Council Splits 5-4 to Expand Police K9 Authority Despite Unanimous Public Opposition

Berkeley's City Council approved a contentious overhaul of 44-year-old restrictions on police dog and helicopter deployments in a razor-thin 5-4 vote that drew more than 30 public speakers — every one of them opposed. The marathon meeting also sent three citizen-led tax measures to November voters and confirmed a new Public Works director.

• Council narrowly expands police K9 deployment authority, 5-4, over fierce opposition citing racial disparities and civil rights history
• Three ballot measures head to November 2026 voters: an arts parcel tax ($6M+ annually), a public bank parcel tax, and a doubled soda tax
• City auditor warns public bank measure mandates audits without funding, setting a "really bad precedent"
• Jamie Parks confirmed as Public Works director at $270,000; outgoing interim director praised by full council
• Tear gas reinstatement debate punted to September 15 after contentious 6-3 scheduling fight
• Berkeley among first cities to formally oppose ACA 22, a state measure that would require supermajority votes for local special taxes

The basics: Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani introduced a resolution to rescind Berkeley's 1982 Resolution No. 51,408-N.S., which required city manager pre-approval before police could request helicopter or K9 support through mutual aid — a process that created 20- to 30-minute delays during critical incidents. The new policy replaces that with watch commander approval and post-deployment reporting.