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Title:
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Approval to Implement Aerial Flashbangs and Inert Blast Balls for Critical Incident Response
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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Julio Mendez, Lieutenant and Kimberly Rodriguez, Management Analyst
Subject:
title
Approval to Implement Aerial Flashbangs and Inert Blast Balls for Critical Incident Response
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Statement of Issue:
The Huntington Beach Police Department is seeking approval to implement aerial flashbangs and inert blast balls as additional tools for effective crowd management and de-escalation during critical incidents. The objective is to improve officer and public safety by providing alternative non-lethal options that minimize the risk of injury while restoring order.
Financial Impact:
The requested items will be funded through the department's Special Operations Fund. The department plans to purchase up to 100 units of each item over time; however, not all purchases will occur within a single fiscal year. The estimated cost for 100 40mm Aerial Flash-Bangs is $4,800, at approximately $48 per unit. For the inert blast balls, two models are under consideration: the standard Rubber Ball at $59.69 each, totaling $5,969, and the Rubber Ball with Safety Clip at $63.89 each, totaling $6,389. All purchases will be made incrementally and within the department's existing budget.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve the implementation of aerial flashbangs and inert blast balls as authorized non-lethal tools for use by the Huntington Beach Police Department during critical incident response.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
Recent events have highlighted the need for enhanced tools to address volatile crowd situations that pose a risk to public safety, officer safety, and property. Aerial flashbangs and inert blast balls are designed to create loud noise and bright flashes of light, temporarily disorienting individuals without causing permanent harm. Their use is intended to facilitate peaceful crowd dispersal in high-risk situations where other less-lethal options or verbal commands may be ineffective.
The Huntington Beach Police Department already maintains specialized tools, including military equipment authorized under AB 481. The use of such equipment is governed by strict protocols, including oversight, training, and legal compliance. These new tools would be available only to trained personnel and deployed based on a clear assessment of the totality of circumstances.
The proposed implementation supports the City's commitment to community safety, de-escalation, and transparency, while providing officers with the flexibility needed to manage unpredictable and dynamic critical incidents. Please see the attached memorandum for the plan of implementation and integration of these tools.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b) (5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 8 - Public Safety, Strategy B - Bolster City's emergency management preparedness and response plans to ensure seamless public safety response during crisis events.
For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan.
Attachment(s):
1. Interdepartmental Memo to the Chief of Police