In September of 2021, AB 481 was signed into law. This bill provides oversight related to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment for law enforcement agencies. It requires law enforcement agencies to create a policy related to military equipment and receive the approval of the local governing body. An ordinance will go before the Santa Rosa City Council for their approval in July of 2022.
The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to making Santa Rosa a safe place to live, work and play. To help accomplish this goal, the police department has a variety of equipment and technology. These vital tools aid the police department to safely resolve dangerous and often volatile situations. By having more options available to them, officers are able to increase the safety of members of the community and themselves. These pieces of equipment increase distance and time which provides more opportunities to communicate and de-escalate.
On July 26, the Santa Rosa Police Department will present the following policies and procedures relating to military-grade equipment to City Council:
The City Council meeting agenda, including this item, will be made available online soon.
The public is encouraged to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department at [email protected] with any questions or concerns prior to the July 26 meeting.