The Cathedral City Police Department has released its annual report on the use of military equipment as required by California law. The report provides transparency into the department’s inventory of specialized equipment and how it was utilized over the past year.
Some key points from the 2023 report:
- The department has a variety of equipment classified as “military equipment” including drones, breaching tools, rifles, flashbang grenades, tear gas, and less-lethal launchers.
- This equipment is used for critical incidents that exceed the capabilities of standard patrol gear, as well as certain community events to ensure public safety.
- In 2023, the equipment was deployed for high-risk operations like searching for armed suspects and executing high-risk warrants. It was also used at events like the Coachella music festival.
- The department states all uses followed proper policies and there were no complaints about military equipment use in 2023.
- Cost estimates for maintaining and acquiring new equipment when needed are provided.
The full report is available on the city’s website for anyone interested in more details. The department will also hold a community meeting to discuss the report in the next 30 days.
The Cathedral City Police Department will be hosting its annual Military Equipment meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located on the third floor of City Hall, 68700 Ave Lalo Guerrero, Cathedral City, CA 92234.
The mission of the Cathedral City Police Department is to provide the community with progressive and professional police services dedicated to ensure public order, a sense of community well-being and a responsiveness with integrity and excellence.
Please visit cathedralcitypolice.com/military-equipment-policy to learn more.
