RESOLUTION 2023-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORTUNA OPPOSING PROPOSED CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 742, WHICH IF PASSED, WOULD
REMOVE THE ABILITY OF CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT
ORGANIZATIONS TO UTILIZE POLICE K-9’S AS A NON-LETHAL FORCE OPTION.
WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the constitution and laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, on February 13, 2023, Assemblyman Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) introduced California Assembly Bill 742 which, if adopted, would prohibit the use of police K-9 units for apprehension and crowd control, as specified in the bill; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna actively opposes California Assembly Bill 742 and considers the proposed bill an uninformed and counter-productive attempt to eliminate a lawful, effective, and legitimate non-lethal force option throughout the State of California; and WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna promotes an acute understanding of the importance of deescalation techniques and advocates for effective de-escalation tools, including the use and presence of police K-9’s in appropriate situations; and WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna advocates for and promotes the use of controlled and necessary non-lethal force options versus lethal force options when appropriate; and WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna understands the incredible value of police K-9’s and the invaluable non-lethal force option police K-9’s provide for police officer’s in dangerous situations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna recognizes and declares that police K-9’s are the only use of force that can be “re-called” or “called-off” after being deployed but prior to an apprehension if necessary; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Fortuna does hereby resolve as follows:
1. Police K-9s provide an effective de-escalation tool and non-lethal force option for California law enforcement organizations;
2. The City of Fortuna firmly opposes California Assembly Bill 742 and considers the proposed legislation irresponsible, counter-productive, and unnecessary;
3. The City of Fortuna publicly voices said opposition to California Assembly Bill 742 and will work collaboratively with elected officials, the California Police Chief’s Association, the League of California Cities, and other like-minded organizations to advocate against the passage of California Assembly Bill 742.
PASSED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fortuna, California, on this 6
th day of March 2023 by the following vote:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Tami Trent, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Siana Emmons, City Clerk