'Less lethal' weapons ban rejected

“Our residents should be able to express their rights without being met with rubber bullets or tear gas,” he said.

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LAPD policies are set by the Police Commission, a five-member civilian body.

Outside of approving the department’s annual budget, the council's oversight of the LAPD is limited.

But council members sign off on the department’s yearly reports on the acquisition and use of anything that is considered military equipment under state law.

The use of such items — including high-powered rifles, drones, explosives and long-range acoustic devices — has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with critics contending it fuels more aggressive policing on the streets of many U.S. cities.

The defeated proposal sought to bar the LAPD’s use of two types of military weapons — tear gas and so-called 40-millimeter less-lethal launchers — at protests, but also for everyday patrols and other special events.

Councilmember John Lee said he was concerned that taking away such weapons would lead to more use of deadly force.