By: Richard L. Smith
Newark Police leadership has issued a new directive governing officer appearance while on duty following a fatal officer-involved shooting in the city’s South Ward that remains under investigation by state authorities.
The directive, issued by the Newark Police Department, states that effective immediately, officers are prohibited from wearing face coverings while on patrol. 
The order also reinforces existing policy requiring officers to wear their badge and name tag on the left side of the outermost garment in an approved badge holder, in accordance with General Order 63-22.
Police officials say supervisors are responsible for enforcing the directive, with inspections to be conducted during roll calls and in the field. Officers found in violation may face disciplinary action.
The policy change follows a fatal encounter that occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Newark’s South Ward.
The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is leading the investigation into the incident, which resulted in the death of one adult male civilian.
According to preliminary information released by the state agency, Newark police officers encountered several civilians near Ross Street and Evergreen Avenue shortly after 1 p.m.
During the encounter, one officer discharged a firearm, striking two civilians. Both individuals were transported to University Hospital, where one victim was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The second individual remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment.
Officials stated that no police officers were wounded during the incident, though one Newark officer was transported to the hospital for evaluation and later released.
State investigators have not released the identities of the deceased, the injured civilian, or the officers involved.
Authorities have also not confirmed additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including whether officers were wearing face coverings at the time.
However, several residents and witnesses in the area told RLS Media that officers appeared to be wearing masks when they arrived at the scene, and some said they initially did not recognize them as police officers.
These accounts have not been independently verified and have not been confirmed by investigators.
In the days following the incident, protests have been held outside the South Ward police precinct by community members, including individuals identifying themselves as loved ones of the deceased.
Demonstrators have called for transparency and accountability as the investigation continues.
Officials from the Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Further information is expected to be released once it is appropriate and consistent with state use-of-force protocols.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact investigators as the review proceeds.