Missoula Police Reject Face Coverings, Concealed Identities

City officials say officers will not wear masks or hide their identities on duty.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis told the city council that the city values constitutional rights and due process, and that Missoula police officers will not be required to wear face coverings or conceal their identities while on duty.

Why it matters

This decision by Missoula officials comes amid ongoing debates around police transparency, accountability, and the use of protective equipment like face masks, which some see as infringing on individual liberties.

The details

Mayor Davis stated that Missoula will uphold due process for everyone and that the city values its constitutional rights, indicating the police department's policy change is part of this stance.

  • On Monday night, January 27, 2026, Mayor Davis addressed the city council about the new police policy.

The players

Andrea Davis

The mayor of Missoula, Montana who announced the city's new policy regarding police face coverings and identities.

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What they’re saying

“I want to repeat that the City of Missoula values our constitutional rights and will uphold due process for everyone.”

— Andrea Davis, Mayor of Missoula

The takeaway

Missoula's decision to prohibit police from wearing face coverings or concealing their identities reflects an ongoing debate over the balance between public safety, civil liberties, and police transparency.