KALAMAZOO, MI — In response to community criticism, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) officers are no longer allowed to wear masks, the department announced Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen said he began reviewing the policies on masking months ago and added language to limit when masks could be used.

Now, the department has announced KVET officers will no longer be using masks.

“After hearing the concerns raised by the community, it’s clear that even these additional precautions were not sufficient to maintain community trust,” Boysen said. “On Aug. 5, 2025, staff were notified that use of masks was suspended effective immediately.”

Officials may revisit the decision in the future, depending on changing circumstances, the chief said.

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