LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Wearing a mask in public could lead to a fine or even jail time in Louisville.

Some leaders in Louisville want to start enforcing a mask ordinance that is more than 40 years old. Right now, when people see someone wearing a mask, it's assumed to be related to COVID-19. But recently, the masks have also been used as a disguise for people committing crimes.

That's why Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg wants to enforce the city's mask ordinance, but not everyone agrees. 

For the last few years, masks were said to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to health officials.

"LMPD officers see time and time again when suspects and trigger pullers are wearing masks to conceal their identity," Greenberg said. "Shooters who are exploiting protections that we put in place during COVID."

The mayor said it happened again Sunday night when two juveniles were shot in the parking lot of Pleasure Ridge Park High School.

"In this incident, the suspects in this case were wearing surgical masks and other face coverings to conceal their identity," Greenberg said.

That's why police will start enforcing the city's mask ordinance.

"Since 1983, the city of Louisville has had an ordinance that has prohibited the wearing of masks in public," Greenberg said. 

The ordinance says no person shall, while wearing any mask whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter, be or appear in any public place within Jefferson County.

Cherilyn Martin disagrees with the decision and believes it could do more harm than good.

"I think it's absolutely ridiculous," Martin said. "We're about to get into, not only flu season, but we're about to get into the colder months. People want to protect themselves. They want to stay warm. This masking ordinance is not the way to go."

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey spoke on the issue during WDRB Mornings.

"When young people are engaged in that type of violence, it's extremely concerning. We obviously have to get to those young people before they get to that point," Humphrey said. "We have a bunch of young people, 16 to 24 involved in violent crime who are constantly concealing their identity. They're not doing that because of COVID, they're doing that to conceal illegal activity."

Greenberg said there will be exemptions.

"If you're going to Boo at the Zoo, that is a current exemption," Greenberg said. "In light of COVID and what we now know from a public health concern, we believe that some other exemptions need to be made."

Greenberg hopes to share more about the plan in the next few days, including fines and jail time.

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