Oversight Commission to Review Military Equipment Policy

The city’s police oversight commission will review the City’s proposed military equipment use policy.

California state law AB 481 requires the policy be submitted to the City Council and posted on the City’s website 30 days before a public meeting where the policy will be considered and adopted by ordinance.

The city’s inventory includes a robot used to help de-escalate situations and determine if a suspect is armed, a drone, an armored Bearcat vehicle, a mobile command post, lock-defeating rounds that allow quick access during active shooter and hostage situations, .50 caliber precision rifle and ammunition, flashbang devices, tear gas and other chemical agents, barricade penetrating rounds, foam rounds, pepperball launcher, 40mm less-lethal rounds.

With the exception of three Bell OH-58 helicopters, which were obtained from the military, all other equipment in the Pasadena Police Department’s inventory has been sourced through direct purchases and seizures.

Last month the City Council unanimously directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance in response to the new law, but also directed the policy go before the City’s Police Oversight Commission before coming back to the council for a full discussion before its first reading.

If the City Council does not approve the continuing use of military equipment within 180 days of posting the policy, the law enforcement agency shall cease its use of the military equipment until it receives the approval.

The City Council does not generally play a direct role in approving PPD policies, due to Charter provisions that establish the Council-Manager form of government. However, Government Code Section 7074 in the new State law states that “ensuring adequate oversight of the acquisition and use of military equipment is a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair.” Due to the new State law, staff needs to obtain the Council’s approval of the policy, by ordinance.