SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF
THE CITY COUNCIL AND
HAYWARD PUBLIC FINANCE
AUTHORITY BOARD
JUNE 20, 2023
DOCUMENTS RECEIVED AFTER
PUBLISHED AGENDA
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS ITEM # 17
LB 23-027
Military Equipment Use Policy
From: TJ
To: List-Mayor-Council
Cc: Bryan Matthews
Subject: 6/20/23 Hayward City Council Meeting Agenda Item LB 23-027 Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 6:23:40 AM
CAUTION:This is an external email. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe.
Dear Hayward City Council Members:
As a Hayward Concerned Citizen advocating for our Hayward Police Department and the continued need to prioritize public safety in our community, I am writing to urge you to support the latest ordinance approving Military Equipment Use Policy No. 706 – including approval of the purchase of additional UAS devices and robots and a replacement Armored Personnel Carrier vehicle – listed on the City Council meeting agenda this Tuesday, 6/20/2023.
I recognize that all professions have their own set of skills, standards, training, and tools to perform their job safely and efficiently, and our police are no different in that regard. It is important to me and the majority of Hayward residents that our police have all safety equipment necessary and commonly employed by law enforcement agencies across the country to enhance community members’ and officers’ safety, particularly when a critical situation calls for using it. All of the items in the police department equipment inventory are not new equipment and the cost of saving lives is greater than that of replacing any items which may become outdated in the line of duty. As we continue to experience a significant rise in criminal activity including cases where assault weapons have been used by criminals in instances such as school and church shootings, our police need the appropriate equipment at the right time to protect themselves and reduce the risk of mass casualties.
I am aware that there are already Fleet Budget funds set aside for the replacement of the 15+ years old Armored Rescue Vehicle, which offers ballistic protection during high-risk incidents. The two new robots, requested for ease of deployment by the SRU and patrol divisions, will be funded through HPD’s Operating Budget. Additionally, the purchase of more sophisticated UAS (drone) devices will greatly aid in crime scene investigation and navigation in inclement weather and heavy street traffic. Per the report attached to the agenda packet, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems alone were utilized 70 times during the last reporting period and have led to successful outcomes.
I am confident that our Hayward Police will continue to use this safety equipment for the purposes intended and believe that your approval of the items referenced above will serve to promote public safety in Hayward.
Sincerely,
TJ
HAYWARD CONCERNED CITIZENS
From: Theresa Rezentes
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 6:00 PM
To: List-Mayor-Council <[email protected]> Subject: 6/20/23 Hayward City Council Meeting Agenda Item LB 23-027
CAUTION:This is an external email. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe.
Dear Hayward City Council Members:
As a Hayward Concerned Citizen advocating for our Hayward Police Department and the continued need to prioritize public safety in our community, I am writing to urge you to support the latest ordinance approving Military Equipment Use Policy No. 706 – including approval of the purchase of additional UAS devices and robots and a replacement Armored Personnel Carrier vehicle – listed on the City Council meeting agenda this Tuesday, 6/20/2023.
I recognize that all professions have their own set of skills, standards, training, and tools to perform their job safely and efficiently, and our police are no different in that regard. It is important to me and the majority of Hayward residents that our police have all safety equipment necessary and commonly employed by law enforcement agencies across the country to enhance community members’ and officers’ safety, particularly when a critical situation calls for using it. All of the items in the police department equipment inventory are not new equipment and the cost of saving lives is greater than that of replacing any items which may become outdated in the line of duty. As we continue to experience a significant rise in criminal activity including cases where assault weapons have been used by criminals in instances such as school and church shootings, our police need the appropriate equipment at the right time to protect themselves and reduce the risk of mass casualties.
I am aware that there are already Fleet Budget funds set aside for the replacement of the 15+ years old Armored Rescue Vehicle, which offers ballistic protection during high-risk incidents. The two new robots, requested for ease of deployment by the SRU and patrol divisions, will be funded through HPD’s Operating Budget. Additionally, the purchase of more sophisticated UAS (drone) devices will greatly aid in crime scene investigation and navigation in inclement weather and heavy street traffic. Per the report attached to the agenda packet, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems alone were utilized 70 times during the last reporting period and have led to successful outcomes.
I am confident that our Hayward Police will continue to use this safety equipment for the purposes intended and believe that your approval of the items referenced above will serve to promote public safety in Hayward.
Sincerely,
Theresa Rezentes
Hayward Concerned Citzens Member