There have been numerous reports via Twitter from Occupy Oakland protestors that police were covering their ID badges, a violation of California law. We chalked it up to yet another unconfirmed rumor, till we saw it ourselves on the local news. San Francisco’s ABC7 ran footage shot by Twitter user @BLKPXLS of an officer concealing his name plate with black tape. Those badges are the only identifying information Oakland police wear – stick him in a riot gear helmet, and he’d be completely anonymous.

Of the video, Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan told ABC7:

When I saw it, I was appalled by what I saw. That is not representative of our officers here and what they should be doing. It’s against our policy. I did order an immediate investigation.