Berkeley City Council
July 14, 2026

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(b) To restrain or subdue a resistant individual; or
(c) To bring an unlawful situation safely and effectively under control. 300.3.7 RESTRAINT AND CONTROL DEVICES
Restraint and control devices shall not be used to punish, to display authority or as a show of force. Handcuffs, body wraps and spit hoods shall only be used consistent with Policy 302. Batons, approved less-lethal projectiles, and approved chemical agents shall only be used consistent with Policy 303. As per City Council resolution (June 9, 2020), the use of tear gas by employees of the Berkeley Police Department, or any outside department or agency called to respond to mutual aid in Berkeley, is prohibited. Pepper spray or smoke for crowd control by employees of the Berkeley Police Department, or any outside department or agency called to respond to mutual aid in Berkeley, is prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, or until such time as the City Council removes the prohibition.
300.3.8 CHOKEHOLD PROHIBITION
The use of a Carotid Restraint Hold is prohibited. Carotid Restraint Hold: Council Resolution No. 52,605 - N.S., February 14, 1985, “Prohibiting use of ‘chokehold’ for law enforcement purposes in the City of Berkeley” states: “Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Berkeley as follows: That the chokehold, including but not limited to the carotid restraint and the bar-arm hold, is hereby banned from use for law enforcement purposes in the City of Berkeley.” The term bar-arm refers to a variety of techniques. The use of any chokehold is strictly prohibited.

A chokehold is any hold or contact with the neck – including a carotid restraint -- that may inhibit breathing by compression of the airway in the neck, may inhibit blood flow by compression of the blood vessels in the neck, or that applies pressure to the front, side, or back of the neck. As defined in the City Council Resolution, “bar-arm hold” refers to use of the forearm to exert pressure against the front of the neck. However, other types of arm hold techniques (e.g., those that involve control of the arm, wrist or elbow) remain authorized.
300.3.9 ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
Terms such as "positional asphyxia," "restraint asphyxia," and "excited delirium" continue to remain the subject of debate among experts and medical professionals, are not universally recognized medical conditions, and frequently involve other collateral or controlling factors such as narcotics or alcohol influence or pre-existing medical conditions. While it is impractical to restrict an officer's use of reasonable control methods when attempting to restrain a combative individual, officers are not authorized to use any restraint or transportation method which might unreasonably impair an individual's breathing or respiratory capacity for a period beyond the point when the individual has been adequately and safely controlled. Once the individual is safely secured, officers should promptly check and continuously monitor the individual's condition for signs of medical distress (Government Code § 7286.5).

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300.4 USE OF DEADLY FORCE
An officer's use of deadly force is justified only when it is objectively reasonable, based on the totality of the circumstances, that such force is objectively necessary to, 1) defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another or 2) apprehend a suspected fleeing person for any felony that threatened or resulted in death or serious bodily injury, provided that it is objectively reasonable that the person will cause imminent death or serious bodily injury to another unless immediately apprehended.

Where feasible, the officer shall, prior to the use of deadly force, make reasonable efforts to identify themselves as a peace officer and to warn that deadly force may be used, unless the officer has objectively reasonable grounds to believe the person is aware of those facts. (Penal Code § 835a).

An officer shall not use deadly force against another person if it reasonably appears that doing so would unnecessarily endanger innocent people.

Lethal force is prohibited when its sole purpose is to effect an arrest, overcome resistance or prevent a subject from escaping when the subject does not present an immediate danger of death or serious bodily injury. Lethal force is also prohibited solely to prevent property damage or prevent the destruction of evidence.

Officers shall not use deadly force against a person based on the danger that person poses to themself, if an objectively reasonable officer would believe the person does not pose an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to another person (Penal Code § 835a).

An "imminent" threat of death or serious bodily injury exists when, based on the totality of the circumstances, a reasonable officer in the same situation would believe that a person has the present ability, opportunity, and apparent intent to immediately cause death or serious bodily injury to the officer or another person. An officer's subjective fear of future harm alone is insufficient as an imminent threat. An imminent threat is one that from appearances is reasonably believed to require instant attention (Penal Code § 835a).
300.4.1 DRAWING AND POINTING FIREARMS
Given that individuals may perceive the display of a firearm as a potential application of force, officers should carefully evaluate each tactical situation and use sound discretion when drawing a firearm in public by considering the following guidelines:
(a) If the officer does not initially perceive a threat but it is objectively reasonable that the potential for such threat exists, firearms should generally be kept in the low-ready or other position not directed toward an individual.
(b) If it is objectively reasonable that a significant threat exists based on the totality of circumstances presented at the time (e.g., high-risk stop, tactical entry, armed encounter), firearms may be directed toward said threat until the officer no longer perceives such threat.

Once it is reasonably safe to do so, officers should carefully secure all firearms.

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300.4.2 DIRECTED FIRE
Officers may use controlled gunfire that is directed at the suspect, reducing the suspect’s ability to return fire while a group or individual movement is conducted, such as in a rescue operation.

Officers may only employ this tactic when dealing with a suspect who poses an immediate and ongoing lethal threat and only under circumstances where the use of deadly force is legally justified. Target acquisition and communication are key elements in the successful use of this tactic. Officers remain accountable for every round fired under these circumstances. Officers must consider their surroundings and potential risks to bystanders, to the extent reasonable under the circumstances, before discharging a firearm.
300.4.3 SHOOTING AT OR FROM MOVING VEHICLES
Shots fired at or from a moving vehicle are rarely effective and involve considerations and risks in addition to the justification for the use of deadly force. When feasible, officers shall take reasonable steps to move out of the path of an approaching vehicle instead of discharging their firearm at the vehicle or any of its occupants.

An officer should only discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes there are no other reasonable means available to avert the imminent threat of the vehicle, or if deadly force other than the vehicle is directed at the officer or others (Government Code § 7286(b)).

Officers should not shoot at any part of a vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle.

Because this policy may not cover every situation that may arise, a deviation from this policy may be objectively reasonable and objectively necessary depending on the totality of the circumstances. A deviation from this policy would, for instance, be justified if the officer used a firearm in an attempt to stop an imminent vehicle attack on a crowd or a mass casualty terrorist event.

Factors that may be used to evaluate the reasonableness of the use of a firearm against a vehicle include:
(a) The availability and use of cover, distance and/or tactical relocation (b) Incident command and personnel placement
(c) Tactical approach
(d) Regard for viable target acquisition and background including location, other traffic, the presence of innocent persons, and police officers.
300.5 USE OF VEHICLES
Officers shall not use police vehicles to ram other vehicles, persons, or moving objects in a manner that reasonably appears to constitute the use of lethal force, except under circumstances outlined in section 300.4 and in Policy V-6 that covers vehicle operations.

The Vehicle Containment Technique (VCT) is the positioning of a police vehicle in the path of a suspect vehicle where contact between the vehicles is not anticipated or is anticipated to be

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minimal. VCT shall only to be used on vehicles that are either stationary or moving at a slow speed.

This technique is designed to contain a suspect vehicle to a single stationary location, thereby preventing a pursuit from initiating, or a potentially violent situation (e.g. a hostage situation or person barricaded inside a vehicle) from becoming mobile.

When properly utilized, the VCT can give officers time, distance, and cover in order to safely and effectively resolve a situation. See the VCT policy for more details on this tactic. 300.5.1 REPORT RESTRICTIONS
Officers shall not use the term "excited delirium" to describe an individual in an incident report.

Officers may describe the characteristics of an individual's conduct, but shall not generally describe the individual's demeanor, conduct, or physical and mental condition at issue as "excited delirium" (Health and Safety Code § 24402).
300.6 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All uses of force shall be documented promptly, completely and accurately in an appropriate report, depending on the nature of the incident and the level of force used. The officer should articulate the factors perceived and why they believed the use of force was objectively reasonable and objectively necessary under the circumstances. Whenever an officer or employee uses Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) they must also complete a “Use of Pepper Spray Report.” Whenever an officer or employee use body wrap or spit hood restraint devices they must also complete a “Use of Restraint Device Report” and document, review and report such uses in accordance with section 300.11.

Upon receiving notification of a use of force, an uninvolved supervisor, when feasible, shall determine the level of force reporting level, investigation, documentation and review requirements. 300.6.1 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
A supervisor should respond to any reported use of force, if reasonably available. The responding supervisor is expected to:
(a) Obtain the basic facts from the involved officers. Absent an allegation of misconduct or excessive force, this will be considered a routine contact in the normal course of duties.
(b) Ensure that any injured parties are examined and treated. (c) Once any initial medical assessment has been completed or first aid has been rendered, ensure that photographs have been taken of any areas involving visible injury or complaint of pain, as well as overall photographs of uninjured areas. These photographs should be retained until all potential for civil litigation has expired. (d) Identify any witnesses not already included in related reports. (e) Review and approve all related reports.
(f) Review body worn camera footage related to the incident.

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In the event that a supervisor is unable to respond to the scene of an incident involving the reported application of force, the supervisor is still expected to complete as many of the above items as circumstances permit.
300.6.2 USE OF FORCE REPORTING LEVELS
Level 1
The officer used any of the following, and the circumstances of the application would lead an objectively reasonable officer to conclude that the subject did not experience more than momentary discomfort:

1. Control holds/ pain compliance techniques

2. Leverage

3. Grab

4. Bodyweight

5. The officer lowered the subject to a seated position or to the ground while partially or completely supporting the person's bodyweight.

6. Takedown
If the incident fits the parameters for a Level 1 incident, the supervisor will enter all applicable data into the Blue Team template with a brief summary.

Level 2
(a) No suspect injury or complaint of continuing pain due to interaction with officer. (b) Officer's use of force was limited to the following:

1. Firearm drawn from the holster or otherwise deployed during an interaction with an individual, and/or pointed at an individual. For the purposes of this section, "interaction" shall be defined as a situation in which an individual could reasonably believe the deployment and/or pointing of a firearm could be an attempt to gain compliance.

2. Control hold, pressure point, leverage, grab, takedown, and/or bodyweight, and the application would lead a reasonably objective officer to conclude that the individual may have experienced more than momentary discomfort.

An uninvolved supervisor, when feasible, will respond to the scene and conduct a Use of Force Investigation, ensuring that statements are taken from the suspect and witnesses, and that photos are taken of all involved parties. If the incident fits the parameters for a Level 2 incident, the supervisor will enter all applicable data into the Blue Team template with a brief summary.

Level 3
(a) Suspect has sustained an injury or complains of injury or continuing pain due to interaction with the officer.

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(b) Would have otherwise been classified as a Level 2, except officer body worn camera was not activated in a timely manner, prior to the enforcement contact, per policy. (c) The officer used any of the following force options:

1. Chemical Agents/Munitions

2. Impact Weapon Strikes

3. Personal Body Weapons
(d) The officer used any of the following pursuit intervention tactics:

1. Vehicle Containment Tactic (VCT), if vehicle contact is made

2. Ramming

3. Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT)

4. Roadblocks, if vehicle contact is made
An uninvolved supervisor, when practical, will respond to the scene and conduct a Use of Force Investigation, ensuring that statements are taken from the suspect and witnesses. If the incident fits the parameters for a Level 3 incident, the supervisor will enter all applicable data into the Blue Team template.

The supervisor will also complete a Use of Force Investigation Report narrative in Blue Team for review through the Use of Force Review process. Suspect and witness statements from the crime report will be attached to the use of force investigation.

Level 4
Any incident involving deadly force or any force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury will be investigated under the protocols outlined in Policy P-12. 300.6.3 EMPLOYEE USE OF FORCE
When any Berkeley Police Department employee has engaged in a use of force as defined in this policy, the use of force must be reported to a Berkeley Police supervisor and investigated in accordance with this policy.
(a) In the event a use of force as described as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 occurs during an unusual occurrence, such as a widespread disaster or civil disturbance, the officer shall prepare a supplemental report as soon as practical following the incident. (b) Each officer shall include in the report, to the extent possible, specific information regarding each use of force, e.g. the reason for the use of force, location, description of the individual(s) upon whom force was used, type of force used, etc. 300.6.4 PUBLIC RECORDS
Records related to use of force incidents shall be retained and disclosed in compliance with California Penal Code section 832.7, California Government Code section 6254(f), and the Records Management and Release policy.

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300.7 MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Once it is reasonably safe to do so, properly trained officers should promptly provide or procure medical assistance for any person injured or claiming to have been injured in a use of force incident (Government Code § 7286(b)).

Prior to booking or release, medical assistance shall be obtained for any person who exhibits signs of physical distress, who has sustained visible injury, expresses a complaint of injury or continuing pain, or who was rendered unconscious. Any individual exhibiting signs of physical distress after an encounter should be continuously monitored until the individual can be medically assessed.

Based upon the officer's initial assessment of the nature and extent of the subject's injuries, medical assistance may consist of examination by fire personnel, paramedics, hospital staff, or medical staff at the jail. If any such individual refuses medical attention, such a refusal shall be fully documented in related reports and, whenever practicable, should be witnessed by another officer and/or medical personnel. If a recording is made of the contact or an interview with the individual, any refusal should be included in the recording, if possible.

The on-scene supervisor or, if the on-scene supervisor is not available, the primary handling officer shall ensure that any person providing medical care or receiving custody of a person following any use of force is informed that the person was subjected to force. This notification shall include a description of the force used and any other circumstances the officer reasonably believes would be potential safety or medical risks to the subject (e.g., prolonged struggle, extreme agitation, impaired respiration).

Persons who exhibit extreme agitation, violent irrational behavior accompanied by profuse sweating, extraordinary strength beyond their physical characteristics and imperviousness to pain, or who require a protracted physical encounter with multiple officers to be brought under control, may be at an increased risk of sudden death. Calls involving these persons should be considered medical emergencies. Officers who reasonably suspect a medical emergency should request medical assistance as soon as practicable and have medical personnel stage away if appropriate.

See the Medical Aid and Response Policy for additional guidelines. 300.8 USE OF FORCE ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
The Division Captain shall review the Use of Force Report (and when applicable, Use of Pepper Spray Report or Use of Restraint Device Report) and route the report to the Chief of Police with a recommendation of findings. The Chief of Police may convene a Review Board as outlined in Policy 301 instead of utilizing Division Captain Review.

The Chief of Police shall make a finding that the use of force was either within policy or initiate additional administrative review/investigation as may be appropriate.

Any determination concerning the propriety of force used shall be based on the facts and information available to the officer at the time the force was employed, and not upon information gained after the fact.

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All Use of Force Reports shall be reviewed to determine whether Departmental use of force regulations, policies, or procedures were: 1) violated or followed; 2) clearly understood, effective, and relevant to the situation; 3) require further investigation; and/or, 4) require revision or additional training.

Use of Force Reports shall be held in file for at least five (5) years 300.9 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
The Watch Commander shall review each use of force by any personnel within his/her command to ensure compliance with this policy.
300.10 TRAINING
Officers, investigators, and supervisors will receive annual training on this policy and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding (Government Code § 7286(b)). 300.10.1 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Required annual training shall include:
(a) Legal updates.
(b) De-escalation tactics, including alternatives to force. (c) The duty to intercede.
(d) The duty to request and/or render medical aid.
(e) All other subjects covered in this policy (e.g., use of deadly force, chokehold and carotid hold prohibition,
discharge of a firearm at or from a moving vehicle, verbal warnings).
(f) Training courses required by and consistent with POST guidelines set forth in Penal Code § 13519.10.

See the Training Policy for restrictions relating to officers who are the subject of a sustained use of force complaint.
300.10.2 STATE-SPECIFIC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Required state-specific training shall include guidelines regarding vulnerable populations, including but not limited to children, elderly persons, pregnant individuals, and individuals with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities (Government Code § 7286(b)). 300.11 USE OF FORCE ANALYSIS
The Professional Standards Division Captain or his or her designee shall prepare a comprehensive analysis report on use of force incidents. The report shall not contain the names of officers, suspects or case numbers, and should include but not be limited to:
(a) An analysis of use of force incidents with demographic details of the individual impacted including, but not limited to race, gender and age. (b) All types of force as delineated in Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Section 300.6.(2).

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(c) The identification of any trends in the use of force by members. (d) Training needs recommendations.
(e) Equipment needs recommendations.
(f) Policy revisions recommendations.
300.11.1 REPORTING FREQUENCY
(a) On a quarterly basis via the City's Open Data Portal website; (b) On a quarterly basis to the Police Accountability Board; and (c) On a yearly basis as part of the Police Department's Annual Report to City Council 300.12 CIVILIAN COMPLAINTS
Complaints by members of the public related to this policy may be filed with the Berkeley Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) and/or the Police Accountability Board (PAB). Complaints will be investigated in compliance with the respective applicable procedures of the IAB and the PAB.
300.13 POLICY REVIEW AND UPDATES
This policy shall be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect developing practices and procedures.

At least annually, the Berkeley Police Department and the PAB shall convene to review and update the Use of Force Policy to reflect developing practices and procedures per SB 230.

Policy
303
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Control Devices and Techniques
303.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the use and maintenance of control devices that are described herein.
303.2 POLICY
In order to control subjects who are violent or who demonstrate the intent to be violent, the Berkeley Police Department authorizes officers to use control devices and techniques in accordance with the guidelines in this policy and the Use of Force Policy. 303.3 ISSUING, CARRYING AND USING CONTROL DEVICES
Control devices described in this policy may be carried and used by members of this department only if the device has been issued by the Department or approved by the Chief of Police, or his/ her designee.

Only officers who have successfully completed department-approved training in the use of any control device are authorized to carry and use the device.

Control devices may be used when a decision has been made to control, restrain or arrest a subject who is violent or who demonstrates the intent to be violent, and the use of the device appears reasonable under the circumstances. When reasonable, a verbal warning and opportunity to comply should precede the use of these devices.

When using control devices, officers should carefully consider potential impact areas in order to minimize injuries and unintentional targets.

Except as otherwise provided in Section 303.9, kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents shall not be used to disperse any assembly, protest, or demonstration (Penal Code 13652). 303.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
303.4.1 WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Watch Commander may authorize the use of a control device by selected personnel or members of specialized units who have successfully completed the required training. 303.4.2 PERSONNEL AND TRAINING SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES The Personnel and Training Sergeant, or designated instructor, shall control the inventory and issuance of all control devices and shall ensure that all damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or projectiles are properly disposed of, repaired or replaced.

Every control device will be periodically inspected by the Personnel and Training Sergeant or the designated instructor for a particular control device. The inspection shall be documented.

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303.4.3 USER RESPONSIBILITIES
All normal maintenance, charging or cleaning shall remain the responsibility of personnel using the various devices.

Any damaged, inoperative, outdated or expended control devices or projectiles, along with documentation explaining the cause of the damage, shall be returned to the Personnel and Training Sergeant for disposition. Damage to City Property forms shall also be prepared and forwarded through the chain of command, when appropriate, explaining the cause of damage. 303.5 BATON AND COLLAPSIBLE BATON GUIDELINES
The need to immediately control a suspect must be weighed against the risk of causing serious injury. The head, neck, throat, spine, heart, kidneys and groin should not be intentionally targeted except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others.

When carrying a baton, including a collapsible baton, uniformed personnel shall carry the baton in its authorized holder on the equipment belt. Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry the baton as authorized and in accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor.
303.6 OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC) SPRAY GUIDELINES
As with other control devices, OC spray (aka pepper spray) and pepper projectiles may be considered for use to bring under control an individual or groups of individuals who are engaging in, or are about to engage in violent behavior. Pepper projectiles and OC spray should not, however, be used against individuals or groups who merely fail to disperse or do not reasonably appear to present a risk to the safety of officers or the public. 303.6.1 OC SPRAY
Uniformed personnel carrying OC spray shall carry the device in its holster on the equipment belt or external vest carrier. Plainclothes and non-field personnel may carry OC spray as authorized, in accordance with the needs of their assignment or at the direction of their supervisor. 303.6.2 PEPPER PROJECTILE SYSTEMS
Pepper projectiles (aka "Pava" rounds) are plastic spheres that are filled with a derivative of OC powder. Because the compressed gas launcher (aka "less lethal" launcher) delivers the projectiles with enough force to burst the projectiles on impact and release the OC powder, the potential exists for the projectiles to inflict injury if they strike the head, neck, spine or groin. Therefore, personnel using a launcher should not intentionally target those areas, except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others.

Officers encountering a situation that warrants the use of a launcher shall notify a supervisor as soon as practicable. A supervisor shall respond to all incidents where the suspect has been hit or

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exposed to the chemical agent. The supervisor shall ensure that all notifications and reports are completed as required by the Use of Force Policy.
303.6.3 TREATMENT FOR OC SPRAY EXPOSURE
Persons who have been sprayed with or otherwise affected by the use of OC should be promptly provided with clean water to cleanse the affected areas. Those persons who complain of further severe effects shall be examined by appropriate medical personnel. 303.7 POST-APPLICATION NOTICE
Whenever OC has been introduced into a residence, building interior, vehicle or other enclosed area, officers should provide the owners or available occupants with notice of the possible presence of residue that could result in irritation or injury if the area is not properly cleaned.

Such notice should include advisement that clean up will be at the owner's expense. Information regarding the method of notice and the individuals notified should be included in related reports. 303.8 LESS LETHAL PROJECTILE GUIDELINES
This department is committed to reducing the potential for violent confrontations. "Less lethal" projectiles, when used properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical injury and can be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially deadly situation. 303.8.1 DEPLOYMENT AND USE
Only department-approved projectiles shall be carried and deployed. Approved projectiles may be used to compel an individual to cease his/her actions when such projectiles present a reasonable option.

Approved projectiles include:
(a) "Less Lethal" rounds: impact projectiles
(b) "Pava" rounds: impact projectiles containing OC/pepper spray (c) "Marking" rounds: impact projectiles containing paint Officers are not required or compelled to use approved projectiles in lieu of other reasonable tactics if the involved officer determines that deployment of these projectiles cannot be done safely.

The safety of hostages, innocent persons and officers takes priority over the safety of subjects engaged in criminal or suicidal behavior.

Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which:
(a) The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved projectiles.
(b) The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others. (c) The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers.
(d) There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.

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303.8.2 DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Before discharging projectiles, the officer should consider such factors as:
(a) Distance and angle to target.
(b) Type of projectiles employed.
(c) Type and thickness of subject’s clothing.
(d) The subject’s proximity to others.
(e) The location of the subject.
(f) Whether the subject’s actions dictate the need for an immediate response and the use of control devices appears appropriate.

A verbal warning of the intended use of the device should precede its application, unless it would otherwise endanger the safety of officers or when it is not practicable due to the circumstances.

The purpose of the warning is to give the individual a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply and to warn other officers and individuals that the device is being deployed.

Officers should keep in mind the manufacturer’s recommendations and their training regarding effective distances and target areas. However, officers are not restricted solely to use according to manufacturer recommendations. Each situation must be evaluated on the totality of circumstances at the time of deployment.

The need to immediately incapacitate the subject must be weighed against the risk of causing serious injury or death. The head and neck should not be intentionally targeted, except when the officer reasonably believes the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or others.
303.8.3 SAFETY PROCEDURES
Officers will inspect the launcher and projectiles at the beginning of each shift to ensure that the launcher is in proper working order and the projectiles are of the approved type and appear to be free from defects.

When it is not deployed, the launcher will be unloaded and properly and securely stored. 303.9 CROWD CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to California Penal Code 13652, kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents shallonly be deployed by a peace officer that has received training on their proper use by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for crowd control if the use is objectivelyreasonable to defend against a threat to life or serious bodily injury to any individual, includingany peace officer, or to bring an objectively dangerous and unlawful situation safely andeffectively under control, and only in accordance with all of the following requirements:
(a) Deescalation techniques or other alternatives to force have been attempted, when objectively reasonable, and have failed.
(b) Repeated, audible announcements are made announcing the intent to use kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents and the type to be used, when objectively

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reasonable to do so. The announcements shall be made from various locations, if necessary, and delivered in multiple languages, if appropriate. (c) Persons are given an objectively reasonable opportunity to disperse and leave the scene.
(d) An objectively reasonable effort has been made to identify persons engaged in violent acts and those who are not, and kinetic energy projectiles or chemical agents are targeted toward those individuals engaged in violent acts. Projectiles shall not be aimed indiscriminately into a crowd or group of persons. (e) Kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents are used only with the frequency, intensity, and in a manner that is proportional to the threat and objectively reasonable. (f) Officers shall minimize the possible incidental impact of their use of kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents on bystanders, medical personnel, journalists, or other unintended targets.
(g) An objectively reasonable effort has been made to extract individuals in distress. (h) Medical assistance is promptly provided, if properly trained personnel are present, or procured, for injured persons, when it is reasonable and safe to do so. (i) Kinetic energy projectiles shall not be aimed at the head, neck, or any other vital organs.
(j) Kinetic energy projectiles or chemical agents shall not be used by any law enforcement agency solely due to any of the following:

1. A violation of an imposed curfew.

2. A verbal threat.

3. Noncompliance with a law enforcement directive.

As per City Council resolution (June 9, 2020), pepper spray for crowd control by employees ofthe Berkeley Police Department, or any outside department or agency called to respond to mutual aid in Berkeley, is prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, or until such time as theCity Council removes the prohibition.
303.10 TRAINING FOR CONTROL DEVICES
The Personnel and Training Sergeant shall ensure that all personnel who are authorized to carry a control device have been properly trained and certified to carry the specific control device and are retrained or recertified as necessary.
(a) Proficiency training shall be monitored and documented by a certified, control-device weapons or tactics instructor.
(b) All training and proficiency for control devices will be documented in the officer’s training file.
(c) Officers who fail to demonstrate proficiency with the control device or knowledge of this agency’s Use of Force Policy will be provided remedial training. If an officer cannot

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demonstrate proficiency with a control device or knowledge of this agency’s Use of Force Policy after remedial training, the officer will be restricted from carrying the control device and may be subject to discipline.
303.11 REPORTING USE OF CONTROL DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES Any application of a control device or technique listed in this policy shall be documented in the related incident report and reported pursuant to California Penal Code 13652.1 and the Berkeley Use of Force Policy.

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428.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide policy and procedural guidance to Berkeley Police Department personnel involved in the planning, response and/or deployment of police personnel for crowd situations.
428.2 MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Berkeley Police Department in crowd situations is to facilitate free expression, de-escalate violence and resolve conflict peacefully with the overall goal of ensuring public safety and protecting First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly. (a) Appropriate action will be determined by the Incident Commander in the field, and will be based on the behavior of the people in the crowd.
(b) Police action shall be reasonable, intended to prevent lawlessness or restore order, and may include responses ranging from no police action to full crowd control tactics. 428.3 POLICY
In the event a crowd situation is determined to be a peaceful protest or demonstration, wherein participants are exercising their rights to free speech in a lawful manner, the policy of the Berkeley Police Department shall be to facilitate the event to the extent possible.

The Department shall make it a priority to establish lines of communication with the demonstrators both before and during the crowd situation. The Department shall consider social media as one means of communication.

In the event that a crowd situation is unlawful, and lack of immediate police action to may lead to the escalation of criminal behavior and violence, the Berkeley Police Department will take steps to restore order.
(a) Steps to restore order may include monitoring with minimal police presence, a strong police presence, selective arrest of those committing crimes or a dispersal order. (b) Prior to issuing a dispersal order, BPD shall make efforts to safely arrest those committing crimes while preserving the rights of citizens to demonstrate. (c) Opportunities to de-escalate from crowd control to crowd management tactics should be continually evaluated by considering all available resources and deploying them flexibly.
428.4 USE OF FORCE
Employees who employ force in a crowd control situation shall do so in conformance with policy set forth in the Use of Force Policy.
(a) Pain compliance techniques (e.g., gum nerve, buckle nerve pressure, etc.), impact weapons and chemical agents should not be used on persons participating in a crowd

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situation who are committing an unlawful act with passive resistance (e.g., sitting or lying down to block a doorway) solely to effectuate a custodial arrest.

1. Verbal commands to stand followed by control holds (e.g., wrist lock, twist lock, etc.) with reasonable pressure may be utilized to attempt to require an arrestee who is sitting or lying down to stand up to effectuate a custodial arrest.

2. If an arrestee who is sitting or lying down continues to refuse to stand up in response to verbal commands followed by pressure applied from a control hold, the officer should use drag, carry, or roll techniques to effectuate the custodial arrest.

3. Once an arrestee is standing in a self-supporting manner, the officer may counter an arrestee's lapse into passive resistance (e.g., attempting to fall or sit down) with control holds that would likely prevent such a movement. (b) Officers attempting to move a crowd or individual should not strike anyone who is unable to move back for reasons out of their control (i.e., physical disability, crowd surge, being pinned against a fixed object, etc.)
(c) Sworn officers should employ particular applications of force (e.g., a specific baton strike, such as a "rake" or "jab") as may be directed by their chain of command, when its use is intended to accomplish a desired crowd control objective.

1. Officers shall not intentionally strike a person with any baton to the head, neck, throat, kidneys, spine or groin except when the person's conduct is creating an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death to an officer or any other person.

2. Officers on a skirmish line shall not use batons to collectively push a crowd in a particular direction prior to dispersal orders being given unless exigent circumstances exist. This requirement does not apply to officers on a skirmish line who are using force in compliance with Graham v. Conner. (d) Officers are not precluded from using authorized force, as appropriate, to address the actions of a particular person(s).
(e) Less-lethal munitions shall only be fired at a specific target and officers shall be mindful of the increased risk of hitting an unintended target due to unexpected movement of members of the crowd. Officers may never use less-lethal munitions indiscriminately against a crowd or group of people.

Personnel deployments during demonstrations should include clear and specific objectives.

In squad or team movement, the type and scope of force used shall be at the discretion of the Incident Commander, Field Commander, Squad or Team Leader.

De-escalation techniques or other alternatives to force have been attempted, when objectively reasonable, and have failed prior to the use of any force, consistent with the Department's Use of Force policy.

Kinetic energy projectiles and chemical agents for crowd control purposes shall only be deployed by officers who have received POST training for crowd control if the use is objectively reasonable

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to defend against a threat to life or serious bodily injury to any individual, including an officer, or to bring an objectively dangerous and unlawful situation safely and effectively under control (Penal Code 13652).

Kinetic energy projectiles or chemical agents shall not be used by any law enforcement agency solely due to any of the following:
• A violation of an imposed curfew.
• A verbal threat.
• Noncompliance with a law enforcement directive.

For planned events, inventories shall be conducted before and at the conclusion of the incident.

Outside agency inventories shall also be tracked.

The Field Commander shall determine the type and quantity of chemical agents to be used. After use of chemical agent, the Field Commander shall re-evaluate the scene to determine if additional chemical agents are needed.
428.5 USE OF VEHICLES
BPD shall enhance mobility and flexibility by using police vehicles such as trained bicycle officers and motorcycle officers, in addition to foot patrols, to maintain peaceful crowd management. Parking Enforcement Officers will only be used for traffic control purposes.

Specialized police vehicles (e.g., police motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, parking enforcement vehicles, mobile command vehicles, etc.) may be used in crowd situations at the discretion of the Incident Commander.
(a) Specialized police vehicles shall not be used to contact demonstrators for the purpose of physically pushing people back or forcibly dispersing them from an area. (b) Specialized police vehicles may be in a MFF line with other marked vehicles as a visual deterrent.
428.6 DEFINITIONS
Control Hold
: Any Department approved hold, designed to allow an officer to control the movement of a subject (e.g., twist lock, rear wrist lock, finger lock, etc.).

Counter Demonstration : An assembly of persons in conflict with a different demonstration at the same location.

Crowd Control
: Law enforcement response to a pre-planned event or spontaneous event, activity or occurrence that has become unlawful or violent and may require arrests and/or the dispersal of the crowd. These strategies include but are not limited to skirmish lines, mobile field force techniques, targeted and mass arrests and the use of force generally.

Crowd Management
: Strategies and tactics employed before, during and after a gathering for the purpose of maintaining the event’s lawful activities. These strategies include, but are not limited to:

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communication with leaders before and during the event, police presence and event participation, blocking traffic to facilitate a march, and bicycle officers monitoring the crowd.

Demonstration: A public assembly of persons to exhibit thoughts, ideas or opinions.

Incident Commander : A sworn officer, usually a lieutenant or captain, responsible for all personnel assigned to an event.

During the initial stages of a spontaneous event, the Incident Commander will be the highest ranking or senior officer available to take charge, until relieved of responsibilities by a higher ranking officer.

Mobile Field Force (MFF)
: A statewide tactical concept that utilizes groups of trained officers with standard marked police vehicles and equipment, who have the capability to respond to crowd events that are highly mobile or that break up and quickly reform in other locations.

Non-Permitted Event: Any demonstration, whether spontaneous or planned, wherein organizers have not obtained permits or licenses that are lawfully required under the circumstances.

Operations Commander
: A sworn officer, usually a lieutenant or sergeant, responsible for the movement and actions of a platoon, squad, or other identified group of officers at the scene of an event.

Pain Compliance Technique : Any technique designed to inflict pain for the purpose of motivating a person to comply with verbal commands (e.g., buckle nerve, gum nerve, sternum rub).

Passive Resistance
: When an individual does not follow the lawful verbal commands of a police officer, but does not physically resist in any way (i.e., a person who goes completely limp, sits down and refuses to stand or walk, or who may stand with arms at their sides without attempting to strike at or physically resist officers.)
Persons who lock arms, use lockdown devices, or physically resist officers in any other way are not considered “passive”.

Permitted Event
: Any demonstration or event wherein organizers have obtained all applicable permits or licenses.

Platoon
: Any group of officers, usually 36 or more in number, organized into 3 or more squads.

Each platoon will have a commander, usually a lieutenant, who is responsible for the actions of the platoon in the field.

Protected First Amendment Activity: Various forms of expression including, but not limited to, speech, assembly, marching, holding signs, street theater, distribution of literature, or displaying banners.
(a) Freedom of speech and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and Article 1 Sections 2 & 3 of the California Constitution subject to reasonable time, place and manner regulations, such as, compliance with lawful permit requirements and traffic regulations.

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Riot: Any group of two or more people, acting together, who use force, violence, or the threat of force or violence, to disturb the public peace (Penal Code § 405).

Riot Gear : Police equipment visible to the public and generally associated with crowd control, such as, helmets, batons, flex-cuffs, special uniforms, specialized vehicles, etc.

Spontaneous Event
: Any unplanned event that develops, usually as a result of some catalyst, such as sporting events, parties, concerts, court rulings, festivals, major political events, major news events, or any combination thereof.

Squad : A group of sworn officers, usually 12 in number, with an identified squad leader responsible for the actions of the squad.

Squad Leader
: A sworn officer, usually a sergeant, responsible for the movement and actions of a squad.

Team
: A group of four sworn officers within a squad, inclusive of an identified leader responsible for the actions of the team.

Team Leader
: A sworn officer, sometimes a sergeant, responsible for the movement and actions of a team of officers within a squad.

Time, Place or Manner Restrictions
: Reasonable restrictions on protected activity imposed by law (e.g., an applicable permit) intended to serve a specific governmental interest (e.g., public safety), with regard to the time, location, or manner in which protected activity is to be conducted.

Unlawful assembly : Two or more persons, assembled together to commit an unlawful act, or do a lawful act in a violent, boisterous, or tumultuous manner (Penal Code § 407).

The prohibition in Penal Code § 407 against persons in an assembly doing a lawful act in a violent, boisterous or tumultuous manner is limited only to situations where the conduct poses a clear and present danger of imminent violence ((1973) 9 Cal. 3d 612, 623). 428.7 PLANNED EVENTS
(a) At such time as a special event or crowd situation comes to the attention of police department personnel, the Operations Division Captain or Watch Commander shall be notified, and forwarded all information regarding the event. (b) The Incident Command System (ICS) shall be used for managing all crowd situations. ICS should include the appointment of an Incident Commander, and be structured to sufficiently distribute responsibilities allowing for all necessary tasks to be accomplished with a manageable span of control.
(c) The Incident Commander shall, whenever possible, establish a liaison with the group or groups involved, and other potential stakeholders.

1. Stakeholders may include event organizers, business owners or their employees, or private residents that may be affected by an event.

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i. Stakeholder involvement is critical to the overall success of managing any crowd event, but may be especially helpful during planned demonstrations where civil disobedience is expected.
ii. If a leader or cooperative event organizer is not identified, the Incident Commander shall ensure that attempts to communicate with the group and establish a liaison will continue to the extent reasonable. (d) Once assigned to a preplanned event, the Incident Commander shall make an initial assessment of the personnel needed to appropriately manage the event based on the information available at the time.

1. Initial assessment may include on-duty personnel in the Operations Division and other divisions within the Department.

2. If available on-duty personnel will not be sufficient to manage an event, consideration should be given to calling in off duty personnel and requesting mutual aid resources from surrounding police agencies.
(e) Once sufficient details of the event are known to accurately estimate the scope of response, and required personnel are identified, the Incident Commander shall work with Division Captains to secure their participation.
(f) Once all personnel required to work the event are identified and committed to an event, the Incident Commander shall ensure a written Operations Plan is completed, time and circumstances permitting.

1. An Operations Plan shall contain sufficient detail to allow an uninvolved party who reads it to understand the nature of the event, department policy involved, planned response and the department resources dedicated to it.

2. The Operations Plan shall include specific guidelines and priorities to consider when making deployment decisions and shall reflect the department’s commitment to crowd management.

3. Upon approval by the Operations Captain and signed by the Chief of Police, the original Operations Plan shall be scanned into the Professional Standards folder (within the Department's internal GDrive) and copies distributed to all appropriate personnel.
428.8 SPONTANEOUS EVENTS
(a) Sworn officers shall respond to a reported spontaneous crowd situation to assess immediate hazards to public safety.
(b) The ranking sworn officer, or senior officer, shall assume the role and responsibilities of Incident Commander, and take the following immediate actions:

1. Broadcast the type of event, if known, and estimated number of participants.

2. Report known or imminent public safety hazards.

3. Request sufficient on-duty personnel resources to address life-threatening public safety emergencies.

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(c) The on-duty Watch Commander, or if absent or unavailable, the senior Patrol Sergeant, shall respond to the event scene and take the following actions:

1. Assume the role and responsibilities of Incident Commander.

2. Assess the potential risks to public safety.

3. Assess whether or not a static event has the potential to go mobile, either on foot in the form of a march, or in vehicles.

4. Assess the number of officers and type of equipment required to maintain order and their manner of response.

5. Assess the potential need for outside resources:
i. On-duty personnel from other police agencies.
ii. Fire Department personnel and resources.
iii. Media relations personnel.

6. Identify and broadcast the location of the Incident Command Post, operational staging areas, and routes to and from.
(d) The Incident Commander should consider the following factors when making decisions regarding the police response:

1. The overall level of risk to both participants and the general public who may be inadvertently caught up in the event.

2. The level of disruption to those not involved in, but impacted by the event.

3. The level of vehicular traffic.

4. The number of people involved in the event and their behavior.

5. The personnel and equipment available for the task.
(e) The Incident Commander may use on-duty personnel from other divisions or units to assist in the police response to a spontaneous event.
(f) The Incident Commander shall direct necessary on-duty personnel to a static event and make response assignments as required, which may include, but are not limited to:

1. Assign personnel to monitor the event only.

2. Use personnel to maintain order at the event and/or divert uninvolved, affected traffic away from the area.
(g) If the event is mobile, the Incident Commander should consider response actions appropriate to manage or control the behavior and activities of the crowd, options including, but not limited to:

1. Let the group proceed with no police presence.

2. Assign officers to facilitate the mobile event by providing traffic control.

3. Attempt to direct the path of the mobile event by denying access to certain roadways.

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4. Allow the mobile event to proceed, but deny access to certain locations that would create a public safety hazard, such as, roadways to bridge approaches and roadways in busy commercial districts.

5. Declare the event an unlawful assembly if circumstances qualify, and allow the group to disperse, make arrests, or use force to disperse the group for the purpose of restoring public order.
(h) There is no required order of response; the Incident Commander shall be responsible for continually assessing the event and adjusting the response strategies and tactics accordingly. Opportunities to de-escalate from crowd control to crowd management tactics should be continually evaluated by considering all available resources and deploying them flexibly.
(i) The Incident Commander shall remain responsible for the police response to a planned or spontaneous crowd event until relieved by a higher ranking officer, or the position is relinquished to another officer who officially assumes the responsibility.

1. Any change of command shall be broadcast on the radio frequency used to manage the police response.
428.9 GENERAL EVENT PROCEDURES
(a) Employees dispatched or pre-assigned to a crowd situation shall be in a department- approved uniform appropriate for their assignment.

1. Employees shall ensure their name and badge number are visible upon their uniform, and badge number is visible on their helmet, if worn. (b) Officers dispatched or pre-assigned to a crowd situation shall have immediately available relevant department-issued safety equipment, (i.e., helmet, chemical agent mask, etc.).
(c) Specialized weapons and equipment (i.e., patrol rifles, less-than-lethal munition launchers, chemical agent masks, etc.) shall be deployed at the discretion of the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander shall be responsible for assuring that there is an inventory of less-lethal munitions, CS gas, and/or smoke prior to deployment, including any outside agencies assisting BPD. Absent exigent circumstances, such less-lethal munitions, CS gas and smoke shall not be deployed prior to determination of an accurate inventory.
(d) The Incident Commander shall ensure personnel receive an operational briefing, whether in person or via radio, prior to their deployment.

1. Information communicated in an operational briefing shall include, at minimum:
(a) The nature of the event.
(b) The mission and operational goal(s) of the department. (c) The chain of command managing the event.
(d) The individual's assignment and any special equipment he/she may require to accomplish it.

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(e) When possible, the identity and appearance of all undercover personnel involved in the police response.
• Undercover personnel should be present at operational briefings for planned events.
(e) Undercover personnel shall adhere to laws and policies governing information gathering by law enforcement.
(f) Verbal requests or commands should be used before and when advancing on a crowd.

1. Commands should be simple and stated clearly, giving members of the crowd an opportunity to comply before force is used. (Examples: "Step back!" or "Move onto the sidewalk!")
(g) Employees in a crowd situation shall conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner, answering questions when appropriate. (h) When practical, as part of an implemented crowd control plan, police personnel should attempt to identify and separate from the crowd individuals who are violating the law.

1. Efforts to take an offender into custody in a crowd situation should strive to minimize the risk to uninvolved persons, to the extent reasonably possible. (i) Visual recording devices should be used to document the activities of police personnel and the people involved in a crowd situation.

1. Activities that should be documented via visual recording device include, but are not limited to:
i. Criminal activity (misdemeanor or felony);
ii. Violation of a Permit condition, City Ordinance, or traffic violation. iii. Use of force by officers.
iv. Arrests by officers.
v. Any person who, by words or action, is inciting violence. vi. Dispersal orders issued by police.
(j) Employees shall adhere to information release and media liaison protocols set forth in the Records Maintenance and Release policy and the Media Relations policy, respectively.

1. The Incident Commander shall ensure legitimate "credentialed" members of the media are provided access to areas available to them by law.

2. A person who claims to be a member of the media, but who does not possess a bona fide media credential, has no special privilege and shall be treated like any other citizen with regard to event area access.
(k) In any first amendment assembly, if feasible the Field Commander should ensure that medical resources are available. An objectively reasonable effort should be made to extract individuals that appear to be in distress. Medical assistance should be promptly

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provided, if properly trained personnel are present, or requested, for injured persons, when it is reasonably safe to do so.
428.10 DISPERSAL ORDERS
(a) The Incident Commander at any crowd situation shall make the determination as to when or if a crowd, whose behavior poses a clear and present danger of imminent violence, will be declared an unlawful assembly.
(b) Unless otherwise directed or required, the following dispersal order text shall be used by Berkeley Police Department personnel in crowd control situations:

1. “I am () () with the Berkeley Police Department. I hereby declare this to be an unlawful assembly, and in the name of the people of the State of California, command all those assembled at () to leave the area immediately. If you do not leave, you are in violation of section 409 of the California Penal Code, and may be arrested or subject to other police action. Other police action may include the use of less lethal projectiles, baton strikes, or use of tear gas, which may pose a risk of serious injury. The following routes of dispersal are available: () You have () to leave the area.”
(c) Except when exigent circumstances exist and doing so would place officers or the public at risk, a dispersal order shall be issued prior to forcibly dispersing a crowd. (d) The Incident Commander, or his/her designee, shall issue a dispersal order:

1. As close to the crowd as practical;

2. In a manner clearly audible to persons in the crowd; i. Use sound amplification systems when necessary;
ii. When practical, shall record the dispersal order to establish that the orders were audible to the crowd.
iii. When practical, employ officers stationed around the perimeter of the crowd to ensure the dispersal order is clearly audible.

3. In more than one language if possible, depending on the needs of the crowd. (e) Additional dispersal orders may be given following a reasonable period of time to allow for crowd dispersal. Ongoing dispersal orders should be avoided. (f) If after a dispersal order is given, a crowd is discovered in a different location, the new location should be evaluated to determine if it is an ongoing unlawful assembly. 428.11 MASS ARRESTS
(a) When considering the arrest of multiple people at a crowd control event, the Incident Commander should evaluate preparedness of the following operational elements:

1. Resource Availability: Sufficient personnel should be available to maintain order, accomplish intended arrests and subsequent processing, and maintain control of the arrestees through a booking process, if necessary.

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2. In-Field Arrest Processing: Equipment and logistics should be available to facilitate in-field processing of mass arrests.

3. Transportation: In the event arrestees are not released in-field on citation, vehicles should be available to facilitate necessary transportation to a custodial facility.

4. Booking/Jail Capacity: The custodial facility to which arrestees are transported should have the capacity to receive and maintain custody of persons not released on citation.

5. Documentation: Arresting personnel must ensure arrestees are identified and photographed, arrests are effectively documented, and associated paperwork is properly directed for administrative processing.
428.12 MUTUAL AID
(a) An official request for mutual aid resources shall adhere to procedures set forth the Mutual Aid Policy.

1. Emergency requests for immediate assistance may be made directly to local agencies.
(b) The Chief of Police or his/her designee shall contact the liaison from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate a plan for mutual aid resources and response.

1. This plan should include the number of officers potentially needed, any special equipment requested, and an expected response time if called out.

2. Absent exigent circumstances, responding mutual aid personnel shall be briefed prior to deployment and should be given clear and specific objectives. (c) In preparation for mutual aid forces, the Incident Commander shall ensure that liaison officers from BPD are assigned to work with the outside agency to assist with response routes into the staging area, parking vehicles, checking in with the staging area supervisor, communications and response to event location. (d) MFF organization should be employed when integrating mutual aid personnel into local crowd event response, or when responding to another jurisdiction as a mutual aid unit.

1. Personnel should be formed into squads or teams that are easily integrated into squads and platoons.
(e) When responding to another jurisdiction as a mutual aid unit, personnel will have with them enough vehicles and equipment to allow the deployed team or squad to patrol a designated area, use less-than-lethal munitions or authorized chemical agents, if necessary, and have enough food and water to last for a reasonable operational period until relieved.

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428.13 MEDIA ACCESS
If officers close the immediate area surrounding any emergency field command post or any other command post, or establish a police line, or rolling closure at a demonstration, march, protest, or rally where individuals are engaged in a protected activity pursuant to the First Amendment, officers shall comply with the requirements of Penal Code § 409.7 relating to media access (i.e., access to recently closed areas) (Penal Code § 409.7).
428.14 POST-EVENT
Once a normal work schedule has resumed, the Incident Commander shall ensure that an After Action Report is prepared within 72 hours after the resumption of the Incident Commander's normal work schedule. Should an extension be necessary in order to properly and fully complete the report, such a request may be made to the Chief of Police. (a) An After Action Report shall document arrests, injuries, property damage, personnel costs, inventories of less lethal munitions, CS gas and smoke, and an overall critique of the police preparation and response.
(b) An After Action Report should include information in sufficient detail to help others prepare for the event if it, or a similar event, should occur in the future. (c) The Operations Division Captain or the authorized designee should ensure that a summary ofo each deployment of kinetic energy projectiles or chemical agents for crowd control purposes is prepared and published on the department website within 60 days of ach incident. The time frame may be extended for another 30 days where just cause is demonstrated, but no longer than 90 days from the time of the incident.

The summary shall be limited to the information known to the Department at the time of the report and include the information required in Penal Code 13652.1. 428.15 TRAINING
When possible, training in crowd management and crowd control shall be incorporated into general departmental in-service training.

When possible prior to a major pre-planned event, updated training should be provided to all assigned officers.

Policy
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Military Equipment
709.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the approval, acquisition, and reporting requirements of military equipment ( Government Code § 7070; Government Code § 7071; Government Code § 7072).
709.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include (Government Code § 7070):

Governing body
– The Berkeley City Council.

Military equipment – Includes but is not limited to the following:
• Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. • Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. • High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), two-and-one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. • Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants. • Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units. • Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind. • Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. This does not include a handheld, one-person ram.
• Firearms and ammunition of_.50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns and standard-issue shotgun ammunition.
• Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than_.50 caliber, including firearms and accessories identified as assault weapons in Penal Code § 30510 and Penal Code § 30515, with the exception of standard-issue firearms.
• Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles. • Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools. • Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
• TASER® Shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannons, and long-range acoustic devices (LRADs).
• Kinetic energy weapons and munitions.
• Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require additional oversight.

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709.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Berkeley Police Department that members of this department comply with the provisions of Government Code § 7071 with respect to military equipment. Consistent with Section 7071(a)(1)(E), uses of military equipment for purposes, in a manner, or by a person not authorized in this policy are prohibited. For the purposes of this provision, "uses" does not include activities such as those associated with maintenance, transportation, or training. 709.3 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police should designate a member of this department to act as the military equipment coordinator. The responsibilities of the military equipment coordinator include but are not limited to:
(a) Acting as liaison to the governing body for matters related to the requirements of this policy.
(b) Identifying department equipment that qualifies as military equipment in the current possession of the Department, or the equipment the Department intends to acquire that requires approval by the governing body.
(c) Conducting an inventory of all military equipment at least annually. (d) Collaborating with any allied agency that may use military equipment within the jurisdiction of Berkeley Police Department (Government Code § 7071). (e) Preparing the annual military equipment report for submission to the Chief of Police and ensuring that the report is made available on the department website (Government Code § 7072).
709.4 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
The following constitutes a list of qualifying equipment for the Department:
• M4 rifle/Patrol Rifle
• Penn Arms 40MM Single Launcher
• Milkor LTL Multi-Launcher
• FN 303 Launcher & FN Pava Impact Projectile
• Oleoresin Capsicum Spray
• Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile and Oleoresin capsicum • Remington 700 Rifle
• ReconRobotics Recon Scout XT Robots
• Andros Remotec HD-1 Hazardous Duty Robot
• Light/Sound Diversionary Device
• Long Range Acoustic Device
• Mobile Command Vehicle

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• Barret Model 99
709.4.1 BERKELEY POLICE DEPARTMENT'S INVENTORY
Rifles and Associated Ammunitions
Rifle:

M4 Rifle (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Colt M-4 patterned rifle, which fires the.223 Remington cartridge Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 96 rifles Capabilities: The M4 pattern rifle is used only in situations when a potential life-threatening situation exists. While a pistol is the common firearm used by police in these dangerous situations, the M4 patterned rifle has numerous advantages over it. The ability to shoulder the rifle, coupled with the rifle's lengthened barrel and ammunition, result in higher accuracy and lessens the chance of officers missing the intended target. Additionally, due to the design of the rifle's bullet, the round is less likely to over penetrate commercial and residential walls should the officer miss the intended target. The rifle is also easier to use compared to a pistol because of the bullet's low recoil. Finally, as the rifle can be adjusted and customized, it can be configured to accommodate officers of any stature (hand size, strength, etc.).

Lifespan:

Due to the rifle's ability to be maintained by department armorers, these rifles have a relatively long-life span if properly maintained. However, the design has changed little in the last 60 years and we can expect new variations and designs to become the new industry standard in the coming years.

Manufacturer's Description: This specially designed law enforcement weapon system features many of the combat proven advantages of the military Colt M4. With the 4-position buttstock fully retracted, the Colt Law Enforcement Carbine is less than 32inch length and weighs only 6.9 lb - ideal for tactical deployment and traditional patrol.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

The M4 patterned rifle and associated ammunition is intended as a means to safely stop a lethal threat. While a pistol is the firearm that all officers are minimally equipped with, the rifle is an ancillary firearm for situations where increased distance and accuracy are needed to safely resolve the situation.

Authorized Uses:

Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers. An officer considering the use of this firearm in a non- preplanned incident should consider the factors set forth in the Risk Assessment section of Policy 607, Operations, Planning, and Deconfliction.

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FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: Exact costs unknown. Rifle prices, like other firearms, will range depending on current market demand and availability. While M4 rifles purchased several years ago cost between $1,000 and $1,200 a piece, current rifles cost between $1,400 and $1,600. It should be expected that these prices will fluctuate and likely increase over time.

Annual cost:

Cost of use for all firearms should be based on the ammunition used in training and on duty. This will fluctuate based on whether the rifle is issued to a patrol officer, a firearms instructor, or a Special Response Team member as each assignment has different training requirements.

Training costs: Every officer that is authorized to carry a rifle on duty must attend a 16-hour CA POST approved rifle instruction course before being authorized to carry the rifle on duty. This course may be administered by Berkeley Police Firearm Instructors or by other POST approved agencies. Tuition for the CA POST approved class is dependent on the hosting agency. If conducted in house the cost only includes the officer's hourly wage, range fee, and ammunition costs (all vary). Outside agencies charge between $25 to $500 depending on the range location and duration (some classes are 32-hours while POST only requires 16-hours.) Additionally, all officers issued a rifle receive specific 8-hour rifle training every two years by POST certified BPD firearm instructors.

Maintenance costs: Vary depending on use over time. Traditionally, various springs and pins need to be replaced every five years and may cost between $3 and $30 per rifle. Other parts such as the barrel and bolt need replaced around ten years and range between $150 and $300 per rifle.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, and Policy 349 Tactical Rifle Operator Program. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

Remington 700 Rifle (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Remington 700 rifle, which fires the.308 caliber ammunition.

Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 6 rifles

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Capabilities: The Remington 700 rifle, with the appropriate ammunition, training, and practice, is capable of consistent and highly accurate shooting out to a distance of approximately 500-yards.

The Remington 700 is intended to be used in emergency situations where there is a high potential for violence, where the need exists to put distance between officers and a specific individual, such as an armed hostage situation.

Lifespan:

The Remington 700 bolt-action rifles have an expected life span of 10-years if properly maintained.

Manufacturer's Description: The Model 700 SPS Tactical is a highly maneuverable member of the family. It's built for tack-driving accuracy with a 20" heavy-contour tactical-style barrel and dual-point pillar bedding in its black synthetic stock. Hogue® overmoldings on the stock facilitate sure handling, and it has a semi-beavertail fore-end for added stability off a rest.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

This rifle is to be used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers. This rifle provides police with the benefit of adding distance to a volatile situation which can increase the safety for community members and officers.

This rifle is an ancillary firearm for situations where increased distance and accuracy is needed to safely resolve the situation.

Authorized Uses:

Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers. An officer considering the use of this firearm in a non- preplanned incident should consider the factors set forth in the Risk Assessment section of Policy 607, Operations, Planning, and Deconfliction.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The initial cost to purchase this rifle with its associated components is approximately $10,000 dollars each. Their average life span is 10-years at which time it will likely need to be replaced.

Annual cost: If this rifle is not cared for or maintained well, then a potential financial adverse impact would be the premature purchasing of a replacement rifle or replacement parts. However, authorized and trained Berkeley Police armorers service and provide regular maintenance of the rifles. The cost of maintenance is staff time.

Training costs: The cost associated with training is the staff time, range fees, and cost of spent ammunition. SRT members train once a month and, on average, each member shoots approximately 50-rounds. Currently, there are only 4 members shooting at each training day. This equates to approximately 2,400 rounds of ammunition being fired per year. This does not include special training days or attendance to training schools/classes. A single box of 20-rounds costs approximately $20-dollars or $1 dollar per round.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use over time. Firing pins need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. The maintenance cost associated with this rifle is minimal.

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There are no costs associated with maintenance or storage of ammunition. All ammunition is stored in a climate-controlled room in the Berkeley Police Department.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force, Policy 354-Precision Rifle. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

Barret Model 99 Rifle (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

The Barrett Model 99 rifle is a single shot bolt-action 50-caliber rifle Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 1 rifle.

Capabilities: This rifle is used only in situations where a potential life-threatening situation exists.

The length of the rifle's barrel coupled with the ammunition result in precision accuracy. This rifle is capable of disabling any vehicle engine block because of the large caliber round.

Lifespan: This rifle has been in our possession for almost 15-years and we expect it to last for an additional 20 years or more considering how in-frequently it's used.

Manufacturer's Description:

The Model 99 brings new levels of long-range precision shooting.

Known as much for its dependability as its versatility, the Model 99 has unfailing accuracy you can rely on.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

The Barrett rifle is a firearm that may be used to stop a vehicle which poses a lethal threat to the public, or to disable a vehicle which presents a threat to the safety of another person(s) by its continued use. There are vehicle disabling tools that may disable vehicles by slowly deflating the tires; however, even with tires deflated a vehicle has the ability to operate and remain a threat to the public. Furthermore, these tools must be hand deployed and, in most circumstances, require officers to expose themselves to deadly threats. The Barrett rifle creates the ability to effectively disable vehicles instantaneously from a distance away.

Authorized Uses:

Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers. An officer considering the use of this firearm in a non-

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preplanned incident should consider the factors set forth in the Risk Assessment section of Policy 607, Operations, Planning, and Deconfliction.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The Barrett Model 99 50-caliber rifle has a retail cost of approximately $12,500 dollars. The Department of Justice provided the Barrett rifle to the Berkeley Police Department on 04/04/2007. There was no initial cost related to BPD taking possession of it.

Annual cost: The annual cost of the equipment is minimal and includes ammunition expenditure, cleaning equipment, and possibly replacing the optics at some point in the future.

Training costs: The cost associated with training is the staff time, range fees, and cost of spent ammunition.

The costs associated with its proposed uses is in the expenditure of its ammunition. The ammunition has a retail cost of approximately $6 dollars per bullet; $60 for a box of 10 and $600 for a case of 10 boxes, plus shipping and handling. We currently possess 100 rounds of BMG ammunition.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use over time and will vary. There are no costs associated with maintenance or storage of ammunition. All ammunition is stored in a climate-controlled room in the Berkeley Police Department.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, and Policy 354 Precision Rifle. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

RIFLE AMMUNITION:
.223 Remington ammunition: 55 grain FMJ (full metal jacket) for training purposes and 62 grain soft point for duty purposes. (Use in the Colt M4 Rifle) (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training) Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:
.223 Remington ammunition: 55 grain FMJ (full metal jacket) .223 Remington ammunition 62 grain soft point for duty purposes

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Quantity: Quantity of rifle ammunition fluctuates significantly depending on training attended, including the standard basic police academy, officer assignments, and yearly mandate training cycles. For example, most police academy recruits are required to bring approximately 1,000 rounds to the basic POST approved academy. Most academies have a 16-24-hour rifle training course. The training is required for all officers who are issued a rifle and mandates between 800 and 1,200 rounds. As such, the inventory at the Berkeley Police Department fluctuates significantly depending on how many officers are attending state mandated training and can range from 10,000 round (our current inventory) to less than 1,000 rounds (our anticipated inventory at the end of December after scheduled department training in November.) Capabilities:

The.223 Remington cartridge, depending on the weight of the bullet, 55 grain or 62 grain, travel at approximately 3,000 feet per second and 2,700 feet per second respectively. The round is highly regarded as having a high degree of consistency and accuracy, which is why it is the most common rifle round used in Law Enforcement around the world.

Lifespan:

Like all ammunition, if kept cool and dry, ammunition lifespan can exceed ten years.

Due to BPD's and State mandates on training, the majority of ammunition is cycled through within a year of purchase.

Product Description:
.223 Remington ammunition: 55 grain FMJ (full metal jacket) The full metal jacket ammunition features a 55 grain weight and includes 200 rounds. The caliber is.223 Rem, and the ammunition is made in the USA.
.223 Remington ammunition 62 grain soft point
Federal TRU 223 ammo is custom made ammunition for the Urban Law Enforcement Officer in mind. It features a lead core Hi Shock Soft Point bullet which offers great stopping power and excellent penetration, a non corrosive primer and brand new never fired brass casing and nickel plated brass primer. This LE Tactical ammo can be reloaded up to 5 times for those shooters that reload their 223 ammo. Federal LE 223 Remington has a muzzle velocity of 3050 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 1281 ft lbs. This 223 Federal ammo is new production packaged in 20 round boxes and 200 rounds per case. Federal TRU ammunition is engineered using Mil-Quality specifications. Each Federal TRU cartridge is made using select mil-quality low flash powders that do not disrupt an officer's night vision. The TRU case and web are built using thicker brass, adding the extra strength needed for the high powered rifle. TRU primers are crimped for added holding ability. This virtually eliminates backed out primers that can lock-up your weapon. With TRU ammunition, potentially disastrous situations are greatly reduced. TRU bullets are specifically engineered ranging from fragmenting designs for tactical entry to deeper penetrating bullets for patrol.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

This rifle ammunition is capable of incapacitating an individual from a distance and providing greater accuracy at a distance. This ammunition is used in the M4 rifle.

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Authorized Uses: Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

Ammunition costs fluctuate with the costs of components (brass, primers, gunpowder, and bullets) and supply/demand. Current costs for.223 Remington range from $0.50 to $0.75 a round for training ammunition (55 grain) and $1.25 to $1.50 a round for duty ammunition (62 grain).

Annual cost: The annual cost of the equipment is minimal, and is dependent on the amount of training.

Training costs: The cost associated with training is the staff time, range fees, and cost of spent ammunition.

Maintenance costs: Maintenance costs vary depending on use over time and will vary. There are no costs associated with maintenance or storage of ammunition. All ammunition is stored in a climate-controlled room in the Berkeley Police Department.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, and Policy 349 Tactical Rifle Operator Program. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

Hornady.308-caliber ammunition (for the Remington 700 Rifle) (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training) Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Hornady.308-caliber ammunition
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently possess approximately 1800 rounds of this ammunition.

Capabilities:

This rifle ammunition is capable of incapacitating an individual or disabling an object in emergency situations where there is a high potential for violence, where the need exists to put distance between officers and a specific individual, such as an armed hostage situation. This ammunition is specifically designed for accuracy at distances of 500 yards.

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Lifespan: Like all ammunition, if kept cool and dry, ammunition lifespan can exceed ten years.

Due to BPD's and State mandates on training, the majority of ammunition is cycled through within a year of purchase.

Manufacturer's Description: Millions of successful hunts have proven the accuracy and deadly effect of the famous Hornady ® InterLock,® SST, ® InterBond ® and CX™ bullets we load into Hornady ® Custom™ rifle ammunition.

Every round of Hornady ® Custom™ ammunition is hand inspected before packaging to ensure the highest levels of quality control. At Hornady,® we manufacture Custom™ ammunition to give shooters and hunters the advantage of handloaded accuracy in a factory load.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

This rifle ammunition is capable of incapacitating an individual from a distance of 500 yards and providing greater accuracy at a distance. This ammunition is used in the Remington 700 rifle.

Authorized Uses: Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: The costs associated with its proposed uses is in the expenditure of its ammunition.

The ammunition has a retail cost of approximately $1 dollars per bullet; $20 for a box of 20, plus shipping and handling. We currently possess 1800 rounds of BMG ammunition, $1800.

Annual cost:

The annual cost of the equipment is minimal, and is dependent on the amount of training.

Training costs:

The cost associated with training is the staff time, range fees, and cost of spent ammunition.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use over time and will vary. There are no costs associated with maintenance or storage of ammunition. All ammunition is stored in a climate-controlled room in the Berkeley Police Department.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, and Policy 354 Precision Rifle. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

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Summit Ammunition.50-caliber BNG rounds of ammunition (for the Barrett Model 99) (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training) Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Summit Ammunition.50-caliber BNG rounds of ammunition
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently possess approximately 100 rounds of this ammunition.

Capabilities:

This rifle ammunition is capable of disabling any vehicle engine block because of the large caliber round.

Lifespan:

Like all ammunition, if kept cool and dry, ammunition lifespan can exceed ten years.

Due to BPD's and State mandates on training, the majority of ammunition is cycled through within a year of purchase.

Manufacturer's Description: This is 50 Cal. BMG Summit Ammunition 700gr. M-2 Armor Piercing Ammo. Summit Ammunition has been manufacturing 50 Cal. BMG for over 10 years and they manufacture a premium quality product. They are a fully licensed and insured manufacturer.

This ammo is loaded with NEW Winchester brass, New USGI powder and Pulled Lake City M-2 AP bullets.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: This rifle ammunition is capable of disabling any vehicle engine block because of the large caliber round.

Authorized Uses:

Used in the defense of life or great bodily injury to potential victims of violent crimes, general public, and officers.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The costs associated with its proposed uses is in the expenditure of its ammunition.

The ammunition has a retail cost of approximately $6 per bullet; $60 for a box of 10, and $600 for a case of 10 boxes, plus shipping and handling. We currently possess 100 rounds of BMG ammunition.

Annual cost:

The annual cost of the equipment is minimal.

Training costs: The cost associated with training is the staff time, range fees, and cost of spent ammunition.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use over time and will vary. There are no costs associated with maintenance or storage of ammunition. All ammunition is stored in a climate-controlled room in the Berkeley Police Department.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

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Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, and Policy 354 Precision Rifle. The use of this equipment shall comply with the authorizations and prohibitions set forth in Policy 300 – Use of Force. It is the policy of the BPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force including the provisions of Penal Code Section 13652.

TRAINING:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle.

Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification.

ROBOTS:

ReconRobotics Recon Scout XT (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

ReconRobotics Recon Scout XT
Quantity: The Berkeley Police Department currently owns and maintains 2.

Capabilities: The Recon Scout XT robot is designed to be able to crawl over a variety of terrain, clearing obstacles up to 2" (5 cm) tall. It could be thrown into hazardous situations, indoor and outdoor, and provide live audio and video feed back to the controller.

Lifespan: Both Recon Scout XT robots are over 10 years old and ReconRobotics have developed and manufactured more advanced robots. ReconRobotics have stopped manufacturing certain parts for the Recon Scout XT, so the lifespan is dependent on what parts need to be replaced.

Manufacturer's Description: The Recon Scout XT is just eight inches long and weighs just 1.3 lbs., making it extremely easy to carry and throw. Moreover, deploying the Recon Scout XT takes just 5 seconds, and using it requires no special training. Simply pull the activation pin and throw the device through a doorway or over a wall, or drop it down a vertical shaft using a tether. Using a single joystick on the operator control unit (OCU), a tactical team leader or warfighter can then direct the device to move through the environment and send back real-time video. Equipped with an infrared optical system that automatically turns on when the ambient light is low, the Recon Scout XT can transmit video up to 100 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, day or night. The Recon Scout XT may also be specified in any of three transmitting frequencies, allowing police and military personnel to operate up to three robots in the same environment at the same time.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: The Recon Scout XT robot is intended to safely provide police officers valuable information during high-risk, rapid evolving situations via real-time audio and video footage. It can be driven a distance away from the OCU, creating space between the officer and potential danger, thus decreasing the likelihood of injury to those involved in the event, or even a violent

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encounter between police officers and a dangerous subject. This asset furthers our commitment to the sanctity of life by offering time and distance in critical incidents.

Authorized Uses: The Recon Scout XT robot may be deployed to help police officers safely view potentially dangerous environments before entering them.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: The initial cost for the Recon Scout XT robot was about $12,500 per unit (2010 cost).

Annual cost:

There are no ongoing or annual costs associated with the use of the Recon Scout XT robot. Being that it is battery operated, there is a nominal cost associated with charging the Recon Scout XT robot's batteries, and the batteries of the OCU. The Recon Scout XT robot is fairly simple to operate, thus there is no cost associated with training officers in its use. There are no costs with transportation or storage of the Recon Scout XT robot. While there are newer models of this robot available, there does not appear to be any upgrades available for the Recon Scout XT. The Recon Scout XT robot has been damaged on occasion, and there are costs associated with repair. But generally, the Recon Scout XT robot is robust and does not need regular repair.

Training costs:

The Recon Scout XT robot is user friendly and simple to operate. Training is conducted by Berkeley Police personnel familiar with the operations and procedures of the Recon Scout XT robot. The cost of training is staff time.

Maintenance costs: There are no annual or storage costs.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 708 Robot Cameras.

TRAINING:

The Recon Scout XT robot is user friendly and simple to operate. Training is conducted by Berkeley Police personnel who have familiarized themselves with the product manual, operations, procedures, and demonstrated competency in the product through hands on training, these trainings are often referred to as a train-the trainer training. The cost of training is staff time.

Andros Remotec HD-1 Hazardous Duty Robot (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Andros Remotec HD-1 Hazardous Duty Robot
Quantity: The Berkeley Police Department Bomb Squad has one robot, the Remotec HD-1 robot.

Capabilities: Remotec HD-1 robot is used in situations where a potential life-threatening situation exists and is too hazardous for a bomb technician to approach in person. The Remotec HD-1 robot is also used to survey an area prior to a bomb technician approaching a scene to check for trip wires and ascertain a good approach path. The Remotec HD-1 robot has three cameras and audio monitoring that stream live video and audio back to the control module; however, it

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is unable to record and does not have any data storage capabilities. It has several attachment mounting options as well. The Remotec HD-1 robot also has the ability to carry a variety of tools.

Some of the tools are:
(a) A spike to break glass and access vehicles or homes with potential explosive devices inside
(b) An X-ray mount in order to remotely X-ray suspected explosive devices. (c) Percussion actuated non-electric disruptors which are smooth barrels that are filled with water and fired at high speed with a blank shotgun round to open backpacks, suitcases, and packages from a distance
(d) A hook with cutting blades that are used to cut backpack straps, ropes, etc. (e) PAN rounds containing various fills, from sand to slugs, in order to open sturdier packages made from metal or other hard covers.
(f) Electrical connections to connect explosives that can be detonated remotely and from a safe distance.

Lifespan:

The Remotec HD-1 robot has an expected life span of 10 years. It is currently 13 years old and has begun exhibiting issues. The Remotec HD-1 robot weighs just over 200 lbs. and has been near multiple explosions over the years and crossed a variety of off-road terrain Manufacturer's Description: The Remotec ANDROS fleet of hazardous duty unmanned vehicles is the preferred choice of first responders worldwide. The robust, mission-proven design of the ANDROS line keeps danger at a distance with:
• Simultaneous tool mounts for rapid response during dynamic missions (i.e. suits changing needs as the mission unfolds)
• A versatile array of two-way audio, video, advanced sensors, tools and controllers • Easy maintainability for minimal downtime
Made in the USA and backed by world-class training and post-sale support, it's no wonder there are over 1,000 ANDROS robots deployed around the globe.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: The Remotec HD-1 robot is used as a means to approach hazardous situations where a potentially lethal threat such as an explosive device exist. The Remotec HD-1 robot allows for the examination and manipulation of an object or potential explosive device without unnecessarily putting a bomb technician's life at risk.

Authorized Uses:

Used to examine and possible destroy hazardous materials such as an explosive device.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: Procured in 2008 for $214,496 including on-site training through a UASI Grant. (64,292-N.S.)

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Annual cost: There is no annual cost. Maintenance of the Remotec HD-1 robot is conducted by Berkeley Police Bomb Technicians.

Training costs: Berkeley Police Bomb Technicians are trained during regular bomb squad training sessions and maintain their skills through training scenarios. The cost of training is limited to staff time.

Maintenance costs: Remotec offers occasional maintenance and upkeep workshops free of charge.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 708 Robot Cameras.

TRAINING:

Berkeley Police Bomb Technicians are trained during regular bomb squad training sessions and maintain their skills through training scenarios. All Berkeley Police Bomb Technicians are required to attend a federally mandated training that lasts approximately six weeks.

Less Lethal Launchers:

Penn Arms 40mm Single Launcher (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Penn Arms 40mm Single Launcher
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 20.

Capabilities: The Penn Arms single launcher is capable of firing a single projectile out to a maximum manufacturer recommended range of 45 meters. The Penn Arms 40mm projectiles are direct fire with a pliable "sponge" tip designed to mold to the body. The projectiles are about the size of a large egg. Upon impact, the projectile transfers kinetic energy to the body to gain pain compliance. Large muscle groups such as the upper legs or lower abdomen are approved target areas unless a higher level of force is justified. This level of force is considered to be similar to that of a baton strike.

Lifespan:

The manufacturer expected lifespan is about 10 years depending on use and regular maintenance.

Manufacturer's Description: A 40mm compact single-shot break-open frame launcher with a rifled barrel and folding stock. Features include: Double-action trigger, trigger lock push button and hammer lock safeties.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

The purpose of kinetic energy impact projectiles, commonly referred to as "less lethal" is to preserve life, minimize the use of force and allow time for de-escalation. Less lethal projectiles

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allow the user to maintain a safe distance from a subject who is armed and/or demonstrates the intent to be violent. The ability to maintain a safe distance – while still providing a level of control over the subject – allows officers to employ de-escalation techniques, request additional resources and develop a plan to safely resolve the situation with the least amount of risk.

Violent or armed confrontations are inherently dangerous to all those involved. Officers are required to make split second judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving. An Officer's threat perception of a person who is in close proximity as opposed to a person who is at a distance of 20 yards is naturally different. A person in close proximity intent on violence has the ability to immediately utilize personal body weapons, a bludgeoning device or cutting instrument. The immediacy requires the Officer to react instantly and there is a greater potential that a higher level of force will be needed.

On the other hand, a person at a distance of 20 yards may not be perceived as having the immediate ability to violently attack the Officer. The person must first close the distance before certain weapons can be utilized. This fact may allow the Officer time to decide the most appropriate course of action, such as the use of a "less lethal" projectile.

The projectiles are designed to provide a high level of accuracy which minimizes the risk of unwanted impacts. The ability to apply force from a distance reduces the potential for violent confrontation and aides in reducing the level of force needed to safely resolve a conflict.

Authorized Uses: Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

Less lethal prices, like other equipment, varies depending on market demand and availability. The most recent Penn Arms purchased by the department cost $815.00 each.

Annual cost:

Cost for Penn Arms single launcher use should be based on the projectiles used in training and on duty. This will fluctuate based on department trainings, projectile availability and events that unfold in the city and surrounding region.

Training costs: Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Department Firearms Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows. This class is largely handled in house thus the cost only includes staff time, range fees, and projectile costs which all vary.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use. Generally, various springs and pins need to be replaced every 5 years which can cost $3 to $30.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

TRAINING:

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Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Department Firearms Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows.

Milkor LTL Multi-launcher (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Milkor LTL Multi-launcher
Quantity: The Berkeley Police Department currently owns and maintains 2.

Capabilities: The Milkor LTL is capable of firing six 40mm projectiles before reloading is necessary. The Milkor LTL 40mm projectiles are direct fire with a pliable "sponge" tip designed to mold to the body. The projectiles are about the size of a large egg. Upon impact, the projectile transfers kinetic energy to the body to gain pain compliance. Large muscle groups such as the upper legs or lower abdomen are approved target areas unless a higher level of force is justified.

This level of force is considered to be similar to that of a baton strike.

Lifespan:

The manufacturer expected lifespan is about 10 to 15 years depending on use and regular maintenance.

Manufacturer's Description:

Developed with our partner company, Abrams Airborne
Manufacturing, The 40mm Multi-Shot Less-Lethal Tactical Launcher (LTL) was manufactured with the needs of the modern tactical team at the forefront. The launcher is capable of firing a wide variety of 40mm LTL ammo.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: The purpose of kinetic energy impact projectiles, commonly referred to as "less lethal" is to preserve life, minimize the use of force and allow time for de-escalation attempts. Less lethal projectiles allow the user to maintain a safe distance from a subject who is armed and/or demonstrates the intent to be violent. The ability to maintain a safe distance – while still providing a level of control over the subject – allows officers to employ de-escalation techniques, request additional resources and develop a plan to safely resolve the situation with the least amount of risk.

Violent confrontations are inherently dangerous to all those involved. Officers are required to make split second judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving. An Officer's threat perception of a person who is in close proximity as opposed to a person who is at a distance of 20 yards is naturally different. A person in close proximity intent on violence has the ability to immediately utilize personal body weapons, a bludgeoning device or cutting instrument.

The immediacy requires the Officer to react instantly and there is a greater potential that a higher level of force will be needed.

On the other hand, a person at a distance of 20 yards may not be perceived as having the immediate ability to violently attack the Officer. The person must first close the distance before

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such weapons can be utilized. This may allow the Officer time to decide the most appropriate course of action, such as the use of a "less lethal" projectile.

The "less lethal" projectiles utilized by the Berkeley Police Department are generally considered discriminate versus indiscriminate uses of force. The projectiles are designed to provide a high level of accuracy which minimizes the risk of unwanted impacts. The ability to apply force from a distance reduces the potential for violent confrontation and aides in reducing the level of force needed to safely resolve a conflict.

Authorized Uses: Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: Less lethal prices, like other equipment, varies depending on market demand and availability. The most recent Penn Arms purchased by the department cost $3950.00 each.

Annual cost: Cost for Penn Arms single launcher use should be based on the projectiles used in training and on duty. This will fluctuate based on department trainings, projectile availability and events that unfold in the city and surrounding region.

Training costs:

Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Department Firearms Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows. This class is largely handled in house thus the cost only includes staff time, range fees, and projectile costs which all vary.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

TRAINING:

Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Department Firearms Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows.

FN 303 and FN Pava Impact Projectile (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

FN 303 and FN Pava Impact Projectile
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 8 FN 303 less lethal launchers.

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Capabilities: The FN 303 is capable of firing 15 projectiles out to a maximum manufacturer recommended range of 50 meters. The FN 303 projectiles are direct fire and designed to fragment upon impact to prevent penetration injury. Upon impact, the projectile transfers kinetic energy to the body to gain pain compliance. Large muscle groups such as the upper legs or lower abdomen are approved target areas. This level of force is considered to be similar to that of a baton strike.

Lifespan:

The manufacturer expected lifespan is about 10 years depending on use and regular maintenance.

Manufacturer's Description: The FN 303® Less Lethal Launcher is constructed from durable lightweight polymer with comfortable ergonomics and an easy to operate safety. The FN 303® Launcher is equipped with both flip-up iron sights and an integrated MIL-STD-1913 top mounting rail for optical or electronic sights or other accessories. The lightweight polymer magazine holds 15 projectiles and offers a clear rear cover to allow the operator to instantly verify both the payload type and the number of projectiles remaining.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: The purpose of kinetic energy impact projectiles, commonly referred to as "less lethal" is to preserve life, minimize the use of force and allow time for de-escalation attempts. Less lethal projectiles allow the user to maintain a safe distance from a subject who is armed and/or demonstrates the intent to be violent. The ability to maintain a safe distance – while still providing a level of control over the subject – allows officers to employ de-escalation techniques, request additional resources and develop a plan to safely resolve the situation with the least amount of risk.

Violent confrontations are inherently dangerous to all those involved. Officers are required to make split second judgments in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving. An Officer's threat perception of a person who is in close proximity as opposed to a person who is at a distance of 20 yards is naturally different. A person in close proximity intent on violence has the ability to immediately utilize personal body weapons, a bludgeoning device or cutting instrument.

The immediacy requires the Officer to react instantly and there is a greater potential that a higher level of force will be needed.

On the other hand, a person at a distance of 20 yards may not be perceived as having the immediate ability to violently attack the Officer. The person must first close the distance before such weapons can be utilized. This may allow the Officer time to decide the most appropriate course of action, such as the use of a "less lethal" projectile.

The "less lethal" projectiles utilized by the Berkeley Police Department are generally considered discriminate versus indiscriminate uses of force. Discriminate projectiles are designed to provide a high level of accuracy which minimizes the risk of unwanted impacts. The ability to apply force from a distance reduces the potential for violent confrontation and aides in reducing the level of force needed to safely resolve a conflict.

Authorized Uses: Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

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FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: Less lethal prices, like other equipment, varies depending on market demand and availability. The most recent FN 303s purchased by the department cost $800.00 each.

Annual cost:

Cost for FN 303 use should be based on the projectiles used in training and on duty.

This will fluctuate based on department trainings, projectile availability and events that unfold in the city and surrounding region.

Training costs: Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Firearm Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows. This class is largely handled in house thus the cost only includes the officer's hourly wage, range fees, and projectile costs which all vary.

Maintenance costs:

Maintenance costs vary depending on use. Generally, O-rings need to be replaced every 3000 rounds and cost $30 per kit.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

TRAINING:

Every officer authorized to deploy a less lethal launcher must pass a certification course administered by a Berkeley Police Department Firearms Instructor. The certification class consists of classroom, range qualification and scenario application if the venue allows.

Light/sound Diversionary Devices:

CTS 7290 Diversionary Device (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

CTS 7290 Diversionary Device
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 50.

Capabilities: When a diversionary device is deployed they create a loud noise, heat and brilliant light and create an effective diversion. They can create psychological and physiological effects such as: hearing a loud noise beyond that of everyday living, seeing a short bright light, and feeling of a change in atmospheric pressure. These effects may disorient/confuse subjects for a short time giving tactical teams the ability to apprehend that subject without using a higher level of force.

Lifespan:

The lifespan of the CTS 7290 Diversionary Device is 5 years.

Manufacturer's Description: The CTS 7290 is the standard for diversionary flash-bang devices.

The 7290 produces a 165-180 db and 6-8 million candela of light output. The patented design of

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the 7290, incorporates a porting system that eliminates movement of the body at detonation even if the top or bottom of the device should be in contact with a hard surface. In addition, internal adjustments have greatly reduced smoke output.

Flash Bangs are used by special tactical units during hostage rescue and high-risk warrants. It is an ATF-controlled Class-C explosive device that emits a bright light and thunderous noise to distract potentially dangerous individuals.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose: The purpose of a diversionary device is to create a reactionary gap of a person by temporarily disorienting them. This gap gives tactical teams an opportunity to apprehend a suspect while using the minimal amount of force possible. They can also be used to safely invoke a response or redirect the attention of subjects who are either feigning injury, ignoring police commands or are unresponsive while posing a threat to the public.

Authorized Uses:

The use of a diversionary device is to create a diversion in order to facilitate entry and enable arrest. Circumstances justifying the use of a diversionary device may include, but not limited to barricaded subject or hostage situations and high-risk search warrants services.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

Diversionary Devices cost approximately $45 per unit and are purchased through LC Action Police Supply. Purchases for these tools are made when inventory becomes low, based upon critical incident usage and Special Response Team trainings that incorporate live devices.

Annual cost: See below training cost.

Training costs: Only trained and qualified personnel are permitted to deploy diversionary devices.

These trained Berkeley Police officers are typically members of the Berkeley Police Department Special Response Team who receive monthly training which includes training in the deployment of diversionary devices. The cost of training is staff time.

Maintenance costs:

The majority of diversionary devices are stored inside of a room in the basement within the Police Department. There are no additional storage costs. There are no associated costs to transporting, maintenance, or upgrades.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 353 Diversionary Devices.

TRAINING:

Only trained and qualified personnel are permitted to deploy diversionary devices. These trained Berkeley Police officers are typically members of the Berkeley Police Department Special Response Team who receive monthly training which includes training in the deployment of diversionary devices.

Long Range Acoustic Device

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The Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)(Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type: The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains possesses 2 Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) speakers. One is an LRAD 450XL and the other is an LRAD 100X.

Capabilities:

Both of these speakers are able to focus sound in directional pattern allowing the user to make sound audible over distances much greater than conventional public address speakers. The LRAD 450XL is the larger of the two and designed to either be used in a fixed location or mounted on a vehicle to make it portable. It has a usable range of approximately 1 mile. The LRAD 100X is smaller and more portable. It can be carried or mounted to a person's chest for mobility or mounted to a vehicle. Its range is approximately 1/3 of a mile. Both of these systems allow for clear long-range communication, they are also able to play recorded messages.

Lifespan:

The lifespan for both LRADs is 25 years.

Manufacturer's Description: LRAD 100x In addition to being 20 – 30 decibels louder than bullhorns and vehicle-based P.A. systems, the LRAD 100X is also up to 6X louder and much more intelligible than other hailing devices of comparable size and weight. Live or recorded broadcasts from the portable LRAD 100X easily overcome engines, sirens and noisy crowds to ensure every message is heard and understood. The LRAD warning tone safely alerts attention to the voice messages that follow, establishes large standoff zones, and is the safer crowd control alternative to non-lethal and kinetic measures.

LRAD 450XL- The LRAD 450XL utilizes technology developed and patented* by Genasys Inc. to provide the audio output of larger acoustic hailers almost twice its size and weight, while delivering the same outstanding vocal clarity inherent in all LRAD systems. The LRAD 450XL broadcasts powerful warning tones to command attention to the highly intelligible voice messages that follow, enabling operators to change behavior and enhance response capabilities with safe, scalable escalation of force. Lightweight and designed for use on tripods or mounted on vessels, vehicles, and Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), the LRAD 450XL is a highly effective, long range communication system in use around the world for public safety, law enforcement, maritime and defense applications.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

The LRADs are designed for clear long-range communication. The LRAD's ability to communicate over a long distance is far superior to any megaphone or Public Address (PA) system mounted to a police vehicle. Additionally, LRAD's may be used to:
• Communicate lifesaving information to residents during disasters • Communicate to large crowds during parades, festivals, concerts and sporting events

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• Establish safety zones and perimeters
• Control traffic congestion
• Conduct Special Response Team operations
• Broadcast a dispersal order
• Communicate during hostage and barricaded subject situations • Announce and serve high risk warrants
• Communicate to protesters
• Communicate to persons threatening suicide who are in an inaccessible location • Conduct search and rescue operations
The ability to communicate with the public in a large area increases the safety of all members of the public and law enforcement. It allows everyone in a given area to know what is being communicated, gives more situational awareness to everyone in a given area and allows people to know where to go or not to go.

Authorized Uses:

The LRADs are used to communicate with the community during natural disasters, crowd management and control situations, or when other forms of communications are ineffective or inoperable to unequivocally communicate messages from Police or Fire and safely resolve uncertain situations where communicating with the public is paramount.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: The LRAD 450XL and the LRAD 100X were purchased in 2018. The total cost for both LRADs, rechargeable battery packs and accessories was $49,999.

Annual cost:

BPD has not incurred any additional cost to date for this equipment.

Training costs: Training is conducted by Berkeley Police personnel who are trained in the use and procedures of the LRAD. The cost to train is staff time.

Maintenance costs:

There are no maintenance or storage costs for this equipment.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 707 Long Range Acoustic Device.

TRAINING:

Training is conducted by members of the Berkeley Police Department who have extensively reviewed the product manual, become knowledgeable and familiar in the operations and procedures of the LRAD. All trainers have proven demonstrated proficiency and competency in the product through hands on training, these trainings are often referred to as a train-the trainer training.

Mobile Command Vehicle

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Mobile Command Vehicle (MCV)(Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type: MCV is a 2003 Freightliner MT55
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains 1 MCV, a 2003 Freightliner MT 55.

Capabilities:

The MCV is a mobile office that provides shelter and may be used as a mobile command and communication center.

Lifespan:

This vehicle is approximately 20 years old and is at the tail end of its serviceable lifespan. All emergency vehicles need to be completely dependable and vehicles of this age start to lose dependability as old parts start to fail without warning. The modern versions of this type of vehicle are typically converted motorhomes.

Manufacturer's Description: The 22' Freightliner MT55 P1200 is the biggest stepvan option for your delivery fleet, offering maximum capacity, accessibility and maneuverability. Built with a powerful Cummins 6.7L 200HP Diesel Motor, this route truck has folding lower shelves to optimize your cargo space and rear sonar for safety.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

This vehicle may be used as a mobile command post for any larger scaled events or as a communications center in the event the communications center in the Public Safety Building is inoperable. Some examples of large-scale events include Solano Stroll, Juneteenth, 4th of July, critical incidents or natural disasters.

Authorized Uses: This vehicle is used as a mobile command post for large scaled events.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost: The initial cost of the MCV (2003 Freightliner MT55) was $230,800.

Annual cost: There is no annual or ongoing cost associated with this vehicle. Maintenance of the vehicle is conducted by the City's Corporation Yard.

Training costs:

Training is conducted in-house by Berkeley Police personnel who are trained in the operation of the vehicle. The training cost is staff time.

Maintenance costs:

There are no storage costs and maintenance would be conducted by the City of Berkeley Corporation Yard.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 811 Mobile Command Vehicle.

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TRAINING: Training is conducted by members of the Berkeley Police Department who have extensively reviewed the product manual, become knowledgeable and familiar in the operations of the 2003 Freightliner MT 55. All trainers have proven demonstrated proficiency and competency in the product through hands on training, these trainings are often referred to as a train-the trainer training. All operators have had behind the wheel practical training, wherein the operator drives various routes through the City of Berkeley with a trainer during training.

Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile and Oleoresin Capsicum
Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS)
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains Inventory for CS canisters:

Qty 6 – 5230 CS Canisters
Qty 24 – 6230 CS Canisters
Qty 20 – 5230B CS Baffled Canister (flameless)
Qty 17 – 5231 CS Tri-Phaser Canisters
Qty 21 – 4630 CS Muzzle Blast (used with 40 mm less lethal launcher) Qty 4 – 4530 CS Impact Rounds (used with 40 mm less lethal launcher) Qty 19 – 4330 CS Barricade Projectile Rounds (used with 40 mm less lethal launcher) Capabilities:

CS aerosols with microscopic particles which are potent sensory irritants becoming attached primarily to moist mucous membranes and moist skin. Common effects are: coughing, increased mucous secretion, difficulty breathing, skin reactions, and excessive salivation. The onset of symptoms typically occurs within 20 to 60 seconds, and if the exposed individual is placed in fresh air these effects generally cease in 10 to 30 minutes.

Lifespan:

CS and OC canisters expire in approximately 5 years.

Manufacturer's Description: Unable to locate from the manufacturer, provided by the subject matter experts. Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) is one of the most commonly used "tear gases" in the world. It can be liquid, gaseous, or solid substance intended to produce temporary discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispersed in the air. Law enforcement (LE) agencies have found this agent invaluable when faced with combative suspects, for crowd/riot control, and for alleviating barricaded subject situations. LE use it to help control individuals or groups without the need for a higher level of force. There are four different deployment methods of chemical agents (Aerosol - most commonly used by police departments, Fogging, Pyrotechnics, and blast expulsion). All methods of deployment can be affected by certain environmental and physical conditions (wind, rain, temperature, distance, and proximity to others). At standard daily

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temperatures and pressures, CS forms a white crystal with a low vapor pressure and poor solubility in water.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

There are a variety of situations where peace officers may use chemical agents such as: self-defense, overcoming the resistance of a noncompliant individual, effecting an arrest, preventing escape, violent crowd or riot control, barricade or hostage situations and dealing with dangerous animals.

Authorized Uses: Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and BPD Special Order 2020-0007 (Policy 1107).

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The cost for CS canisters ranges from $20.00 to $39.00 per unit.

Annual cost: See below cost of training.

Training costs: When purchased, each unit is given an expiration date which typically falls within a 2-3-year range. Every 2-3 years, new chemical agents are purchased to honor the expiration dates. The expired agents are then used during annual trainings thus minimizing the overall cost.

Training is conducted by a Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certified Berkeley Police chemical agent training officer. The cost of training is staff time.

Maintenance costs:

The majority of agents are stored inside of a marked chemical agent room within the Police Department, in the Special Response Team vehicle, or in the rescue Vehicle.

There are no additional storage costs. There are no associated costs to transporting, maintenance, or upgrades.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

TRAINING:

Training is conducted by selected members of the Berkeley Police Department who have completed a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course in chemical agent training.

Oleoresin Capsicum (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Oleoresin capsicum (OC)
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains Inventory for OC canisters:

Inventory for OC canisters:

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Qty 54 - 9440 OC Tear Ball
Qty 19 - 5440 OC Flameless
Qty 20 - 6340 OC Vaper
Capabilities:

A person subjected to OC can expect heavy tearing due to a burning sensation, involuntary closing or blinking of the eyes, stinging skin sensation, redness of the skin, irritation of the nose, runny nose, salivation, cough, gagging sensation, and shortness of breath. A person may also experience anxiety and panic. A complete recovery usually takes place within 45-60 minutes depending on the level of exposure.

Both CS and OC canisters can render a dangerous and violent situation safe without using a higher level of force.

Lifespan:

CS and OC canisters expire in approximately 5 years.

Manufacturer's Description: Unable to locate from the manufacturer, provided by BPD subject matter experts. Oleoresin capsicum (OC) will be referred to in the aerosol canister form. OC is the chemical agent that is most widely used amongst Law Enforcement (LE) and the general public.

OC has a pungent and irritating pepper odor. It is classified as an inflammatory agent. OC is mixed with several types of solutions which act as carriers.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

There are a variety of situations where peace officers may use chemical agents such as: self-defense, overcoming the resistance of a noncompliant individual, effecting an arrest, preventing escape, violent crowd or riot control, barricade or hostage situations and dealing with dangerous animals.

Authorized Uses:

Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and BPD Special Order 2020-0007 (Policy 1107).

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The cost for OC canisters ranges from $36.00 to $44.00 per unit.

Annual cost: See below cost of training.

Training costs: When purchased, each unit is given an expiration date which typically falls within a 2-3-year range. Every 2-3 years, new chemical agents are purchased to honor the expiration dates. The expired agents are then used during annual trainings thus minimizing the overall cost.

Training is conducted by a Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certified Berkeley Police chemical agent training officer. The cost of training is staff time.

Maintenance costs:

The majority of agents are stored inside of a marked chemical agent room within the Police Department, in the Special Response Team vehicle, or in the rescue Vehicle.

There are no additional storage costs. There are no associated costs to transporting, maintenance, or upgrades.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

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Authorized use must comply with state, federal laws, and Policy 300 Use of Force, Policy 303 Control Devices, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assembly.

TRAINING:

Training is conducted by selected members of the Berkeley Police Department who have completed a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course in chemical agent training.

Oleoresin Capsicum Spray (Description, purpose/authorized use, fiscal impact, legal and procedural, and training)
Description (type of equipment, quantity, capabilities, lifespan, and product description from manufacture)
Type:

Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray
Quantity: The Berkeley Department currently owns and maintains Inventory for OC canisters:

Qty 23- First Defense MK-9 OC spray (13 ounces)
Capabilities:

The larger First Defense MK-9 OC sprays are 13 ounces and are used in violent crowd situations. It has an effect range of 18-20 feet.

The use of the First Defense OC spray can render a dangerous and violent situation safe without using a higher level of force.

Lifespan:

Aerosol products eventually lose pressure over time. The lifespan the MK-9 OC spray are dependent on how well the pressure in the can is maintained, but is recommended to be replaced after 5 years.

Manufacturer's Description: The MK9 features an easy to use trigger handle, is intended for use in crowd management and will deliver 14 short bursts of OC at an effective range of 18-20 ft.

This 1.3/% MC OC aerosol product utilizes a stream delivery method providing a target-specific, strong concentrated stream for greater standoff.

PURPOSE and AUTHORIZED USE:

Purpose:

There are a variety of situations where officers may use OC spray such as: self-defense, overcoming the resistance of a noncompliant individual, effecting an arrest, preventing escape, violent crowd or riot control, barricade or hostage situations and dealing with dangerous animals.

Authorized Uses: OC spray may be considered for use to bring under control an individual or groups of individuals who are engaging in or about to engage in violent behavior. OC spray should not, however, be used against individuals or group who merely fail to disperse or do not reasonably appear to present a risk to the safety of officers or the public.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Initial Cost:

The MK-9 OC spray costs approx. $60 per unit. The manufacturer is Defense Technology and the Berkeley Police Department purchase each unit from Galls Police Supply

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or LC Action Police Supply. Purchases for these tools are made when inventory gets low which is typically determined by how many new officers are sworn in, as well as if they are utilized in dangerous situations.

Annual cost:

See below cost of training.

Training costs: Training is conducted in the police academy and in-house by a Police Officer Standard Training (POST) certified Berkeley Police chemical agent training officer. The cost of training is staff time.

Maintenance costs: All MK-9 OC sprays are stored in the basement. There are no additional storage costs or associated costs to transporting, maintain, or upgrade.

LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RULES:

Use must comply with local, state, federal laws, and BPD Special Order 2020-0007 (Policy 1107).

TRAINING:

Training is conducted by selected members of the Berkeley Police Department who have completed a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course in chemical agent training.
709.5 APPROVAL
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall obtain approval from the governing body by way of an ordinance adopting the military equipment policy. As part of the approval process, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall ensure the proposed military equipment policy is submitted to the governing body and is available on the department website at least 30 days prior to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue (Government Code § 7071). The military equipment policy must be approved by the governing body prior to engaging in any of the following (Government Code § 7071):
(a) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to 10 USC § 2576a. (b) Seeking funds for military equipment, including but not limited to applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.
(c) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing.
(d) Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the jurisdiction of this department. (e) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body.
(f) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of military equipment.
(g) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided above.

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Published with permission by Berkeley Police Department Military Equipment - 30
709.6 COORDINATION WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Military equipment should not be used by any other law enforcement agency or member in this jurisdiction unless the military equipment is approved for use in accordance with this policy. 709.6.1 TEMPORARY USE IN EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES
The Berkeley Police Department may borrow and/or temporarily use Controlled Equipment in Exigent Circumstances without following the acquisition requirements in BMC 2.100.040, however the Department must take the following actions:
(a) Provide written notice of the acquisitions or use to the City Council within 30 days following the commencement of such Exigent Circumstance, unless such information is confidential or privileged under local, state, or federal law (b) If it is anticipated that the use will continue beyond the Exigent Circumstance, submit a proposed Controlled Equipment Impact Report and Controlled Equipment Use Policy, as applicable, to the City Council within 90 days following the borrowing, acquisition or temporary use, and received approval, as applicable from the City Council pursuant to BMC 2.100.040
(c) Include the Controlled Equipment in the Department's next annual Controlled Equipment Report.
709.7 ANNUAL REPORT
Upon approval of a military equipment policy, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee should submit a military equipment report to the governing body for each type of military equipment approved within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use (Government Code § 7072).

The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should also make each annual military equipment report publicly available on the department website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The report shall include all information required by Government Code § 7072 for the preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment in department inventory. 709.8 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the annual report, the Department shall hold at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the Department should discuss the report and respond to public questions regarding the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment.
709.9 MILITARY EQUIPMENT QUESTIONS
Any member of the public may direct their questions regarding this policy and ordinance to a Sergeant in the Professional Standards Bureau at 510-981-5734 or 510-981-5974. Questions may also be directed to [email protected]. Questions will be answered in a timely manner by a member of the Berkeley Police Department.

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709.9.1 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COMPLAINTS
Any member of the public may direct their complaints regarding this policy and any of the military equipment to Internal Affairs Bureau at 510-981-5706.
709.10 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT USE POLICIES
The below links will direct to the respective use policies:
300-Use of Force
303-Control Devices and Techniques
349-Tactical Rifle Operator Program
353-Flash/Sound Diversionary Devices
354-Precision Rifle Operator Program
428-First Amendment Assembly
607-Operations, Planning, and Deconfliction
707-Long Range Acoustical Device (
LRAD)
708-Robot Cameras
811-Mobile Communications Vehicle (MCV)
709.11 COMPLIANCE
The Department's Audit and Inspection Sergeant will ensure that the Department members comply with this policy. The Audit and Inspection Sergeant will conduct an annual audit with the assistance from members of the Professional Standards Bureau. Any violations will be referred to the Internal Affairs Bureau and handled in accordance with General Order P-26 (Personnel Complaint Procedures). All instances of non-compliance will be reported to the City Council via the annual military equipment report.

The Police Accountability Board shall review and make recommendations to the City Council, with the same procedures and requirements of the Police equipment and Community Safety Ordinance, as described in Berkeley Municipal Code section 2.100.040.

Policy
1103
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PROHIBITION ON TEAR GAS, PEPPER
SPRAY, AND SMOKE: Special Order
2020-0007 - 1

PROHIBITION ON TEAR GAS, PEPPER SPRAY,
AND SMOKE: Special Order 2020-0007
1103.1 COUNCIL POLICY: PROHIBITIONS ON THE USE OF TEAR GAS, PEPPER SPRAY, AND SMOKE.

On June 9, 2020, The Berkeley City Council established an official City of Berkeley policy 1) prohibiting the use of tear gas by the Berkeley Police Department, or any outside department or agency called to respond to mutual aid in Berkeley, and 2) prohibiting the use of pepper spray or smoke for crowd control by the Berkeley Police Department, or any outside department or agency called to respond to mutual aid in Berkeley, during the COVID-19 pandemic, until such time that the City Council removes this prohibition. Based on their actions, the following policies are now in effect.
1103.2 EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

1. Tear Gas shall not be carried in the field or deployed in any way on any operation. (a) This Order overrides all existing policies with regards to the use of tear gas, including but not limited to Policy 303.6 Tear Gas Guidelines, and Policy 428 First Amendment Assemblies.

2. The use of pepper spray or smoke for crowd control is prohibited during the COVID-19 pandemic, until such time as the City Council removes this prohibition, except as set forth in (c) and (d) below.
(a) The use of pepper spray during routine patrol duties is not affected by this prohibition, and is governed by Policy 303 and General Order U-2.
(b) The use of pepper projectiles (aka "Pava" rounds) is not affected by this prohibition, except for crowd control purposes, and is governed by Policy 303. (c) General Order U-2 Use of Force, Section 20, still applies. Pepper spray may still be used in accordance with Council's existing policy.
i. Officers shall not use pepper spray as a crowd control technique to disperse or move a crowd. Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) shall not be directed against a person or persons who are engaged in legal speech or other expression that is protected by the First Amendment, nor upon those committing unlawful acts by non-violent or passive resistant means, (e.g. sitting or lying down to block a street or doorway).
(d) General Order U-2, Use of Force, Section 18 remains in effect. 18 - In crowd situations, less-than-lethal force and/or chemical agents [including smoke] shall not be used without the prior approval of the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, unless exigent circumstances prevent the request from being made and the delay would likely risk injury to citizens or police

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PROHIBITION ON TEAR GAS, PEPPER SPRAY, AND SMOKE: Special Order 2020-0007
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PROHIBITION ON TEAR GAS, PEPPER
SPRAY, AND SMOKE: Special Order
2020-0007 - 2
personnel (e.g., [incendiary weapons, explosives] rocks, bottles, or other projectiles are being thrown and immediate crowd dispersal is necessary). (a) In the event immediate use is necessary, notification to the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, should be made as soon as possible after the deployment. (b) In the event a use of force as described in Section 23 of this Order occurs during an unusual occurrence as described in General Order U-4, the officer shall prepare a supplemental report as soon as practical following the incident. (c) Each officer shall include in the report, to the extent possible, specific information regarding each use of force, e.g., the reason for the use of force, location, description of the individual(s) upon whom force was used, type of force used, etc.
(d) Officers deploying pepper spray in a crowd situation shall attempt to limit collateral exposure to non-involved parties. Where there is probable cause to arrest for a crime, officers shall prioritize where practical the arrest of individuals upon whom pepper spray has been deployed.

This Order will remain in effect until it is rescinded or otherwise issued in the form of a policy.

Andrew R. Greenwood
Chief of Police
Issued: August 5th, 2020

Peace and Justice
Commission

ACTION CALENDAR
July 14, 2026
(Continued from April 21, 2026)
To: Honorable Mayor Ishii and Members of the Berkeley City Council From: Peace and Justice Commission
Submitted by: Pastor Dwayne Phillips, Chairperson, Peace and Justice Commission Subject: Social Justice Implications of Proposed Use of Controlled Weapons and Other Policing Tools

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools:

1. Retain the existing 2020 bans on chemical weapons (CS and OC), and the 1982 bans on police dogs and helicopters.

2. Retain the 1997 requirement for public reporting of each use of pepper spray.

3. Request the City Manager to engage an academic institution such as UC Berkeley, UCSF, or Stanford to study the health impacts of tear gas and other chemical weapons and canine support, potential short-term and long-term impacts on vulnerable populations and possible alternatives to the use of chemical weapons that provide officer safety, suspect safety, and safety to the general public.

SUMMARY
The Peace and Justice Commission recommends applying a social justice lens to policing decisions that could have a significant impact on the lives of Berkeley’s residents and visitors, including disparate impact on marginalized, low-income, disabled, elder, and community members of color.

It is the Commission’s perspective that human rights must be prioritized above administrative convenience. The Commission further finds that in an era of great polarization, it is essential to build bridges among disparate constituencies, listen to people with diverse points of view, and create solutions that serve all the people in Berkeley. For that reason, we propose that the City Manager request academic support for an independent study of health effects of the proposed weapons and tools.

24b

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 2 FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION
No significant fiscal impact on the City.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
As of the date of this writing, Council members have introduced several resolutions for consideration bearing on BPD chemical weapons and other tools. Three items are currently pending in city council process:

1. “Proposed Resolution Rescinding Berkeley Police Department’s Pepper Spray Reporting Requirement.” This proposal has passed through the Public Safety Committee with a qualified positive recommendation, and has been placed on the March 10 city council agenda.1 [NOTE: Council passed an amended version of this proposal on March 10.]
On February 11, the Police Accountability Board (PAB) recommended to Council to continue the requirement for the submission of use of pepper spray reports. The PAB demonstrates that while the proposed resolution is predicated on the existence of redundant reporting, other reports lack narrative information and/or are inaccessible.2

2. “Resolution to Amend Berkeley City Council’s 2020 Direction to Reinstate Berkeley Police Department’s Use of Tear Gas in Limited Situations and Lift the COVID-19 Moratorium on the Use of Smoke and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray:” This proposal has passed through the Public Safety Committee with a qualified positive recommendation.3 The Police Accountability Board sent a memorandum to the Public Safety Committee questioning the necessity of resuming use of these chemical agents given how infrequently Berkeley has used them over several decades.4
1 March 10 2026 City Council agenda, item 17, https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/2026-03- 10%20Item%2017%20Resolution%20Rescinding%20Berkeley%20Police%20Department%E2%80%99s. pdf
2 “Re: Resolution Rescinding Berkeley Police Department’s Pepper Spray Reporting Requirement,” Police Accountability Board, Feb. 23 2026, berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/2026-02- 23%20PAB%20Letter%20to%20Council_%20Use%20of%20Pepper%20Spray%20Reporting%20%281%

29.pdf
3 Public Safety Policy Committee Jan. 29 2026 agenda, item 4, 29, https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-agendas/2026-02- 19%20Agenda%20Packet%20-%20Public%20Safety.pdf
4 “Proposed Resolution to Reinstate Berkeley Police Department’s Use of Tear Gas and Related Chemical Agents,” Police Accountability Board, Jan. 26 2026,

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 3 3. “Resolution Rescinding Res. No. 51,408-N.S. Restricting the Use of Air Support and Canine Units and Updating Mutual Aid Policies”: Scheduled for hearing at the Public Safety Committee at its next meeting.5 As of March 9, the resolution is yet to be evaluated by the PAB.

The PAB’s February 11 regular meeting included a table prepared by the Office of the Director of Police Accountability (ODPA). This table describes the key differences between the existing and proposed policies with regard to police dogs and helicopters. The table can be found at https://bit.ly/CopterDogProvisions. The ODPA gave this interpretation of the table:
“The table … shows that the primary changes concern the approval process for requesting helicopter and canine use and the circumstances under which helicopter assistance may be requested through mutual aid agreements.
“The previously permissible uses of helicopter assistance were limited to clearly defined humanitarian and emergency purposes, including disaster response, rescue efforts excluding hostage situations, and locating missing persons….

“The proposal introduces new, explicitly enforcement-oriented justifications, including felony suspect pursuits, vehicle chases, and deployments intended to reduce risk to officers, that go beyond the scope of the earlier permissions. Taken together, the proposed resolution reflects a shift in emphasis from primarily emergency assistance toward authorizing helicopter use as a tactical law enforcement tool, should it be adopted.”6
At the March 9 2026 meeting, the commission took the following action:
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/2026-02- 23%20PAB%20Letter%20to%20Council_%20Use%20of%20Pepper%20Spray%20Reporting%20%281%

29.pdf
5 Public Safety Policy Committee Jan. 29 2026 agenda, item 3, 21, https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-agendas/2026-02- 19%20Agenda%20Packet%20-%20Public%20Safety.pdf
6 “Police Accountability Board Meeting Agenda Packet,” Feb. 11, 2026, 82-83, https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/legislative-body-meeting-attachments/2026-02- 11%20PAB%20AGENDA%20PACKET.pdf

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 4 Action: M/S/C (Lippman/Taylor) to adopt the following recommendation: Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools:

1. Retain the existing 2020 bans on chemical weapons (CS and OC), and the 1982 bans on police dogs and helicopters.

2. Retain the 1997 requirement for public reporting of each use of pepper spray.

3. Request the City Manager to engage an academic institution such as UC Berkeley, UCSF, or Stanford to study the health impacts of tear gas and other chemical weapons and canine support, potential short-term and long-term impacts on vulnerable populations and possible alternatives to the use of chemical weapons that provide officer safety, suspect safety, and safety to the general public.

Ayes: Commissioners Phillips, Marasovic, Taylor, Sani, Morizawa, Lippman, McNeil and Press
Noes: Commissioner Fink
Abstain: Commissioners Yasavul, Weisberg, Elias, Mencher and Lee

Absent: Commissioner Cassidy
Excused: None

BACKGROUND
The resolutions currently under consideration by the city council amend or replace ordinances and policies approved by the council in previous years. The existing ordinances and policies include:

On July 15 1982, the City Council passed Resolution 51,408-N.S., establishing a policy for police use of dogs and helicopters from other law enforcement agencies, requiring prior approval by the City Manager, and only for specified purposes, excluding crowd control. See the 1982 policy referenced in Footnote 5.

On September 16 1997, the City Council established a policy that “every time pepper spray is used by the Police Department a Use of Pepper Spray Report similar to the Use of Force Report currently in effect will be completed and sent" to the Council and the Police Review Commission. See the 1997 policy referenced in Footnote 1.

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 5 On June 6 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the City Council established a permanent ban on the use of CS (tear gas) and a moratorium on the use of OC (pepper spray) and smoke. The moratorium was in part due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which caused respiratory distress to large numbers of people. It was also a step toward addressing over-policing and the use of military-style weaponry on civilians.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Physicians for Human Rights states that chemical irritants including both CS (“tear gas” and OC (pepper spray) can spread to affect people other than the intended target.7 CS often has a wide spray pattern. OC is considered more targeted than CS, but wind can affect the direction of the fumes to affect bystanders and even the user.8

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION

1. Pepper Spray (OC) reporting.

The Peace and Justice Commission supports the PAB letter calling for the continuation of pepper spray use reporting. We would add that if the BPD intends to continue or even expand use of pepper spray, it is to their benefit that the community understand the context of its usage.

2. “Tear gas” (CS), Pepper Spray (OC), and Smoke
This is a complex proposal covering multiple chemical weapons.

The Peace and Justice Commission recommends Council retain the ban on CS (“tear gas”) and the moratorium on OC and Smoke for these four reasons:

A. CS and OC are dangerous weapons that are properly considered “less-lethal,” not “non-lethal.”
B. CS and OC are particularly dangerous to the health of people with disabilities, especially respiratory or environmental sensitivities, and also those suffering from mental or behavioral disorders.
7 “Health Impacts of Crowd-Control Weapons: Chemical Irritants (Tear Gas and Pepper Spray),” Physicians for Human Rights, Jan. 1 2017, https://phr.org/our-work/resources/health-impacts-of-crowd- control-weapons-chemical-irritants-tear-gas-and-pepper-spray/ 8 “Pepper Spray Safety Precautions,” Sept. 12, 2024, https://www.divasfordefense.com/blogs/self- defense-articles-educational-material/pepper-spray-handling-safety- precautions?srsltid=AfmBOops00prGllerpYmjsPYnV5EIGesRj1WXJWr9Xrs5B8cuD6Hwos6

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 6 C. Approval of chemical weapons such as CS for any use opens the door to the possibility of use for other purposes and in other manners.

D. Berkeley’s Precautionary Principle ordinance requires showing that actions do no harm to human health or the environment.

Dangers of CS (“tear gas”), particularly to people with disabilities Over decades of research, scientists have shown a strong potential harm from CS use in policing. An Oakland Police Department policy warns, “Chemical agents can produce serious injuries, or even death,” and officers are to “use the minimum amount of chemical agent needed to obtain compliance.” Further, “the use of hand-thrown chemical agents or pyrotechnic gas dispersal devices may present a risk of permanent loss of hearing or serious bodily injury from shrapnel.” The common and incorrect term “tear gas” makes CS seem trivial. It is actually not even a gas but an aerosol, made up of ultra-fine particles, or UFPs. Aerosols are dangerous to lung health because, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “The small size of UFPs allows them to penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, causing effects from mild respiratory issues to cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, lung cancer, neurological diseases, and mutagenic or carcinogenic impacts…. Substantial evidence links [ultrafine particulate matter] exposure to increased hospital admissions and premature deaths among vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre‐existing conditions.”9
Potential for non-compliant or unauthorized uses of CS
The Commission appreciates the exception to ban use of CS in crowd control.

However, good policy is necessary but not sufficient for good practice. Once a weapon is acquired and approved for limited use, it is almost inevitable that it will be 9 Damiati, “Aerosol Pollutants and Health: Role of Size and Chemical Composition,” Sept. 26 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12466196/#:~:text=In%20densely%20populated%20areas%2C %20aerosols,COPD%20%5B31%2C%2032%5D.

For more on the effect of CS on the lung, particularly on “people with preexisting respiratory conditions, see:

American Lung Association, Jan. 20 2026, https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air- unhealthy/toxic-air-pollutants/tear-gas

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 7 used for out-of-policy use. As an example, we refer to the last large-scale use of CS, the police response to Black Lives Matter protests in December 2014.

On December 6, BPD drove a largely peaceful march almost a mile down Telegraph from the UC campus past the Oakland city line. The direction from BPD command to the officers was to “Get’Um Running!” To implement this direction, officers shot less- lethal projectiles into the crowd, hit marchers with batons, and launched some 50 cans of CS gas, such a large amount that they nearly exhausted their supply. The Police Review Commission’s (PRC) after-incident report stated:
“The crowd complied with officer demands to move south, but the police continued to pursue them, deploying CS gas at six intersections on Telegraph and using raised batons and baton jabs. No evidence of dangerous crowd activity has been provided to the commission to justify these repeated uses of force.
“The combination of repeated CS gas exposure along with the lengthy walk was extremely impactful, and there were reports of protestors suffering physical and emotional injuries as a result. The marchers were driven over the city line into Oakland around 1:30 AM.”10 For context, in 1991, after an earlier scandal regarding police action against protestors in People’s Park, the City enacted a policy that “no crowd could be forced to move faster than they were reasonably capable of moving.” But in 2014, the use of mass quantities of CS along with baton strikes were ordered explicitly to drive protestors on a forced run all the way to Oakland.

As Physicians for Human Rights has observed, “The physical symptoms of chemical irritants often result in disorientation and agitation, which can lead to a state of fear, anxiety, and panic.”11 The 2014 use of CS was an escalation, not a move toward de- escalation, and made compliance with police orders extremely difficult.

Therefore, while CS use in crowd control was still legal in 2014, the manner of its use was contrary to City policy of that day. This recent history shows that stated policy is not enough to ensure that this department, when in possession of dangerous military armaments, will use them appropriately.
10 “Report of Investigation Into the Response to Protest on December 6, 2014,” Berkeley Police Review Commission, Dec. 1 2015,
https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/2015-12-01-Item-32a-Report-of-Investigation.pdf 11 “Health Impacts of Crowd-Control Weapons: Chemical Irritants (Tear Gas and Pepper Spray),” Physicians for Human Rights, Jan. 1 2017, https://phr.org/our-work/resources/health-impacts-of-crowd- control-weapons-chemical-irritants-tear-gas-and-pepper-spray/

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 8 Issues with OC (pepper spray) and smoke; the deadly and racially biased history of OC
The risk of OC should not be cavalierly dismissed by claiming, as the council proposal does, that “the specific health concerns that necessitated the temporary moratorium on smoke and OC spray are no longer present.” The ACLU reported in 1998 that in the first five years since the approval of its use by police, at least 33 people had died in California after being sprayed and restrained. Nearby Antioch paid the family of 29- year-old Derek Wallace $362,000 after their officers subdued him with the spray.12 A Berkeley freelance journalist mapped the use of pepper spray in the mid 1990s and found that they largely affected Black men, in low-income, minority neighborhoods, and primarily an area in South Berkeley, centered on Alcatraz and Sacramento, dubbed the “Pepper Spray Triangle.”13
Berkeleyans have long memories. The author of the resolution speaks of a “large- scale riot” in 2014 in which BPD was compelled to use tear gas on residents.

Demonstrators for Black Lives Matter remember a largely peaceful march which was provoked by a police gauntlet in which many were beaten with batons. For many in the community, time has not abated the blow. Today, with the federal government at war with the people, may be the worst time to suggest restarting use of CS/tear gas.

Smoke also cannot be called a safe police tool. Health impacts are dependent on the chemicals in the smoke, pre-existing health conditions, location of the smoke, and other police tactics applied. According to medical experts, hexachloroethane smoke is “demonstrably more dangerous” than tear gas. This chemical agent should be studied and proven safe before approved for police use.14
There appear to be no constraints on the use of either OC or smoke in the proposal before council.
12 Heredia, “Antioch Settles Pepper Spray Case For $362,000 / 29-year-old man died after police subdued him,” SF Chronicle, Feb 11 1998, https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/antioch-settles-pepper- spray-case-for-362-000-3013916.php
13 East Bay Express, Dec. 12, 1997
14 Foster, “The US Government Keeps Using Dangerous Chemicals on Protesters,” Mother Jones, Feb. 19, 2026, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/02/ice-facility-portland-what-chemicals-used-tear- gas-hc-smoke-
protests/#:~:text=The%20smoke%20releases%20zinc%20chloride,and%20cancer%20with%20repeated %20exposure

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 9 The Commission reminds the Council of the Precautionary Principle that it adopted in 2006. The Principle is an approach to decision-making that prioritizes preventing harm to human health and the environment. The Principle shifts the burden of proof, requiring actions to be proven safe, rather than waiting for proof of damage to restrict them. We recommend that lacking proof of safety, the proposal to authorize CS, pepper spray, and smoke should not be approved.15
Given the prevalence of Long COVID, Berkeley’s rapidly aging population, the large number of environmentally sensitive residents, and the city’s legacy as the birthplace of disability rights, it is neither sensitive nor appropriate for the proposal to state that the emergency is over and the health conditions that necessitated the moratorium are no longer present.

3. “Air Support” (police helicopters) and “Canine Support” (police dogs) The Peace and Justice Commission shares the ODPA’s concerns about the shift in emphasis in use of helicopters from emergency assistance to tactical law enforcement.

Police helicopters provoke concern in a number of communities for “unhealthy noise pollution, inefficient spending and instances of bias by over-policing certain neighborhoods. Officers in the LAPD often disgracefully go so far as to call the helicopters ‘ghetto birds,’ sociologist Sarah Brayne wrote in her book Predict and Surveil.”16
Berkeley restricted use of police dogs in the aftermath of their brutal use particularly in the South, but across the country as well.17 In the last two decades, at least two lawsuits were settled by Hayward, one for $1.5 million.

One dog is said to have bitten about 30 people, two or three of them uninvolved bystanders, one an 89-year-old who died of his wounds.18 The issues raised above with regard to chemical agents, about the Precautionary Principle, building trust between the people and the city government, and the possibility of out-of-policy use, apply also to helicopters and dogs.
15 BMC Chapter 12.29, Precautionary Principle, March 21, 2006, berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Precautionary%20Principle%20Ordinance%20-%206911.pdf 16 McQuarrie, “‘Ghetto birds’: California has yet to reckon with longstanding bias from police helicopters,” CalMatters, July 3 2024, https://calmatters.org/commentary/2024/07/california-longstanding-bias-police- helicopters/
17 Dowd, “The Violent, Racist History of K-9 Units,” Vice, Sept. 7 2022, https://www.vice.com/en/article/k9-unit-history/
18 Parr, “Hayward to pay $1.5 million to settle police dog attack suit,” East Bay Times, Jul. 17 2013, https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2013/07/17/hayward-to-pay-1-5-million-to-settle-police-dog-attack-suit/

Adopt a Policy approving the following actions with ACTION CALENDAR regard to the appropriateness of certain chemical weapons and other tools July 14, 2026 10 The Commission is also concerned about the removal of required pre-approval by the City Manager for both dog and helicopter deployment. When taken as a pattern, the removal of this check combined with the refusal of the police chief to fully cooperate with the PAB/ODPA’s City Charter-mandated requests for department records, the chronic under-appointing of the PAB, and the vacant position of Director of Police Accountability, the City risks a public perception that it no longer values civilian oversight.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED
None

CITY MANAGER
Given that these policy matters are in the process of coming before the City Council, the City Manager will address them as they are heard by the City Council and recommends taking no action on them prior to the items being before the City Council.

CONTACT PERSON
Tasha Tervalon, Assistant to the City Manager, Commission Secretary, City Manager’s Office, 510-981-7000

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

INFORMATION CALENDAR
July 14, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Submitted by: Wahid Amiri, Interim Public Works Director Subject: Grant Applications: Alameda County Transportation Commission Capital Investment Program 2028/Metropolitan Transportation Commission One Bay Area Grant Program Cycle 4

INTRODUCTION
Department of Public Works Transportation Division staff are preparing two transportation capital project grant applications to be submitted in July 2026 to Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) for the Capital Investment Program (CIP) 2028/Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) One Bay Area Grant Program Cycle 4 (OBAG 4). This report provides information about these upcoming grant applications which are currently in development. Staff anticipates bringing these applications to the Berkeley Transportation and Infrastructure Commission (TIC), and following that, returning for City Council authorization which will be requested at the September 2026 meeting.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Public Works is seeking to fund capital transportation safety projects that have been recommended in the Bicycle Plan, Pedestrian Plan, Transit-First Policy Implementation Plan, as well as in Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) School Safety Assessments (SSAs) developed by the Alameda CTC SR2S program in partnership with Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) SR2S Task Forces at each participating school. In addition to Alameda CTC SR2S staff and City staff, these Task Forces consist of school administration, teachers, parents, and students.

The proposed projects are part of two distinct grant applications:

1. Sacramento Street Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Improvements Project (Alameda CTC CIP 2028/OBAG 4 grant application): This application includes physical improvements to support the safety of people walking and biking across Sacramento Street at both signalized and uncontrolled intersections between Channing Street in the north to Alcatraz Street in the south. Note that this project scope excludes the Ashby Avenue (State Route 13) intersection to avoid delaying project delivery with complex Caltrans coordination. The project includes bus boarding islands, intended to improve bus operations and travel

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Grant Applications: Ala CTC CIP 2028/MTC OBAG4 INFORMATION CALENDAR July 14, 2026

speeds, while also shortening pedestrian crossing distances. Additional improvements include signalization to support bike boulevard crossings, signal modifications to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, and additional pedestrian safety measures such bulbout curb extensions, raised medians, rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) signals, all of which to be determined through the design process. Proposed improvements have been identified in the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian plans and are consistent with the City’s Transit- First Policy Implementation Plan.

2. Citywide SR2S SSA Implementation (Alameda CTC CIP 2028 SR2S Program Grant Application): This application draws on the SSAs developed by Alameda CTC SR2S program in partnership with BUSD school SR2S Task Forces. This grant will aim to implement improvements identified in the SSAs, beginning with the oldest and moving to the newest, with consideration of feasibility and cost in the selection of the final scope of work for the application. Likely measures include bulbouts, median refuges, and RRFBs to support safe street crossings to access school sites.

Implementing projects recommended by the City’s Bicycle Plan, Pedestrian Plan, Transit-First Policy Implementation Plan, as well as from SR2S SSAs is a Strategic Plan Priority advancing our goals to provide state-of-the-art, well-maintained infrastructure, amenities, and facilities, and create a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared city.

BACKGROUND
Alameda CTC is responsible for the planning, programming and allocation of federal, state, regional, and local funding for transportation improvements throughout Alameda County, via the Alameda County Comprehensive Investment Plan (CIP). Alameda CTC releases a call for CIP projects approximately every two years. CIP 2028 will award approximately $200 million in funding to jurisdictions in Alameda County. OBAG is a major funding initiative that distributes federal and regional transportation infrastructure dollars to local governments and county transportation agencies approximately once every four years. MTC’s OBAG 4 is the fourth cycle of the One Bay Area Grant program and includes approximately $820 million in federal funding to support transportation projects and programs for the entire nine-county region. MTC coordinates with county transportation authorities such as Alameda CTC which in turn work with local agencies to identify projects for consideration for OBAG funding. In Alameda County, the CIP and OBAG calls for projects are coordinated every four years to match OBAG cycles.

City of Berkeley has a strong history of success with OBAG funding for transformative transportation projects, including OBAG 1 funding for the goBerkeley Parking Pilot Project, the Hearst Complete Streets Project, and the Shattuck Reconfiguration Project; and OBAG 2 funding for the Southside Complete Streets and Transit Improvements Project.

Grant Applications: Ala CTC CIP 2028/MTC OBAG4 INFORMATION CALENDAR July 14, 2026

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Increasing walking, biking, and transit use in Berkeley would help achieve the City’s Climate Action Plan greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 80% below year 2000 levels by 2050. The Climate Action Plan states that, to meet these targets, “Transportation modes such as public transit, walking and bicycling must become the primary means of fulfilling our mobility needs.” Environmental clearance to meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) will be conducted for each project as required by the type of funding that may ultimately be awarded.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
Public Works Transportation Division staff are preparing grant applications to be submitted in July 2026 to Alameda CTC. Staff anticipates requesting Council authorization and approval of the MTC-required Resolution of Local Support for these grants at the September 2026 Berkeley City Council meeting. Staff anticipates seeking Transportation and Infrastructure Commission (TIC) approval of the MTC-required Complete Streets Checklist for the Sacramento Street project, prior to the September 2026 Berkeley City Council meeting.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
If successful, Berkeley’s Alameda CTC CIP 2028/OBAG 4 grant applications could bring in a maximum of $11M of new transportation funding - $10M for Sacramento Street Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Improvements Project and $1M for Citywide SR2S SSA Implementation. This funding would require up to $2.75M of local matching funds, currently proposed to come from Measure FF. Both the Sacramento St and SR2S applications are consistent with the goals of Measure FF, and applying for these grants allows the City to leverage FF funding to raise additional revenue for transportation improvements, expanding the potential scope and effectiveness of the original bond measure.

CONTACT PERSON
Wahid Amiri, Interim Director of Public Works,(510) 981-6396 Mark Helmbrecht, Transportation Manager, (510) 981-6403 Eric Anderson, Principal Planner, (510) 981-7062

Office of the City Manager
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: https://berkeleyca.gov/

INFORMATION CALENDAR
July 14, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Zero Waste Commission
Submitted by: Steven Sherman, Chair
Subject: Zero Waste Commission Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan

INTRODUCTION
The Zero Waste Commission (ZWC) advises the City Council on solid waste (“zero waste”) policy and goals, including refuse, composting, and recycling services, budgets, and other decisions relating to solid waste. The ZWC unanimously adopted the FY 2026-27 Work Plan on April 15, 2026.

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS
The City is enacting important changes and improvements to its Zero Waste services and long-term plans, including:
 Continuing the process to design the re-build of the Solid Waste & Recycling Transfer Station;
 Implementing various local ordinances and state laws to reduce the generation of discarded products, packaging and materials, and to increase the composting of food scraps; and
 Developing a division-level strategic plan for zero waste.

The City’s long standing goals regarding zero waste include:

1. Provide state-of-the-art, well-maintained publicly-owned infrastructure, amenities, and facilities; and

2. Serve as a global leader in addressing climate change, advancing environmental justice, and protecting the environment.

BACKGROUND
The following topics have shaped Zero Waste in the City and are monitored closely by the ZWC, including the goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

Zero Waste Strategic Plan: A draft plan has been completed by the City’s consultants.

Whereas new programmatic and policy elements of the draft plan are relatively modest in scope and cost, infrastructure upgrades to the Transfer Station, as currently conceived by staff and its consultant, are very substantial in scope and estimated cost.

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Zero Waste Commission Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan INFORMATION CALENDAR July 14, 2026

SB 1383 - Food Recovery and Organics Diversion: This State of California law requires local governments to reduce the landfilling of compostable materials, to reduce climate change effects associated with methane emissions resulting from the landfilling of such items. Implementation of State Law SB 1383 requires the City and subsequently the Zero Waste Division to provide education and outreach to residents and businesses, monitor contamination, manage an edible food recovery program, and many more activities.

Zero Waste Ordinances: The City has adopted various zero waste ordinances over time. Now that their effects are being observed in practice, some of them may merit modifications to improve their effectiveness. Many Zero Waste ordinances and programs have been evaluated for effectiveness in the City of Berkeley in the draft Zero Waste Plan.

Accepted Materials in City Collection Programs: Periodically, the list of accepted materials in City collection programs deserves review. This is especially prudent with the adoption of SB 54, which becomes effective January 1, 2026. Review of accepted materials lists for the City’s recycling and composting programs will be required.

Additionally, consideration of harder-to-recycle materials potentially could be added to City collection services, such as batteries.

Zero Waste Program Oversight: Two primary topics for consideration involve the Commission’s role in advising Council on whether the content of draft competitive solicitations for zero waste services (e.g., compostables, recyclables, refuse, reusables, household hazardous waste, etc.), and review of any draft zero waste rate adjustments, are consistent with the City’s zero waste-related goals, services, and policies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS
Potential to reduce the disposal of products, packaging, and other materials via waste reduction, re-design, reuse, repair, recycling, and composting, with positive effects on resource conservation, climate change mitigation, and local economic development.

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The ZWC may provide recommendations to the City Council from time to time regarding topics contained in this report.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION
The work of the Zero Waste Commission does not have any fiscal impact on the City directly. However, recommendations, including the City’s draft Zero Waste Strategic Plan will contain numerous recommendations that have potential fiscal impacts, particularly infrastructure upgrades, compliance requirements, and program service expansion.

Zero Waste Commission Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan INFORMATION CALENDAR July 14, 2026

CONTACT PERSON
Julia A. Heath, Recycling Program Manager, Public Works, (510) 981-6357 Attachments:
1: Zero Waste Commission Work Plan Matrix

Zero Waste Commission
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 WORK PLAN
The following goals and activities for the ZWC have been identified for fiscal year (FY) 2026- 27 and are provided in Table 1, below:

Goal Resources Program Activities Outputs Outcomes
Advocate for
City Council to
adopt the Zero
Waste
Strategic Plan
Consulting
team, City staff,
other
commissions
Work to build
momentum towards
adoption of the zero
waste plan and
rates to support
zero waste
activities.

Distribute
information to
increase public input
and build consensus
with other
commissions
Articulation of the
benefits of and
risks of non-
adoption to
Councilmembers
and other identified
stakeholders
Support for the
adoption of a
comprehensive,
detailed strategic
plan and funding
to achieve City’s
zero waste goals
Support
community
engagement
regarding zero
waste in
Berkeley
City Staff,
Ecology
Center, UC
Berkeley/Cal
Zero Waste,
BUSD, the
public
Presentations at
ZWC by
practitioners. Join
other Commission
meetings and zero
waste events in the
community
Foster public
support for zero
waste activities
and programs.

Have attendance
by a least one
commissioner at
10 events during
the year
Foster zero
waste goals and
awareness in the
community
Strengthening
existing and
adopting new
zero waste
ordinances
outlined in the
draft zero
waste plan
City Staff,
consulting
team, Ecology
Center, UC
Berkeley/Cal
Zero Waste,
BUSD
Through
subcommittees, and
then the commission
as a whole, evaluate
and recommend
ways to strengthen
existing City
ordinances and to
support adoption
new ones that
further efforts to
achieve zero waste
goals
Staff reports, draft
ordinance
language, and
recommendations
to Council as
needed
Support for
strengthened and
new zero waste
ordinances

2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: (510) 981-7099 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Manager 1 Review and
assessment of
accepted
materials:
inclusion or
exclusion in
City collection
services
City staff,
Urban Ore,
CCC, Ecology
Center, CAW,

NCRA, CPSC,
StopWaste,
others
Presentations at
ZWC by specialists.

Review list of
accepted materials,
and recommend
changes, particularly
with the onset of SB
54 Recommendations
to Council as
needed
To help Council
have an accurate
understanding of
City’s collection
services and the
extent to which
they align with
the City’s goals
Monitor
outside
resources and
funding
opportunities
City Staff,
StopWaste,
CalRecycle,
California
Product
Stewardship
Council
Presentations by
outside
organizations to help
ZWC track and
understand
proposed legislation,
for the purpose of
advising Council
Recommendations
to Council as
needed
To help establish
effective, fiscally
prudent laws that
support City’s
zero waste goals
Preliminarily
assess
organization
and oversight
considerations
regarding the
City’s Zero
Waste
Program
City staff,
consulting
team, other
commissions,
other
communities
Research other
communities'
practices for: (a)
public oversight of
rate-setting
processes; (b)
administrative
structure for leading
zero waste
programs
Preliminary
assessment of
organization and
oversight
considerations
regarding the
City’s Zero Waste
Program
Hold preliminary
discussions with
City
Councilmembers
about preliminary
findings and
potential
opportunities

Communications

All communications submitted to the City Council are
public record. Communications are not published directly to the City’s website. Copies of individual communications are available for viewing at the City Clerk Department and through Records Online.

City Clerk Department
2180 Milvia Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 981-6900

Records Online
https://records.cityofberkeley.info/

To search for communications associated with a particular City Council meeting using Records Online:

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2. From Date: Enter the date of the Council meeting

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