The City Council on Monday renewed its authorization allowing the Pasadena Police Department to use “military-grade” equipment.
State law requires an annual review of the department’s equipment. The law allows for public engagement and transparency.
According to an agenda report, the department’s 2024–2025 Military Equipment Annual Report shows full compliance with Government Code Section 7070 and Pasadena Police Department Military Equipment Policy 711.
The department reported no policy violations and said complaints were limited mostly to noise concerns involving the department’s Bell OH-58 helicopters. Some crowd-control munitions—such as the Triple Chaser CS and 40mm Skat Shell—have been discontinued for field use and will be reserved for training.
None of the equipment has actually been used by the military.
The Police Oversight Commission and the City Council’s Public Safety Committee previously reviewed the report.
The renewal would continue Ordinance No. 7395, first adopted in 2022, which governs the use, inventory, and oversight of equipment categorized as “military” under state law.
Under Assembly Bill 481, law enforcement agencies must hold community engagement meetings, disclose how military equipment is used, report any policy violations or complaints, and seek annual council approval to continue their programs. Pasadena’s police department held a community meeting at Washington Park on Sept. 4.
The report also went before the Community Police Oversight Commission on Sept. 11, and was posted publicly on Aug. 21 for review.
The inventory includes items such as unmanned aerial systems, armored rescue vehicles, less-lethal launchers, flashbang devices, and specialized firearms, most of which are standard issue for police nationwide. “Except for three Bell OH-58 helicopters obtained from the military, all other equipment was purchased through law enforcement vendors,” the report states.
The fiscal impact for the reporting period was approximately $370,835, with no grant funding used. Any new acquisitions will follow city purchasing guidelines and be disclosed in next year’s report.
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