pages: CityCouncil/2021-03-30.pdf, 4
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CityCouncil | 2021-03-30 | 4 | In response to Councilmember Herrera Spencer's request about the history, the City Manager stated Council previously approved the budget with different considerations including reductions in the Police Department due to protests after last Memorial Day; the vehicle became a component of the motion in passing the budget; the Police Department believed that not all information had been considered since the focus was on the budget; he wanted to come back and have Council review the matter by itself; the delay is partially due to staff and other agenda items. The Police Captain stated the matter was brought to his attention mid-August 2020; he felt that he owed it to APD to present the other side; a Council report was drafted to explain the importance of the vehicle to the Department and Alameda citizens; he would like to ensure the City is prepared to handle any incident as quickly and safely as possible. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated there have been public comments related to the 33 instances of use; 30 uses were for mutual aid and three uses were within the City of Alameda; inquired whether the use of the vehicle impacts the recommendation to retain the vehicle. The Interim Police Chief responded APD is similar to the Fire Department; stated cities need each other to supply aid whether it be a canine, motorcycle Officers or other equipment, such as the vehicle; exchange of equipment and personnel between cities is goodwill between communities and also acts as a force multiplier when an adequate amount of Officers or equipment is not available; being able to loan the vehicle out is building goodwill in knowing Alameda can call on other cities if need be; he is thankful the vehicle is not used often within the City of Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated Councilmember Herrera Spencer's question is whether the use impacts the recommendation to retain. The Interim Police Chief responded in the negative; outlined terms of the emergency nature of deploying the vehicle; stated seconds count and the ability to deploy in a hurry is needed; the metaphor of an insurance policy is apt. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated there have been comments related to racial equity, subjective use, racial justice and militarization; inquired whether APD staff can provide response to the comments. The Interim Police Chief responded the vehicle is not used based on race; that he questioned whether the vehicle should have been deployed at the MLK Day incident; stated the incident evolved so rapidly that the vehicle was not deployed; use of the vehicle is not based on race or any other protected class; the vehicle is used based on the need to provide public safety. Councilmember Knox White stated regarding the Police and Equity Committees not addressing the vehicle, a recommendation would have been odd due to Council's unanimous decision to sell; if the City moves forward with maintaining the vehicle based on the compelling argument that the vehicle may be the point between life and death in the Continued March 16, 2021 Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 March 30, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-03-30.pdf |