Presentation of an Ordinance
Amending Burbank Municipal
Code 5-3-301
Joint Meeting with the Police
Commission
Study Session
October 01, 2024
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Adopt 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
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 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
BACKGROUND
5 PROACTIVE vs. REACTIVE
Current restrictions are minimal and impose
a reactive approach:
Problematic items – legally possessed and carried
Action can only be taken when items are brandished
or used unlawfully
Proposed amendment allows a
proactive posture:
Public education and communication
Signage in and around demonstration areas
Greeting and introduction to attendees
Observation, intervention, and education
before escalation or enforcement
Comports with First Amendment
6 7
Captain Adam Cornils
(818)-238-3000
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
CONTACT