SFPD Wore "Blue Lives Matter" Face Masks While Responding to Protests

[Photo by Leon Kunstenaar, Pro Bono Photo. Please credit the photographer. Photo here is of cop in mask at reopen rally and counter-protest at San Francisco City Hall on May 1.]


San Francisco’s police union gave officers face masks depicting a flag that symbolizes the Blue Lives Matter counter-movement. The flag became a popular symbol for racists who oppose the Black Lives Matter movement that rose up in 2014 in response to police shootings.

Officers wore the offensive masks when responding to a housing protest on May 1.

According to the San Francisco Examiner, an activist in the Justice for Mario Woods movement said the masks are a reminder of the severe disparities between black and white San Franciscans and highlight institutionalized racism within the health industry. Mario Woods was murdered by gunshot in 2015 by police. Two rounds pierced his skull, one grazed a cheek and others struck his thighs, back, chest, abdomen and hands, according to the autopsy report. Authorities reportedly found 27 bullet casings,

According to the Examiner article, John Crew, a criminal justice advocate and retired ACLU attorney, under San Francisco Police Department policy on-duty political activity is not allowed.
“The definition of a uniform is that it's uniform,” Crew said. “There is no option to add your own statements, affiliations, whatever.”

The masks also had on them the symbol of the police union, the SFPOA logo. According to the SF Chronicle, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott is now seeking “neutral” face coverings.