AGENDA ITEM NO. 12
CITY OF HAWTHORNE
City Council
AGENDA BILL
For the meeting of May 28, 2024
Originating Department: Police - Operations
City Manager: __________
Vontray Norris
Chief of Police: ___________
Gary Tomatani
SUBJECT:
Approval of the use of proposed military equipment by the Hawthorne Police Department pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the use of proposed military equipment for safeguarding the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights and civil liberties.
DISCUSSION:
The acquisition of military equipment and its deployment in our communities may impact the public’s safety and welfare. The public has a right to know about any funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment by local government officials, as well as a right to participate in any government agency’s decision to fund, acquire, or use such equipment. Decisions on whether and how to fund, acquire, or use military equipment will be made with strong consideration for the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties and also account for the public’s input.
Members of the Hawthorne Police Department will only use military equipment in compliance with federal and state legal authorities, including the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S.
Constitution; Article 1, Section 1 of the California Constitution; Government Code § 7286; and California Penal Code §§ 835a and 13652. Members of the Hawthorne Police Department will only use military equipment consistent with applicable Department rules and regulations, including the Use of Force Policy.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
NOTICING PROCEDURES:
72 hours posted notice pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Department policy on the use of “Military Equipment” and its deployment.
2. List of equipment obtained by the Hawthorne Police Department from the 10-33 military program, which is considered “Military Equipment” as outlined in Assembly Bill 481.