Councilmembers Sean Loloee and Jeff Harris both expressed vocal support for the department’s continued use of tear gas, especially given last year’s passage of AB48, which prevents the use of tear gas and chemical agents until after de-escalation tactics have been used.

“I am not interested in eroding the toolbox of our PD,” Harris said. “I feel that they use these types of equipment judiciously and wisely and save lives by doing so.”

He referred to the department’s handling of the George Floyd and Stephon Clark protests.

There is currently a lawsuit against the Sacramento Police Department for alleged discriminatory treatment at protests.