SEPTA, the transit authority that oversees public transport in Philadelphia, has announced that it will be cracking down on riders wearing ski masks. The move comes after a number of violent incidents have occurred in the city, which police claim were perpetrated by individuals concealing their identity using ski masks and similar articles of clothing. As recently as May 24, a man was killed on a local bus after engaging in an argument with a man wearing a ski mask.
However, the move has been erroneously reported as a new ban on the article of clothing. Instead, a spokesperson for SEPTA stated that the ski masks and other non-religious articles of clothing that fully obscured a rider's features had been on a prohibited items list for some time. While those rules had been lessened during the pandemic, the recent wake of violence has forced SEPTA's hand. The policy enforcement comes along with a new head of the transit police, Charles Lawson. Additionally, Lawson wants more officers patrolling the transit system.
SEPTA Crackdown Coming
The ski mask, colloquially known as a "shiesty", has become more and more common in recent years. It has become a rap scene staple, with many artists integrating it into their look. However, that isn't much of a concern for Philly authorities. Riders caught wearing a ski mask will be removed from the transit system, but will not be charged or cited. Furthermore, this will only be enforced by transit police. Bus operators and station attendants will not be required to pursue enforcement of the policy.
However, Philadelphia is not the first to pursue this policy. Florida prohibits anyone above the age of 16 from wearing hoods or masks that conceal their identity in public. Meanwhile, West Virginia also prohibits masks and identity-concealing garb in certain public settings. There are of course exceptions - such as religious attire and COVID-19 masks. How do you feel about the new policy? Let us know in the comments. Get all the latest society news here at HotNewHipHop.
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