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Oxnard council renews police military‑equipment authorization and approves new launchers, rifles
Summary
Council approved the Police Department’s annual military equipment report and authorized acquisition of 40‑mm projectile launchers and replacement AR‑style patrol rifles. The authorization passed unanimously; staff said most items are funded from forfeiture or grant sources and that drone first‑responder equipment is arriving soon.
The Oxnard City Council on May 20 received the Police Department’s 2024 military equipment report and approved a renewal of the city’s military‑equipment policy and the acquisition of specified items, including 40‑millimeter projectile launchers and replacement 2‑03/2‑23 caliber rifles. The motions passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The annual report inventories equipment categorized under state law and asks the council for continued authorization to acquire and maintain specified items. Council members heard presentations from Police Chief Jason Benitez and Special Operations Commander Steve Trickle explaining how nonlethal projectiles, armored rescue vehicles and drones are used in operations and how the department reviews use‑of‑force incidents.
What the council approved: The council approved continued authorization of the Police Department’s military equipment inventory and specifically approved acquisition of five 40‑mm projectile launchers and 24 replacement patrol rifles (to replace older rifles). The department said most acquisitions are funded through seized‑asset/forfeiture funds or grants, not the general fund.
Operational and policy details: Chief Benitez and Commander Trickle described that many items categorized as “military equipment” are intermediate force options or rescue platforms — for example, armored rescue vehicles used to extract civilians and officers from active scenes, and 40‑mm projectile launchers that provide a longer‑range, less‑lethal option than a beanbag shotgun. The department pointed to internal use‑of‑force review procedures: each deployment is recorded, reviewed by supervisors and by the force‑options unit, and escalations can be referred to professional standards for further action. The council was also told that the drone first‑responder package approved in December is entering the procurement stage and some equipment is expected to arrive in the coming weeks; those drones will be included in next year’s annual report.
Public comment and council response: Two public callers addressed the item: one urged the department to use drones and other equipment to address fireworks and public‑safety nuisances; another speaker thanked police staff and urged continued support. Council members asked for clarity about warranties, procurement and how older weapons are retired; staff said obsolete weapons may be sold to licensed dealers or otherwise decommissioned per law and practice.
Ending: The council voted 7–0 to accept the annual military‑equipment report, reauthorize the policy and approve the specified acquisitions. Staff said they will continue regular public reporting on military‑equipment use and on the drone program as the purchases arrive.
