Chop Wood, Carry CA 6/23

No more secret police in CA

Hi team California,

I was excited to see that our state legislators are standing up to ICE through a new proposed bill. Let’s make this happen, and fast!

No More Secret Police in California.

California Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín just introduced SB 627, the No Secret Police Act—a bill that would make it illegal for law enforcement officers in California to cover their faces or hide identifying info during operations.

Why? Because masked, unnamed officers are showing up more often—sometimes grabbing people off the street without explanation or accountability. It’s terrifying, it’s undemocratic, and it’s happening up and down our entire state.

This bill is simple: If you’re acting as law enforcement in California—local, state, or federal—you must be clearly identifiable. There are sensible exceptions (SWAT, wildfire smoke protection, medical masks). But no more vague “police” jackets and face coverings on mystery agents sweeping people into vans.

Trust between law enforcement and the public is already strained. Allowing secretive operations only makes it worse—and more dangerous for everyone. SB 627 restores transparency, accountability, and, frankly, some basic human decency.

Let’s make sure our state doesn’t enable authoritarian tactics.

Look up your state senator/assemblymember here

CALL SCRIPT for SB 627 – The No Secret Police Act

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City or Zip Code].

I’m calling to urge [Senator/Assemblymember Name] to support SB 627, the No Secret Police Act.

This bill is critical to restoring public trust in law enforcement. Officers should not be allowed to hide their faces or identities during operations—especially not in a democracy. We need transparency and accountability, not secretive, authoritarian tactics. Secret police have no place here.

Please vote YES on SB 627 and stand up for civil liberties and public safety.

Thank you.

This is important and the sooner we can get this law on the books, the better. So let’s show our leaders how important this is to us.

Jess (and Andrea who helps with state newsletters)