The Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is currently seeking feedback from the community on its annual military equipment use policy and report, as an online survey is now available for public participation. This initiative arises as part of the SPD’s commitment to maintaining transparency and building trust within the community it serves. The survey, which is estimated to take only a few minutes to complete, can be accessed in various languages, namely English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, and Vietnamese.
As reported by the Sacramento City Express, community members are urged to review the department’s draft policy and provide meaningful feedback. This policy is subject to annual review and approval by the Sacramento City Council, as part of their oversight responsibilities. In addition to the online survey, the Sacramento Community Police Review Commission is organizing a community meeting for further discourse on the draft policy and report. Scheduled for July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Park Community Center, the meeting promises to extend the conversation beyond the digital realm, with food and family-friendly atmosphere as an additional draw.
The meeting’s agenda includes a presentation by SPD officers, and forms a critical segment of the public engagement process now required under California Assembly Bill 481, which mandates that any law enforcement agency seeking to fund, acquire, or use military equipment must first acquire governing body approval of a military equipment use policy. According to the Sacramento City Express, should residents need interpretation services, they are encouraged to contact the City’s Community Engagement Office at least five business days before the meeting to make the necessary arrangements.
Furthering the spirit of community participation, the SPD has also made their draft annual military equipment use report and policy for 2024-2025 available online, thus providing residents with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the department’s proposed policy before offering their input. The Sacramento Community Police Review Commission, which has been set up to advise the Mayor and City Council on bias-free policing and to promote stronger community-police relations, is playing a key role in this participative endeavor. Ultimately, "The Sacramento Police Department greatly values community feedback and remains committed to building trust through transparency and collaboration with the community," as stated in the Sacramento City Express.
