JXN TOP COP CALLS FOR FACE MASKS BAN

2025-07-16

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Chief Joseph Wade spoke at Tuesday night’s Jackson City Council meeting about potentially banning ski masks in public. The Chief says he has spoken with Mayor John Horhn and his team about young men walking around with ski masks, sometimes referred to as “shiesty masks.” Wade says he is looking for some type of city ordinance so individuals are not just walking around with ski masks on. While speaking to the council, Wade says he’s personally seen males riding on bikes with no...

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Chief Joseph Wade spoke at Tuesday night’s Jackson City Council meeting about potentially banning ski masks in public.

The Chief says he has spoken with Mayor John Horhn and his team about young men walking around with ski masks, sometimes referred to as “shiesty masks.”

Wade says he is looking for some type of city ordinance so individuals are not just walking around with ski masks on.

While speaking to the council, Wade says he’s personally seen males riding on bikes with no shirt on, wearing masks in South Jackson. He also sees them on surveillance video with masks on in businesses.

“It’s terrifying when you’re inside of a business and somebody walks in with a shiesty mask on,” said Wade.

Wade believes individuals are wearing ski masks for multiple reasons. The main being so they are not recognized by JPD’s facial recognition technology.

The chief is looking for the council’s support as they build out what the ordinance would look like.

Wade notes that this is not about violating anyone’s constitutional rights, but it’s about making sure citizens are safe.

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