The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of an armored vehicle for the city’s police force.The vote drew pushback from some in the community, especially in light of the recent push for police accountability.Community organizations are also calling for the creation of meaningful civilian oversight of police and to address the increased militarization of police equipment. According to the city council agenda, the city asked leaders to approve an armored multi-terrain loader, or “rook,” for the department. The price tag is $439,000 but it will be fully funded through a federal grant, according to city officials.The report cited the need for protection for police in high-risk situations, as well as the ability to use this for rescue operations. This is the same brand of equipment that is currently used by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. This vote by the city council is necessary under AB 41, a state law passed last year, which requires police to get annual council approval for items classified as military equipment.In response to the posting of this agenda item, Sacramento’s Homeless Union shared a message online accusing the city of posting this proposal at the last minute.The statement read in part: “They like to demobilize us from organizing real conversations about these things by dropping them just a few days prior to the city council meeting… Contact your city council member… vote NO on the further militarization of our police.”| MORE | Sacramento City Council to discuss language access policy
The Sacramento City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of an armored vehicle for the city’s police force.
The vote drew pushback from some in the community, especially in light of the recent push for police accountability.
Community organizations are also calling for the creation of meaningful civilian oversight of police and to address the increased militarization of police equipment.
According to the city council agenda, the city asked leaders to approve an armored multi-terrain loader, or “rook,” for the department. The price tag is $439,000 but it will be fully funded through a federal grant, according to city officials.
The report cited the need for protection for police in high-risk situations, as well as the ability to use this for rescue operations. This is the same brand of equipment that is currently used by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
This vote by the city council is necessary under AB 41, a state law passed last year, which requires police to get annual council approval for items classified as military equipment.
In response to the posting of this agenda item, Sacramento’s Homeless Union shared a message online accusing the city of posting this proposal at the last minute.
The statement read in part: “They like to demobilize us from organizing real conversations about these things by dropping them just a few days prior to the city council meeting… Contact your city council member… [to] vote NO on the further militarization of our police.”
| MORE | Sacramento City Council to discuss language access policy
