Introduction of an Ordinance
Amending Burbank Municipal
Code 5-3-301
City Council
September 24, 2024
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Introduce an Ordinance of the Council of the
City of Burbank amending BMC 5-3-301
Establishes a prohibition on carrying or
possessing specified items while attending or
participating in any public demonstration, rally,
protest, picket line, or public assembly
RECOMMENDATION
2 Adopted in 1987
Only prohibits these items:
Any length of wood or wood products
(unless specified dimensions are met)
Bars, shafts, rods, cables, wires or
lengths of hard metal, hard plastic, or
other hard synthetic material
Limited scope compared to
contemporary experiences
CURRENT VERSION
3 Neighboring jurisdictions have passed similar ordinances Los Angeles, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Covina Expands the scope of restricted items
Includes items which could potentially be used as weapons Examples: projectile launchers, pepper spray, glass bottles, laser pointers, aerosol spray cans, and others
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
4 SIGN AND BANNER
RESTRICTIONS
5 No more than ¾ inch in
thickest dimension
Increase in demonstrations and protests
Emotionally-charged topics and groups
Unpredictable attendance and behavior
Incidents of assault, vandalism, pepper-spraying
Larger issues in the region
Expect this to continue and increase with
pending elections, global conflicts, and other
disputed topics
DISCUSSION
6 Current restrictions are minimal
Problematic items can be legally possessed and
carried at demonstrations, creating significant
challenges for law enforcement
Action can only be taken if a weapon
(makeshift or otherwise) or hazardous item is
brandished or used unlawfully
A reactive approach in a crowded, emotionally-
charged environment undermines safety and
increases the potential for violence before
officers can effectively intervene
A REACTIVE APPROACH
7 Public education and communication
Signage in and around demonstration areas
Greeting and introduction to attendees
Observation and intervention before escalation
First Amendment
Proposed amendment does not infringe on First
Amendment rights
Outlines acceptable forms of expression (ex:
signs/banners), while prohibiting items that
threaten public safety
A PROACTIVE APPROACH
8 Captain Adam Cornils
(818)-238-3000
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
CONTACT