Explanation
This ordinance codifies items as prohibited that were initially included in President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13688, “Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition.” The executive order, which has since been revoked by President Donald Trump, sought to identify and prohibit or control the use of certain equipment in order to mitigate the militarization of law enforcement agencies.
Title
To amend chapter 217 by creating new section 217.051 of the Columbus City Codes to restrict the acquisition and possession of certain law enforcement equipment by the City of Columbus; to require the disposal of any currently owned equipment under new section 217.051; and to amend Chapter 329 of the Columbus City Codes. (AMENDED BY ORD. 2103-2020; PASSED 9/14/2020)
Body
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2015, President Barack Obama issued Executive Order 13688, “Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition,” to identify actions that can improve Federal support for the appropriate use, acquisition, and transfer of controlled equipment by state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, among the provisions within the President’s executive order were lists of prohibited and controlled equipment that law enforcement agencies could acquire with federal funding; and
WHEREAS, prohibited equipment includes tracked armored vehicles, high-caliber weapons and ammunition, camouflaged uniforms, and other items of a militaristic nature; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council is in support of President Obama’s conclusions following the 21st Century Task Force on Policing, and that the substantial risk of misusing or overusing these items, which are seen as militaristic in nature, could significantly undermine community trust and may encourage tactics and behaviors that are inconsistent with the premise of civilian law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is committed to changing how we police our neighborhoods and mo...
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