R-28 Correspondence – Mariah Bower
-----Original Message-----
From: Mariah Bower [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, July 4, 2022 6:58 PM
To: CityClerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Council District 4 <[email protected]>; AB481 <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Agenda Item 28 (22-0753), July 5, 2022 - LBPD Use of Military Equipment (AB 481)
-EXTERNAL-
Dear Councilman Daryl Supernaw, and councilmembers:
I am writing in opposition to the proposed Long Beach Police Department's military weapons policy.
I have been a resident of Long Beach for over 3 years. I love this city for many reasons, including the community, its recreational opportunities, and it's diversity. However, I would like to express my frustration and concern that Long Beach is considering a new military weapons policy, as reported by the Long Beach Post among others. I understand the Long Beach Police Department has acquired an assortment of military weapons and vehicles, but they need council approval to use them according to CA AB 481.
To regulate, control, or keep in order with a law enforcement agency, Long Beach does not need to be prepared to go to war. Following the George Floyd murder in 2020, racial equality reforms passed by the city required departments to look at new policies like this one through an "equity lens" which it defines as determining who would be most affect by the new policy, whether the community was sufficiently engaged in the decision making process, and how the policy will help all residents achieve their highest level of health, etc. The Long Beach Police Department has not done this.
The policy does not discuss how or when military weapons should be used. In the past, weapons like the less-lethal projectiles for example, have been used against protestors, journalists and communities of color.
Here are some suggestions i have that would be a more effective use of tax-payer money:
-SOPs and training with a focus on de-escalation skills. -programs and policies developing and promoting affordable housing -a safe, comprehensive and extensive bicycle network -increasing walkability -expanding upon our public transportation system making it a common sense option -investment into lower income communities (infrastructure, education, transportation, etc) -rezoning residential and commercial districts to multi-use residential (this would increase property tax revenue) -safer street design with a lower priority for private motor vehicles.
-remove parking minimums
-remove free on street parking in exchange for more public space (bike lanes, parklets, community gardens, etc.)
I don't think it's necessary for the LBPD to have and be able to use weapons of war when we already have the California National Guard.
I think there are far more pressing issues that need to be dealt with. The fact that this is even in the table as we are seeing the effects of climate change pan out before us in real time is disappointing to say the least.
Thank you for your time,
Mariah Bower