How should Sacramento police use military gear? The city wants to hear from you

The Sacramento Police Department wants to know if you believe it should receive more funding for military equipment.

A new California state law, Assembly Bill 481, requires law enforcement agencies to seek out community feedback on the acquisition, funding, and use of military equipment.

The law requires the department to list model numbers, acquisition costs, ongoing maintenance costs and costs to replace equipment.

“The acquisition of military equipment and its deployment in our communities may impact the public’s safety and welfare,” said Sacramento Police Department, spokesman Sgt. Zach Eaton. “The public has a right to know about any funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment by local government officials, as well as a right to participate in any government agency’s decision to fund, acquire, or use such equipment.”

Through a community feedback form, the Sacramento Police Department wants to know what you think about its draft policy for military equipment use.

Examples of the military-grade equipment being considered are aerial vehicles, pepper balls, beanbag shotguns, flash bangs, a mobile incident command center and crisis negotiations team van.

The items are said to be used as de-escalation tactics for volatile events and reduce the likelihood of officer-involved shootings, citizen injuries, and officer injuries.

The form closes on May 20, and the draft policy is expected to go to City Council for a final decision in June.

“Decisions regarding whether and how military equipment is funded, acquired, or used should give strong consideration to the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties, and should be based on meaningful public input,” said Eaton.

Participating in the process of public feedback is a new opportunity for the police department to provide the people with transparency and a seat at the table in decision-making.

This story was originally published May 7, 2022 at 5:25 AM.