San Jose Quiet Military Equipment: San Jose is set to acquire additional military-grade equipment, including projectile launchers, raising concerns among local community groups. These purchases have prompted accusations of circumventing transparency legislation designed to scrutinize such acquisitions. The controversy centers on a police department request included in the San Jose City Council’s “consent calendar,” where routine items are voted on without discussion. The request seeks authorization for 19 more 40mm projectile launchers, in addition to the existing 149, and 12 additional drones to augment the current arsenal of 22.
Critics argue that automatic approval for these weapons is unwarranted and call for a more comprehensive community discussion before further acquisitions. While Councilmember Peter Ortiz briefly inquired about the launchers and drones at the meeting, other council members remained silent. The council swiftly greenlit the request with minimal deliberation.
Raj Jayadev, founder of the community organizing group Silicon Valley De-Bug, contends that agencies like the San Jose Police Department are seeking the least onerous path to comply with laws like AB 481, which mandates local approval for acquiring military-grade equipment. Jayadev emphasizes that the legislation’s intent is to enable open and critical public discourse about law enforcement’s use of public funds for such weaponry and its impact on community members.
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AB 481 was enacted in response to police violence during protests following George Floyd’s killing, including cases in San Jose where people suffered permanent injuries due to police projectile launchers and other equipment. Notably, San Jose recently agreed to pay $3.35 million to victims who sued the city in 2021 over such violence.
While some community groups have raised concerns about these acquisitions, Ortiz recognizes the need for public accountability and open dialogue. Police officials clarified that the launchers are employed during critical and everyday incidents to minimize force and injury. Additionally, drones are increasingly used in police work to create distance from potentially armed individuals, aiming to achieve peaceful resolutions.
Critics, however, argue that these explanations occur in isolation from the real-life consequences of police violence, asserting that the San Jose Police Department has a history of irresponsible and dangerous use of weapons, irrespective of the type.
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