Stockton police will continue to use military equipment

Additional military equipment is on the horizon for the Stockton Police Department.

After a public hearing during the Sept. 12 Stockton City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved an agenda item that allows the city's police to continue using military equipment and to request more gear from the Department of Defense.

Stockton police have had the council's permission to use military equipment since April 2022, but Assembly Bill 481 requires law enforcement agencies to seek approval from governing bodies before taking certain actions related to its funding, acquisition, or use.

The bill — passed by California lawmakers in September 2021 — aims to increase transparency, oversight, and accountability as police agencies across the state continue to up their arsenal of military gear.

During his presentation, Stockton police Lt. Gary Benevides told council members the term "military equipment," as used in AB 481, does not necessarily indicate the equipment is, or has been used, by the military.

"Many items defined as 'military equipment' by the bill are often used by law enforcement to preserve life and enhance public and officer safety while remaining prepared to handle the various challenges facing our communities," Benavides said. "The Stockton Police Department's use of 'military equipment' is consistent with overall best practices employed by the police departments throughout the country."

In most cases, the equipment is used or surplus and can include anything from armor to assault rifles and vehicles. The discounts help save the city money.

By the law, Benavides said the department penned an annual report that outlines a summary of the equipment usage guidelines, inventory, fiscal impact, complaints, and reported community concerns for the 2022 calendar year.

The report — available on the Stockton Police Department's website — shows the department currently has 10 drones and two explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots. These vehicles are used for search and rescue, tactical situations, and defusing bombs, Benevides said.

Police also have two armored vehicles used for emergency operations.

The department has not received any complaints regarding its use of the equipment, and there have been no instances of officers misusing the gear, the report states.

Military equipment is more frequently deployed in low-income Black and brown communities, meaning the risks and impacts of police militarization are experienced most acutely in marginalized communities, according to the legislation.

In Stockton, people of color make up 78% of the population, with those identifying as Hispanic/Latino accounting for more than 40% of the total population.

While community members in nearby cities, including Sacramento, have been outspoken about their concerns about police using such equipment, no Stockton residents opposed the department's continued use during the public hearing.

District 3 Councilman Michael Blower also told The Record his constituents haven't had any conversations with him about it.

After the council's decision, Stockton police will acquire an armored rescue vehicle for emergency operations. The initial cost will be free through the 1033 program, allowing the Department of Defense to give state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies military hardware.

"It's a great tool. It will be an asset for things like flooding, which we've experienced here in recent years ... this type of vehicle has been used in California and other parts of the United States as a high-water rescue vehicle in communities during flood-related emergencies."

Through the 1033 program, the department will acquire a specialized loudspeaker for communicating at a distance, negotiations with barricaded suspects, and mass notifications.

Under AB 481, Stockton police must issue another report at the end of the year outlining how its military equipment was used, any feedback from community members about the gear, and the results of any internal audits or violations of policy. The department will also be required to hold a community meeting within 30 days of issuing the report.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton police will continue to use military equipment