Whittier receives 2024 military equipment report; council holds first reading of ordinance to adopt policy

The Whittier City Council received the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and conducted a first reading of Ordinance No. 3166, which the ordinance text indicates would adopt a policy governing the use of military equipment and rescind Ordinance No. 3154.

Police Chief Aviv Bar answered council questions about the categories of military equipment reported in 2024, procedures and protocols for deployment, mutual aid agreements, drone use, POST peace officer certifications, training for deployment of projectile equipment and replacement costs, reporting requirements, and use-of-force proceedings. City Attorney Keith Collins responded to a council question about the potential expansion of Senate Bill 1421 and its relevance to disclosure requirements.

Council Member Cathy Warner moved and Council Member Fernando Dutra seconded a motion to receive and file the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and to conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 3166. The motion, recorded in the minutes, was carried by the council as described in the official record.

Ordinance No. 3166 was introduced at first reading only; the ordinance was not adopted at the meeting and will return for further readings or action as required by council procedures. The council's consideration focused on transparency and oversight questions raised by members about how specific categories of equipment are managed, training for less-lethal projectiles, and reporting requirements. The minutes note that the report was received and the ordinance was set for first reading.