Council re-adopts military equipment use policy and accepts annual report required by state law

The Newark City Council conducted a public hearing and, by a unanimous 5–0 vote, readopted the Newark Police Department’s military equipment use policy and accepted the department’s annual military equipment use report as required by Assembly Bill 481.

Acting Lieutenant Yama Humayun summarized the state-mandated timeline and requirements and said the department published its annual report and hosted a community engagement meeting. He explained that the law uses the term “military equipment” broadly and requires governing-body approval by ordinance before use or acquisition of covered items. The department reported that it does not possess equipment historically used by the U.S. military and that listed items are intended to support officer and public safety, training and lawful operations.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the policy’s scope, use reporting and whether equipment could be used in immigration enforcement. Acting Lt. Humayun confirmed the department’s policy is structured to comply with state law and that local policy limits preclude using the listed equipment to assist federal immigration enforcement operations, consistent with the city’s stated stance.

The council voted 5–0 to introduce and waive full reading of the ordinance readopting chapter 2.5 (Military Equipment Use Policy) under Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Newark Municipal Code and directed staff to finalize the ordinance for formal adoption.

Councilmembers thanked the department for community engagement and for making the inventory and associated policies available for public review.