According to a statement from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan.1, 2022, AB 481 became law, adding Government Code sections 7070 et. seq. This law mandates the establishment of an ordinance requiring law enforcement agencies to develop a policy, provide a list of equipment and obtain approval of their governing body prior to requesting, seeking, or using “military equipment” either permanently or temporarily. It also requires the law enforcement agency to conduct a public meeting where members of the public have an opportunity to review the policy, learn about the equipment and ask questions about the equipment and/or it’s use.
The meeting, held at 6 p.m. March 22, at the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, will provide this opportunity to the public.
The equipment described in this policy is utilized on a regular basis to protect deputies, and members of the public on patrol and in the County Jail. If you would like to learn about this equipment or have input, please consider attending this public meeting.
The continued use of this equipment was approved by the Lassen County Board of Supervisors by way of an urgency ordinance. This public meeting is a step toward adoption of a regular ordinance.
