Clearlake council adopts military-equipment resolution, receives police annual report
September 07, 2023 | Clearlake, Lake County, California
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Clearlake — The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-39 on Sept. 7, 2023, renewing the city’s military-equipment ordinance and accepting the Clearlake Police Department’s annual report required under Assembly Bill 481 and Government Code sections 7070–7075.
The department’s chief told the council the department does not use former military equipment as commonly understood but identified two items covered by the policy: one mobile command unit (a converted ambulance) that was deployed for community events and more in-depth traffic and crime-scene investigations, and an unmanned aerial system (drone) the department intends to purchase in the future. “Currently, the Clearlake Police Department does not utilize former military equipment,” the chief said in his report. He added the mobile command unit’s documented fuel cost for the fiscal year was $271 and that there were no complaints or audit findings related to the unit’s use.
The chief said the department held a public community engagement session earlier the same day; it was posted on the city website and social media but no members of the public attended that session. During public comment, one resident asked whether vehicles seen during past fire responses were police vehicles; the chief clarified those vehicles belonged to other agencies, including the National Guard, and reiterated the city’s mobile command unit is a converted ambulance, not a military vehicle.
The report also addresses mutual-aid arrangements: Clearlake does not maintain a local SWAT team but noted other county agencies with SWAT capabilities may operate in the city under their own policies when called for mutual aid. The chief said the department is in final stages of an agreement to participate in a countywide mutual-aid SWAT arrangement but does not anticipate that triggering changes to the city’s AB 481 policy at this time.
The resolution was presented and adopted by motion; council recorded a unanimous vote.
What’s next: The policy will remain subject to annual review under state law, and the department said any future acquisitions that meet AB 481’s definition of military equipment will be reported to the council for review and public comment.
The department’s chief told the council the department does not use former military equipment as commonly understood but identified two items covered by the policy: one mobile command unit (a converted ambulance) that was deployed for community events and more in-depth traffic and crime-scene investigations, and an unmanned aerial system (drone) the department intends to purchase in the future. “Currently, the Clearlake Police Department does not utilize former military equipment,” the chief said in his report. He added the mobile command unit’s documented fuel cost for the fiscal year was $271 and that there were no complaints or audit findings related to the unit’s use.
The chief said the department held a public community engagement session earlier the same day; it was posted on the city website and social media but no members of the public attended that session. During public comment, one resident asked whether vehicles seen during past fire responses were police vehicles; the chief clarified those vehicles belonged to other agencies, including the National Guard, and reiterated the city’s mobile command unit is a converted ambulance, not a military vehicle.
The report also addresses mutual-aid arrangements: Clearlake does not maintain a local SWAT team but noted other county agencies with SWAT capabilities may operate in the city under their own policies when called for mutual aid. The chief said the department is in final stages of an agreement to participate in a countywide mutual-aid SWAT arrangement but does not anticipate that triggering changes to the city’s AB 481 policy at this time.
The resolution was presented and adopted by motion; council recorded a unanimous vote.
What’s next: The policy will remain subject to annual review under state law, and the department said any future acquisitions that meet AB 481’s definition of military equipment will be reported to the council for review and public comment.
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