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:
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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...
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