial coverings for law enforcement. We do value your insights and recommendations, and we hope to continue dialogue as our community navigates the issues surrounding immigration enforcement. Your community spirit and advocacy are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for expressing your concerns allowing the Department and City an opportunity to reflect upon our practices so we may continue to serve our community with excellence.

Respectfully,

Brad Petersen
Deputy Director of Public Safety