Annual Military Equipment Report By Police Department Approved by Council

Without review, the Pasadena City Council approved the Pasadena Police Department’s annual military equipment report during its meeting on Monday.

The Pasadena Police Department’s annual report includes details on equipment use, complaints, internal audits, policy violations, costs, and future acquisition plans. According to the report, the department utilized some of the listed equipment but reported no policy violations associated with its deployment.

The Public Safety Committee previously recommended the ordinance be renewed.

The ordinance mandates that oversight of military equipment use is a statewide concern, necessitating Council review and renewal of the ordinance approving the policy. Despite the City Council’s limited direct role in policy approval due to the City Charter’s Council-Manager government structure, it must renew the ordinance as required by state law.

The term “military equipment,” as defined by state law, encompasses a range of items including unmanned aerial vehicles, armored vehicles, and less-lethal weapons like tear gas and flashbangs. The Pasadena Police Department’s inventory primarily consists of directly purchased or seized equipment, with the exception of three Bell OH-58 helicopters acquired from the military.

The annual report is part of the Council’s responsibilities under the City’s Pasadena Police Department Military Equipment Policy.

The report covers the period from June 2023 to June of this year and is a key component in ensuring compliance with the city’s military equipment policy.

The Pasadena Police Department conducted a required community engagement meeting on June 16, at the Washington Park Community House.

“Law enforcement agencies must draft and publicly post a military equipment policy detailing each piece of equipment, including its quantity, capabilities, purchase cost, and purpose,” according to a staff report published on Monday. “The policy must be approved by the governing body and made available on the agency’s website.”

The City Council adopted the ordinance on June 20, 2022, which established the Military Equipment Policy 711. This policy has been accessible to the public on the city’s website.

The Council’s review ensures that the Pasadena Police Department maintains transparency, oversight, and accountability in its use of military equipment, which is intended to enhance public and officer safety while providing law enforcement with necessary tools to manage various situations.

The City Council will vote on whether to renew the ordinance and continue the use of the equipment as detailed in the report during its meeting.