Title
Recommendation to Accept Transmittal of the Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy. (Police 10031100)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) went into effect on January 1, 2022, and requires a law enforcement agency to obtain approval of its governing body to enact a military equipment use policy, by ordinance, before purchasing, using, raising funds for, or acquiring military equipment. AB 481 requires the Policy be first submitted to the City Council and posted on the City of Alameda's (City) website 30 days before a public hearing where the Policy will be considered and adopted by ordinance. This Staff Report is the first step in commencing the approval process. If Council determines that the attached policy is acceptable. Staff will bring this matter back for the introduction of an ordinance adopting a military equipment use policy, as required by state law.
BACKGROUND
The Alameda Police Department (APD) does not possess military surplus equipment. However, by definition of AB 481, APD possesses and uses equipment categorized as military equipment. Accordingly, APD seeks City Council review of the attached Military Equipment Use Policy (Exhibit 1) to allow APD to continue to use the vital equipment specified herein and allow neighboring police agencies to use military equipment in this jurisdiction when providing mutual-aid during exigent circumstances.
Items deemed to be "military equipment" by AB 481 are used as a component of overall best practices for law enforcement agencies throughout the country. These tools have been tested in the field and are being used by law enforcement agencies to enhance residents' and officer safety. None of the equipment in APD's inventory has been obtained from the military, nor is it solely designated for military use. Loss of these items would compromise community safety and could reduce APD's ability to provide service. To that ...
Click here for full text