Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481 or the Bill), codified at Government Code sections 7070 through 7075, requires a law enforcement agency (LEA) to obtain approval from the applicable governing body, via adoption of a “military equipment” use policy by ordinance, prior to the LEA funding, acquiring, or using military equipment.
The term “military equipment”, as used in AB 481, does not necessarily indicate equipment that has been used by the military. Pursuant to AB 481, items deemed to be “military equipment” include, but are not limited to, unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, armored vehicles, command and control vehicles, pepper balls, less lethal shotguns, less lethal 40mm projectile launchers, and flashbangs.
The Rocklin Police Department is committed to using contemporary tools and equipment to safeguard the citizens of Rocklin. Many items deemed to be “military equipment” by AB 481 are in fact employed by RPD, and LEAs across the country, to specifically reduce risk to community members. These items provide peace officers with the ability to safely resolve critical incidents which otherwise might rise to the level of a lethal force encounter. Other items deemed to be “military equipment” via AB 481 include foundational equipment such as rifles. These rifles allow peace officers to address lethal threats from a greater distance and with greater precision.
Staff recommends City Council adoption of the attached Military Equipment Use Policy –706 (Exhibit 1), in order to allow RPD to continue to use the essential equipment specified therein (Exhibit 2). Items deemed to be “military equipment” by AB 481 are used as a component of overall best practices for LEAs throughout the country. These tools are used by LEAs to enhance citizen and officer safety.