Police Seek Renewal of Military Equipment Authorization

The Pasadena Police Department is asking the City Council to renew its authorization to use military equipment for another year following its annual review.

The department’s military equipment report covering June 2024 through June 2025 will be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee on Wednesday. The full City Council is scheduled to vote on renewing Ordinance 7395 on October 6.

A preliminary report said the Pasadena Police Department spent approximately $370,835 on military equipment during the 13-month reporting period. No grant funding was used for equipment purchases or maintenance.

Police reported no policy violations related to military equipment deployment during the year. The department received complaints mainly about noise from its three Bell OH-58 helicopters.

California law requires police departments to get annual approval from their governing bodies to continue using military equipment. The requirements took effect January 1, 2022.

Pasadena’s military equipment inventory includes helicopters, armored vehicles, tear gas, pepper balls, less-lethal projectile launchers and flashbangs. Most items were purchased directly from law enforcement vendors, except for the three military surplus helicopters.

As required, the police department held a community engagement meeting Sept. 4 at Washington Park Community House. Residents asked questions about terminology to confirm police do not possess “weapons of war” used specifically by the military.

Police also presented their report to the Community Police Oversight Commission on September 11.

The report said some authorized munitions will be discontinued for operational use. The triple chaser CS, Han-Ball device CS, 40mm Skat Shell and 40mm stinger rubber ball will be used only for training.

The Police Department describes the equipment as less-than-lethal tools designed to save lives and protect officers and civilians. Police say the gear provides more options to ensure public safety.

The military equipment policy and annual report are posted on the city’s website for public review. The documents have been available online since Aug. 21.