Council sends annual military equipment report to Community & Police Relations Commission for review

Council discussed the city’s annual military equipment use report and voted to refer the report to the Community & Police Relations Commission for additional review before it returns to the council.

Council members said public review by the CPRC would provide added transparency and create an opportunity to evaluate equipment lists and budget implications. Lieutenant Roberto Gonzalez (National City Police Department) described the annual AB‑style reporting process (the transcript referenced the state assembly bill by an identifier during remarks) and confirmed the requirement to publish a community meeting and an equipment list showing current and requested items.

A council member noted the armored vehicle purchase previously approved in December and the reported $463,000 figure tied to the vehicle; others urged CPRC review ahead of related budget decisions. The motion to send the report to CPRC passed unanimously.

Next steps: Staff will present the report to the CPRC at its next meeting (noted as the third Thursday schedule) and return CPRC recommendations to council prior to final budget or purchasing decisions.