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Santa Cruz council adopts ordinance updating city rules on military‑equipment use
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑10 on May 12, 2026, updating the municipal code governing police use of military‑style equipment. Public commenters urged stricter limits on pepper‑ball launchers and transparency; council asked police to strengthen reporting.
The Santa Cruz City Council on May 12 adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑10, an update to the municipal code addressing the city’s rules on military‑style equipment and police reporting, approving the measure by unanimous roll‑call vote.
The ordinance, presented as the second reading and final adoption, updates the city’s processes for authorizing and reporting on equipment used by law enforcement. Council member Renee Golder moved the ordinance and Council member Newsom seconded the motion; the council voted all‑aye.
The update drew public comment from residents who urged the city to restrict use of so‑called less‑lethal devices. One speaker said that pepper‑ball launchers had been displayed and used on incarcerated people, adding, “There is no acceptable use.” That same commenter asserted that such devices can carry severe health risks.
City attorneys and staff said the item before council was limited to the municipal‑code amendments; council members discussed broader policy and reporting improvements during deliberations. Council member O’Hara said the last meeting’s discussion on policy was robust and urged the police department to tighten reporting and adhere to recommendations from local civil‑liberties advocates.
The ordinance passed unanimously. Council members said they expect continued review of the city’s reporting and transparency practices around equipment purchases and use, and asked staff and the police department to follow up on suggestions from advocacy organizations.
The ordinance amends the municipal code language governing military‑equipment use; implementation details and reporting practices will be carried forward in administrative processes and future policy work.
