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Item 31 - Use of Military Equipment by the SAPD
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Item 31 - Use of Military Equipment by the SAPD
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City Clerk
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Agenda Packet
Agency
Clerk of the Council
Item #
31
Date
5/3/2022
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Use of Military Equipment by the Santa Ana Police Department <br />May 3, 2022 <br />Page 2 <br />shotguns, less lethal 40mm projectile launchers, long range acoustic devices, and noise <br />flash diversionary devices (NFDDs). <br />The Police Department is committed to using the most up-to-date tools and equipment, <br />in support of our de-escalation strategy, to safeguard the Santa Ana community. Many of <br />items deemed "military equipment" by AB 481 are in fact employed by the Department, <br />and LEAs across the country, to specifically reduce risk to community members. These <br />items provide peace officers with the ability to safely de-escalate volatile situations which <br />otherwise might rise to the level of a lethal force encounter. To that end, the items at issue <br />in this report, and accompanying Military Equipment Policy, also provide Department <br />personnel with vital tools that facilitate compliance with its stringent use of force policy <br />and best practice training techniques. <br />Other items deemed "military equipment" via AB 481 include foundational equipment such <br />as rifles. These rifles allow peace officers to address lethal threats from a greater distance <br />and with greater precision. <br />Along with seeking authorization to use preexisting equipment, the Police Department <br />also seeks authorization to research, test, and possibly acquire Unmanned Aerial <br />Systems (UASs) in the future. UAS can provide personnel with the ability to view into <br />high -risk areas without physically entering the area, increasing the safety of community <br />members and Department personnel. UAS are not intended to replace the police <br />helicopter, but rather supplement the helicopter's capabilities. Additionally, the UAS can <br />be utilized to diagram crime scenes from an elevated view, providing valuable evidence <br />to investigating personnel. If, upon completing the necessary research, the Department <br />elects to proceed with a UAS acquisition, the Department will seek further City Council <br />approval. <br />There is significant interest in ensuring that law enforcement continues to have access to <br />equipment that will provide peace officers as many options as possible to safeguard lives, <br />ensure safety, and protect civil liberties. The use of the tools identified in the Military <br />Equipment Policy (Exhibit 2) are vital to the Department's mission and will continue to be <br />strictly regulated through internal processes and oversight. <br />The proposed Military Equipment Policy safeguards the public's welfare, safety, civil <br />rights, and civil liberties. The Policy ensures there are safeguards, including transparency, <br />oversight, and accountability measures in place. For instance, the Policy requires the <br />Department to produce and annual Military Equipment Use Report, host an annual <br />community meeting regarding the use of "military equipment," and publish the annual <br />report on the Department's website. Members of the public will also be provided direction, <br />per the policy, on how to register complaints for violations. All item use resulting in a use <br />of force will be investigated, as is already required by existing Department policy. <br />ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT <br />
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