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Consent
Item No. 7.
| MEETING DATE: 06/16/2025 |
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| TO: | HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS |
| FROM: | JIM SADRO, CITY MANAGER By: Adam Foster, Chief of Police |
| SUBJECT: | APPROVE MILITARY EQUIPMENT POLICY ANNUAL REPORT AND RENEWAL
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RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
A. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025-__ ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 1841 AND DETERMINING THAT MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE BY THE LA HABRA POLICE DEPARTMENT COMPLIES WITH STATE LAW;
B. Renew Ordinance No. 1841 that approved the La Habra Police Department’s military equipment use policy; and,
C. Make a finding that the City’s military equipment use complies with State law after considering the annual report on the use of military equipment by the Police Department.
DISCUSSION:
Assembly Bill 481 (“AB 481”) went into effect on January 1, 2022, and requires cities to adopt an ordinance establishing a military equipment use policy before using, purchasing, raising funds for, or acquiring military type equipment. AB 481 also requires the City Council to annually review this ordinance and vote on whether to renew it at a regular meeting based on an annual report on the use of military equipment. The La Habra City Council adopted Ordinance No 1841 on April 18, 2022, in compliance with AB 481 and the Police Department has prepared the attached report as required by AB 481.
AB 481 requires special noticing of the proposed military equipment report. Within 30 days of publicly releasing the report, the City must: (1) post the proposed policy and related documents on the police department’s website; and (2) hold a well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting where the public may discuss and ask questions regarding the report. The City Council must then consider the report and determine whether the City's use of military equipment complies with State law.
The attached annual report was posted on the La Habra Police Department’s website on May 1, 2025, and the Police Department held the community engagement meeting at the La Habra Citrus Fair on May 3, 2025. There were no concerns raised by the public at that meeting. Staff recommends adopting the proposed resolution so that the City can continue using military type equipment in compliance with City policy for public health, safety and welfare.
AB 481 requires special noticing of the proposed military equipment report. Within 30 days of publicly releasing the report, the City must: (1) post the proposed policy and related documents on the police department’s website; and (2) hold a well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting where the public may discuss and ask questions regarding the report. The City Council must then consider the report and determine whether the City's use of military equipment complies with State law.
The attached annual report was posted on the La Habra Police Department’s website on May 1, 2025, and the Police Department held the community engagement meeting at the La Habra Citrus Fair on May 3, 2025. There were no concerns raised by the public at that meeting. Staff recommends adopting the proposed resolution so that the City can continue using military type equipment in compliance with City policy for public health, safety and welfare.
FISCAL IMPACT/SOURCE OF FUNDING:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
GENERAL PLAN RELEVANCE/CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
The military use policy is consistent with the following areas of the General Plan:
EP 1.4 Adequate Emergency Services
EP 1.9 Public Education and Awareness
It is also consistent with the following City Council FY 2025-26 Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1: Protection of Public Safety
EP 1.4 Adequate Emergency Services
EP 1.9 Public Education and Awareness
It is also consistent with the following City Council FY 2025-26 Goals and Objectives:
Goal 1: Protection of Public Safety