Columbus City Council: demilitarize the police

Columbus City Council will vote tonight to restrict the use of "military-style equipment and tactics" by the Division of Police.

Why it matters: City leaders want to demilitarize the police department as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild trust in local law enforcement.

Details: The ordinance, which is expected to be approved, would prohibit police from using nonlethal force like tear gas and rubber bullets on nonviolent protesters.

• It also would restrict the use of explosives, pyrotechnics and armored vehicles, except for tactical use like from SWAT teams.

What it says: The ordinance states "militarization of police conflicts with the mission to protect and serve, undermines public trust, and creates barriers to the resident-officer connections that are necessary for law enforcement to support public safety."

Flashback: Police used pepper spray and fireworks in 2020 to enforce curfews during widespread protests across the country following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota.

• Columbus City Council acted that summer to prohibit the department from using certain equipment, such as tracked armored vehicles, high-caliber weaponry, riot batons and camouflage uniforms.
• Investigations into the department's protest conduct, charges against three officers and an overwhelming public vote establishing a police oversight board all followed the protests.

Separately, City Council will vote tonight on an ordinance requiring officers to wear badge numbers and name tags while on duty.