City considers a no ‘ski mask’ ordinance

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — At the City of Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held Friday, July 10, Ward 1 Alderman Thomas ‘TJ’ Mayfield proposed a new “no face mask” policy for the city.

According to Mayfield, the proposed ordinance comes following a rash of crimes where suspects have hidden their facial features with “ski mask” style hoods. Reports indicate there has been a marked increase of crimes with the masks being worn, including a recent shooting in the city when the suspect wore the style of mask.

The ordinance states, “The Board finds that such face coverings hinder law enforcement investigations, pose a public safety risk, and contribute to a heightened sense of fear, intimidation and insecurity among citizens in the City of Vicksburg.”

“We aren’t going to infringe on anyone’s religious rights,” explained Mayfield. He also noted the ordinance would not apply to the style of masks worn to protect health such as the type of masks often worn during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An additional part of the ordinance would stipulate juveniles caught wearing the masks would be spoken to by police officers. The law enforcement agents would then speak to the parents and everything would be documented in the police reporting software.

For second-time juvenile offenders and adults caught wearing the masks the fine would be $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail at the digression of the judge.

Mayor Willis Thompson raised concerns that citizens could be targeted by law enforcement officials. He also asked for a more clear description of the masks be provided in the ordinance. Ward 2 Alderwoman Vickie Bailey agreed.

The Board made a motion to table the ordinance until a detailed face mask description could be added. The ordinance will be up for vote at a later meeting of the city leadership.

The proposed ordinance can be found below: