Does the ECPD use militarized equipment?

The definition of militarized equipment can vary from person to person. All of the equipment used by the El Cerrito Police Department is designed for law enforcement use. Some pieces of equipment may also be used by branches of the United States Military. Here are some examples of police equipment used by the ECPD that are commonly available on the civil market in the United States:

  • Body Armor
  • Ballistic Helmets
  • Pepper Spray
  • Firearms (rifles, shotguns, and pistols)
  • Uniforms
  • Taser devices
  • Remote Controlled Drones
  • Sedans and SUVs
  • Handcuffs
  • Radio Systems
  • Body Worn Cameras
  • Emergency Lighting Equipment

The following is a list of items sometimes used by ECPD, that are restricted to law enforcement in California:

  • Police Baton
  • 40mm Launcher
  • Specialty Munitions (sponge rounds, tear gas, smoke)
  • Lojack (Stolen Vehicle Locator Device)

The El Cerrito Police Department does not have any armored vehicles and has not received any equipment from the public safety procurement program, formerly the 1033 program. (https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/law-enforcement/public-safety-procurement-program/leso-program)

Show All Answers

1. What is the role of the District Attorney? Why doesn’t the Police Department choose not to prosecute arrested defendants?
2. What is “Broken Windows” policing theory? Is this the policing philosophy of the ECPD?
3. What types of oversight and accountability mechanisms are in place in El Cerrito?
4. What is the complaint process? How can I make a complaint?
5. Does the ECPD use militarized equipment?
6. Is the City evaluating other ways to respond to mental health and homeless incidents?
7. Does the ECPD engage in De-Escalation, Racial Profiling, and Implicit Bias training?
8. How does the ECPD policy match up to Use of Force change campaigns?
9. How does Asset Forfeiture work?
10. Do police labor unions have special protections in El Cerrito?
11. How has the City reduced funding to the Police Department?
12. Why isn’t El Cerrito listed on the California Police Scorecard?
13. Does El Cerrito have a drone program?