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Amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identity, require officers to visibly display their badge and other official identifying information, prohibit the impersonation of law enforcement officers, and provide for civil and criminal enforcement of violations, all under certain terms and conditions.
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 10. REGULATION OF INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT AND ACTIVITY
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SECTION 1. City Council hereby makes the following findings:
(1) It is the intent of this Council to define the structure of the scope of duty, as well as substantive obligations of local, state and federal law enforcement operating within the jurisdiction of the City of Philadelphia.
(2) Transparency in governmental actions, including for officers of the peace, is essential to create the trust between community members and agents of state, local, and federal government that is needed for public safety.
(3) Accountability to the public is an inherent attribute of a democracy, and the ability for members of the public to know basic information about agents of the state with minimal exemptions is vital in a democratic society. The need for accountability is heightened when state actors are granted policing power by the people. A state, local, and federal government that is accountable to the public is essential for democracy and safety.
(4) In order to properly protect people living in the City of Philadelphia, ensure transparency and accountability for local, state, and federal law enforcement, Council finds that the following legislation is necessary to the jurisdiction's safety and democracy.
SECTION 2. Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code shall be amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 10-800. SAFETY.
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