2.-O. ID 25-349 Approve the renewal of the Fresno Police Department Annual Military Equipment Use Report as originally required by Assembly Bill 481, codified under Government Codes 7070-7075.
This item does not meet the requirements of state law AB481. Firstly, the proposed use policy needs to be reviewed, as required by law. Secondly, the required community meeting needs to be held, as required by law. The first part of supporting Law Enforcement is enforcing laws. There are huge issues related to civil liberties, public safety, opportunity cost for how funds could be spent - and the public deserves a robust discussion; this is not a item that can be passed on consent.
The council has failed to meet state regulations regarding renewal of the use report, and further, that it is proposing not just renewal but expanded use of military equipment. This would include, apparently, the arming of robots. Yeah; what could go wrong.
I expect this Council to at the very least respect state regulations. Funny how community meeting requirements just tend to slip the Council’s minds.
It has come to my attention that a required community meeting has not been offered by the police dept before this report on military equipment is submitted for approval - as required by AB481. If that is correct this item should be tabled at minimum.
Further, the council agenda lists the inventory but not the proposed use policy up for review. It is the council’s responsibility to see that the use policy safeguards the public's welfare, safety, civil rights, civil liberties. This current national moment has seen demands upon non federal agencies to comply with federal policies - which at time conflict with state regulations. This is a perfect time to be having a conversation about this here in Fresno. What commitments is FPD going to make to the public that will reassure them that their welfare and civil liberties will be prioritized above any outside demands which go beyond what is required by law?
Thank you.
This item does not meet the requirements of state law AB481. Firstly, the proposed use policy needs to be reviewed, as required by law. Secondly, the required community meeting needs to be held, as required by law. The first part of supporting Law Enforcement is enforcing laws. There are huge issues related to civil liberties, public safety, opportunity cost for how funds could be spent - and the public deserves a robust discussion; this is not a item that can be passed on consent.
The council has failed to meet state regulations regarding renewal of the use report, and further, that it is proposing not just renewal but expanded use of military equipment. This would include, apparently, the arming of robots. Yeah; what could go wrong.
I expect this Council to at the very least respect state regulations. Funny how community meeting requirements just tend to slip the Council’s minds.
It has come to my attention that a required community meeting has not been offered by the police dept before this report on military equipment is submitted for approval - as required by AB481. If that is correct this item should be tabled at minimum.
Further, the council agenda lists the inventory but not the proposed use policy up for review. It is the council’s responsibility to see that the use policy safeguards the public's welfare, safety, civil rights, civil liberties. This current national moment has seen demands upon non federal agencies to comply with federal policies - which at time conflict with state regulations. This is a perfect time to be having a conversation about this here in Fresno. What commitments is FPD going to make to the public that will reassure them that their welfare and civil liberties will be prioritized above any outside demands which go beyond what is required by law?
Thank you.