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The Redwood City Council on Monday unanimously approved the renewal of the Police Department’s military equipment use policy following the department’s annual report, which included updates on the acquisition of an armored rescue vehicle.
“The appropriate use of an armored rescue vehicle can be very appropriate,” Council Member Jeff Gee said. “And so I trust our police chief and our police force to train, to have the right policies, and to use that particular vehicle when lives and seconds matter.”
While some residents raised concerns about the potential misuse of such equipment, council members stressed how crucial they can be for the safety of residents in an era of mass shootings.
Lt. Jesse Castro presented the 2024 Military Equipment Use Report, which outlined the department’s use of specialized tools, including drones, less-lethal munitions, and the armored rescue vehicle. He also explained that their use is governed by California Assembly Bill 481, which mandates that law enforcement agencies obtain approval from their governing bodies before acquiring or deploying certain military equipment.
According to the staff report, the council approved the use and storage of the ARV in May 2023 and its acquisition is scheduled for this summer. The department is currently developing a policy for the ARV’s deployment and plans to present it next year as part of the 2025 annual military equipment report, the report said.
Castro described the ARV as a military-grade vehicle with bullet-resistant capabilities that can navigate rough terrain and floodwaters, transport personnel and civilians, and aid in de-escalation through loudspeakers.
It will serve as a multi-purpose emergency response vehicle during natural disasters, facilitating rescues, transporting supplies and personnel, and providing secure, mobile shelter during high-risk operations, he said.
During public comment, resident Clara Jaeckel criticized the acquisition of the ARV.
“The last few days have shown us, with renewed urgency, how important it is to have safeguards in place to prevent such equipment being turned on our own residents and visitors,” she wrote.
Jaeckel said recent footage of law enforcement shooting a journalist with a rubber bullet in Los Angeles heightened her concern about how so-called “less-lethal” munitions might be used in Redwood City.
During the council discussion, all members expressed strong support for the Police Department’s use of military equipment, noting that mass shootings are not uncommon in the United States and that college and school campuses are frequent targets. They believe that military equipment can be a valuable tool for law enforcement in responding to these high-risk situations.
“There are increasing incidents where this kind of tool may potentially be necessary,” Council Member Isabella Chu said.
Council Member Chris Sturken raised a question about how military equipment might be used during protests. In response, Police Chief Kristina Bell clarified that such tools would only be used if a protest became unlawful and posed a threat to public safety. A commander must authorize their deployment, and there are multiple steps before that happens, she added.
Castro also said that several de-escalation steps must take place beforehand, including public announcements and time for community members to disperse voluntarily.
“What’s happened in L.A.… I did see reports that certain military-grade equipment has been used on protesters,” Sturken said. “And I don’t foresee that happening in Redwood City.”
