Item 31 - Use of Military Equipment by the SAPD

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