Lassen County adopts military equipment policy; sheriff’s MRAP cited as sole county ‘military’ vehicle

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a military equipment use policy ordinance required by state law and waived a second reading after a presentation from the sheriff’s office.

Captain Mike Barnett of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office told the board the law requires an annual policy, community engagement meeting and governing‑body approval. "The only piece of actual military equipment that we have is our MRAP, which is a mine‑resistant ambush protected vehicle," Barnett said, adding that the department’s SWAT team uses it on high‑risk operations. He said other items on the state list are commercially purchased, including less‑lethal tools such as gas and flash devices.

Barnett described the MRAP for the board and public and said that while the vehicle is cumbersome and can be intimidating, it is sometimes essential for officer and civilian safety. He also noted departments used to be allowed to drive the vehicle into public spaces for demonstrations but now may do so only during community engagement meetings.

Supervisor Scanlon moved to waive the second reading and adopt the ordinance; Supervisor Bridges seconded. A roll‑call vote was taken and the motion passed with all five supervisors voting in favor.

The ordinance adoption completes the county’s annual compliance step under state requirements for military equipment use policies, which include public notice and a formal governing‑body approval. The board did not adopt any change to department equipment holdings during the session.

The matter was presented during agenda item H1 and concluded with the roll call vote and ordinance adoption.