As a lifelong Butler County resident, I support our local law enforcement officers who serve our community with dedication and integrity. That’s exactly why I’m concerned about a serious problem: criminals posing as law enforcement to target Pennsylvania families. The FBI has warned about this growing threat.

When armed agents operate masked and without visible badges, they create opportunities for criminals to impersonate them.

Across Pennsylvania, reports show this tactic is on the rise. Criminals wear tactical vests, claim to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or federal agents, and commit robberies and assaults while victims comply, believing they’re dealing with real officers.

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1071 would strengthen public safety by requiring law enforcement — state, local and federal — to display visible badges, wear identifiable uniforms, and show their faces during standard operations.

This protects both citizens and legitimate officers. SB 1071 includes exceptions for undercover work while ensuring residents can verify who is actually law enforcement.

This isn’t anti-police — it’s about stopping criminals from exploiting our community.

Contact Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Rep. Marci Mustello and urge them to vote yes on SB 1071. Call Congressman Mike Kelly and ask him to publicly support this critical legislation.

Butler County families deserve this protection now.

Nikki Ekas, Summit Township