Military equipment use by Sacramento police set for discussion at upcoming public forums
Sacramento city officials are seeking public input at community forums this week and in an online survey on the Police Department’s use of military equipment.
The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission and the Sacramento Police Department are hosting two public meetings to discuss the department’s military equipment use policy.
The first meeting will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hagginwood Community Center at 3271 Marysville Blvd. The second meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hart Senior Center at 915 27th St. Free food and childcare will be provided at both events.
Police using military equipment came under intense scrutiny in February after the Sacramento City Council approved a $430,000 purchase of an armored vehicle for the Police Department. The purchase of the Rook, which was funded by a federal grant, is intended to protect officers while confronting armed and dangerous suspects, police officials have said.
City Council members who voted to approve the Rook’s purchase faced a heated backlash from residents and community advocates who challenged the elected officials to stop further militarization of police.
California Assembly Bill 481, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, requires law enforcement agencies to seek community feedback on the acquisition, funding and use of military equipment. It is aimed at giving the public a voice in the acquisition and use of military-grade materiel that could have a negative effect on communities, according to the legislation.
The Police Department this week released its military equipment use report for May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023. In that time, the department had 86 reportable use of force incidents; 26 incidents involved military equipment on 18 total suspects.
A summary sheet of the military equipment use report is also available online.
The department also posted on its website its updated military equipment use policy.
Police officials are asking residents to also provide input in an online survey on the department procuring, using and implementing military equipment in the community. The survey is available through Aug. 25 in four languages on the Police Department’s website.
This story was originally published July 25, 2023 at 4:44 PM.
