Correspondence - Item 32 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zuniga, Diana From: Mark Armen < Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 3:50 PM To: eComment Subject: Public comment for Agenda item 32: Display name and badge number and prohibit face coverings Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links. Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I am writing today as a concerned resident to express my strong support for the proposed ordinance that would require all law enforcement officials operating in Santa Ana to clearly display their name and badge number and to prohibit the use of face coverings that obscure identity during public operations, except in cases of legitimate safety or health requirements. In a democratic society, transparency and accountability are not optional—they are foundational. When law enforcement officers appear in public masked and without identification, it erodes community trust, creates fear, and undermines the principle that government officials serve the people. We cannot build public safety by dehumanizing the relationship between officers and residents. Recent incidents, both nationally and here in California, have shown masked and unidentified officers tackling or detaining individuals with no clear justification or warrant.These are not the practices of a free society—they are the hallmarks of a police state. Santa Ana must take a stand against this trend by codifying basic standards of accountability. Displaying a badge and name does not place undue burden on officers; instead, it aligns with best practices, ensures appropriate conduct, and empowers our community to hold public servants to the standards they are sworn to uphold. I urge you to vote in favor of this ordinance and set a powerful example for cities across the nation: Santa Ana stands for transparency,dignity,and democratic values. Thank you for your time and leadership. Sincerely, Mark Armen Santa Ana Resident Park Santiago Neighborhood i