City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: June 20, 2023
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Brandon Gray, Captain
Subject
2022 Military Equipment Use Policy Ordinance and Annual Report Recommendation
A. Review and approve the 2022 Military Equipment Annual Report; and B. Renew Ordinance No. 1282 approving the Police Department’s updated military equipment funding, acquisition, and use policy.
Background
Assembly Bill No. 481 (AB 481) was signed by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2021, and became effective on January 1, 2022, adding California Government Code Sections 7070-7075 related to the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies. In compliance with AB 481, the Vernon Police Department (Department) developed a military equipment use policy and accompanying equipment inventory. On June 21, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1282, adding Chapter 9.06 to Title 9 (Public Peace and Welfare) to the Vernon Municipal Code and approved the Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy) pursuant to AB 481.
On an annual basis after the adoption of the Policy, AB 481 requires a police agency to publish a military equipment report (Report) on its website outlining the use of the equipment, any complaints or concerns regarding the use of the equipment, results of any internal audits on the use of the equipment, the annual costs for the equipment, the quantity possessed by the agency, and the intention to purchase additional equipment in the following year. In addition, within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the Report, a well-publicized community engagement meeting must be held to allow for public comments.
In compliance with the annual requirements set forth in AB 481, the Department completed its 2022 Military Equipment Annual Report. The Policy and Report were posted on the Department’s webpage on May 4, 2023, and are available for public comment at the June 20, 2023 Regular City Council meeting. At this public meeting, the Department will discuss the annual Report and Policy update and provide an opportunity for public comment and questions. A notice of the public presentation was posted on the City’s website and publicized by the Department via agency social media accounts.
AB 481 further requires the City Council, at least annually, to review Ordinance No. 1282 - Military Equipment Use Policy. The City Council may renew or not renew the ordinance, disapprove authorization for equipment where standards have not been met, or require modifications to the military equipment use policy.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. 2022 Military Equipment Annual Report
2. Military Equipment Use Policy
3. Municipal Code Section 9.06.010