Jackson County Debates Ban on Police Masks

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:13 AM

Jackson County lawmakers are considering a controversial ordinance that would prohibit most law enforcement officers from concealing their faces or badges while on duty, with limited exceptions for undercover or tactical work. Legislature Chair Manny Abarca III argues the measure is a necessary step to ensure uniform accountability and protect civil liberties. However, the proposal…

Jackson County lawmakers are considering a controversial ordinance that would prohibit most law enforcement officers from concealing their faces or badges while on duty, with limited exceptions for undercover or tactical work. Legislature Chair Manny Abarca III argues the measure is a necessary step to ensure uniform accountability and protect civil liberties. However, the proposal faces sharp criticism from Sheriff Darryl Forte and U.S. Representative Sam Graves, who called the move dangerous and a “thinly veiled attempt to dox law enforcement.”

More from Nodaway News Radio

  • St. Joseph Finance Committee Reviews Audit and Facility Funding

    The St. Joseph School District’s finance committee met Tuesday to take a deeper look at the recent financial audit and discuss ways to strengthen district procedures. Assistant Superintendent Robert Hedgecorth says the meeting gave members time to clarify complex figures and address misconceptions circulating in the community. He also noted that building two new high…

  • MoDOT and Evergy Partner on U.S. 71 Upgrades for New Gas Plant

    The Missouri Department of Transportation is teaming up with Evergy to overhaul the intersection of U.S. Route 71 and 340th Street in preparation for a major new natural gas plant south of Maryville. The project, which is set to go out for bids this April, will replace the current crossover with “J-turns” to handle the…

  • St. Joseph FedEx Ship Center Set to Close

    The FedEx Ship Center located on Easton Road in St. Joseph is scheduled to permanently close its doors on February 28th. The company confirmed the move in emails to customers, though specific reasons for the closure have not been released. A spokesperson stated that FedEx operations will continue in the wider area and encouraged customers…

  • Missouri Bill Proposes Raising Rural Interstate Speed Limits

    Missouri lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1408, which seeks to raise the maximum speed limit on rural interstates and freeways from 70 to 75 mph. While Senator Jamie Burger introduced the legislation to increase travel efficiency, the Missouri Department of Transportation has voiced opposition, warning that higher speeds could lead to a rise in traffic…

  • NCMC Savannah Campus Awarded $1.37 Million to Expand Health Workforce

    North Central Missouri College’s Savannah Campus has secured a $1.37 million federal grant in partnership with Mosaic Life Care to enhance its health workforce training. The funding is designed to accelerate growth in the school’s behavioral health program by covering tuition and essential costs for students. Officials say the initiative aims to strengthen care coordination…