Title
Recommendation to Consider Options for the Alameda Police Department's Emergency Response Vehicle. (Police) [Not heard on March 2, 2021; continued from March 16 to March 30, 2021]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Alameda (City) Police Department is requesting the Mayor and City Council reconsider their decision to sell the Emergency Response Vehicle. The Emergency Response Vehicle is a critical tool to assist the Police Department in keeping the citizens of Alameda safe.
BACKGROUND
In 2012, City Council approved the purchase of the Emergency Response Vehicle. At the time, we were unsuccessful in acquiring grant funds to assist with the purchase of the Emergency Response Vehicle. Nevertheless, the City approved the outright purchase of the Emergency Response Vehicle using General Funds.
In 2020, City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a process to sell the Emergency Response Vehicle.
DISCUSSION
The members of the Alameda Police Department believe the Emergency Response Vehicle is a critical piece of equipment needed to help keep the community safe. The Emergency Response Vehicle has been referred to by City Council and citizens as a "tank". Unlike a tank, a heavily armored fighting vehicle, the Emergency Response Vehicle is a defensive vehicle used to protect and transport citizens, fire personnel, and officers from potentially armed and violent suspects. It is not equipped with a weapon-mounted system and is otherwise not designed for situations where offensive action is required.
Moreover, the Emergency Response Vehicle meets industry standards and best practices for serving high-risk search warrants and arrest warrants, using a technique referred to as "surround and callout." This method is used to help de-escalate situations by allowing officers to be close enough to a location without forcing their way inside, and allowing the subjects time to comprehend what is happening. The E...
Click here for full text