At the City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, October 9, the council voted 3-2 in favor of approving the Culver City Police Department’s military equipment usage. Mayor Albert Vera and Council Members Dan O’Brien and Göran Eriksson voted in favor. Vice Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Council Member Freddy Puza voted against.
12 months ago, the council approved the use of military equipment pursuant to Assembly Bill 481, which requires all equipment classified as military to be approved annually by the City Council.
It was clarified that equipment categorized as military that the CCPD currently has in its inventory includes drones, armored vans, specialized rifles, flashbangs, tear gas, and kinetic energy weapons (beanbags).
The continued usage, abiding by AB481, requires annual re-approval which is why it was back in front of the City Council on Monday.
The same issues that arose a year ago came up again, with some people criticizing the perceived militarization of the police and others firmly stating that the CCPD should have whatever they say that they need.
One public speaker said that, in their annual report, the CCPD hadn’t accurately reported their drone usage, something that Chief Jason Sims confirmed and put down to a mistake.
Vice Mayor McMorrin said that not everyone has had positive experiences with the police, particularly people of color, and those experiences need to be respected.
However, Mayor Vera lamented the lack of trust that the public and some council members have in the police. He said that, despite the city’s history of racism, we need to “move forward together.”
The action item passed 3-2, and the police will be back in one year to seek re-approval.