So glad to have found this project ( @NYPDMaskWatch). Just last week I asked 2 NYPD cops in my neighborhood in Queens why they weren't wearing masks while talking with 2 members of the public (& not standing 6 feet away from one another. Their response? "It's not illegal." https://twitter.com/nypdmaskwatch/status/1277671047681245191

One of the non-cops in the conversation told me it was safe because he was "double negative." I presumed he meant he'd recently tested negative for Covid & negative for antibodies. I didn't bother to explain how that 2nd negative test is one he'd want to be a positive...

I responded to the cop who said they weren't breaking the law that it was about setting an example for the general public. Then I turned & walked away before letting my anger potentially escalate the situation. Wasn't worth the risk.

Next time I'll take a photo and submit it to @nypdmaskwatch.

Honestly, if cops are walking around maskless outdoors & keeping distance from each other & the public but w/a mask at the ready to put on...I wouldn't even have a problem with that. It's understandable that it's not easy wearing a mask for 8 hours straight. But what I saw...

...was 4 people (2 cops, 2 civilians) who don't live together speaking within close proximity of one another. I even asked them if they all lived together, on the off chance I was incorrect in my concern. Couldn't resist. ;)

Also, as per the paper of record: "The official NYPD policy is that officers should wear masks when interacting with the public." So, the moment I approached, they should have donned masks, even if those other civilians didn't mind. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/11/nyregion/nypd-face-masks-nyc-protests.html

I live in the 108th Precinct in Queens. Here's hoping @NYPD108Pct reads this thread & makes a positive change by following the mask policy to keep cops safe, keep the public safe, & set a good example for all.