HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2026-01-27_09f Annual Military Equpment ReportItem 9.f.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David Culver, Chief of Police
BY: Gregory Pierce, Police Commander
SUBJECT: Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to California AB 481
DATE: January 27, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Receive and file the “2025 Military Equipment Use Inventory Report” and the “2026
Annual Military Equipment Report” in accordance with California Assembly Bill 481,
determine that said report meets all standards for approval set forth in Government Code
Section 7071(d); and
2) Approve the renewal of Ordinance No. 714.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The Arroyo Grande Police Department is currently in possession of items categorized as
military equipment following the City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 714 – Military
Equipment Use Policy. The fiscal impacts associated with Ordinance No. 714 for FY
2025-26 include purchasing specialized equipment, annual training costs, and the
replacement of munitions totaling $10,277.42. The cost of maintaining the current
inventory and purchasing new equipment in 2026 is outlined in the Police Department’s
Military Equipment Report.
BACKGROUND:
On September 30, 2021, Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) was codified in Government Code
Sections 7070 through 7075 and required the governing body of a law enforcement
agency to adopt a “Military Equipment Use” Policy (“Policy”) no later than May 1, 2022.
The Police Department complied with AB 481 in the development of a policy, holding a
community meeting, and making the Policy documents available on their website prior to
the City Council adopting the Policy via Ordinance No. 714 (Attachment 3) on April 12,
20221.
1https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=fabffd28-be87-4183-b1dd-
cb426ac96b52&lang=English&Agenda=Agenda&Item=39&Tab=attachments
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Item 9.f.
City Council
Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to California AB 481
January 27, 2026
Page 2
AB 481 requires the City Council to review, at least annually, the Ordinance adopting the
Policy, and vote on whether to renew the Ordinance to allow the Police Department to
continue to use the equipment covered by the Policy.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
AB 481 was introduced to increase transparency and accountability for the funding,
acquisition, and use of military equipment by state and local law enforcement agencies.
The legislation includes a broad definition of what constitutes “military equipment,”
including items such as drones that are commonly used in everyday society by members
of the public and have been effectively deployed for many years by law enforcement
agencies to respond to emerging threats, civil unrest, and mass casualty events.
Furthermore, several of the items AB 481 defines as “military equipment” are not
necessarily used by the military but are less-than-lethal, standard-issue equipment for
peace officers. While possession of such equipment does not warrant its use in common
circumstances, this essential equipment is deployed based on the situational necessity
to effectively de-escalate intense situations or bring volatile conditions and critical
incidents to a safe resolution.
Staff reviewed Department records and determined there were no complaints or concerns
raised regarding the use of the City’s military equipment in 2025. Staff’s internal audit of
equipment use determined there were no violations of the Policy (AGPD Policy #709) or
any other Departmental policy. Included herewith as Attachment 1 is an Annual Military
Equipment Report, prepared pursuant to the requirements of Government Code section
7072.
New Equipment for 2026
Staff has reviewed the Police Department's equipment needs and determined that
replacement of distraction devices is necessary, as the current inventory has reached the
end of its service life. The new distraction devices to be purchased incorporate updated
technology that enhances safety during their deployment, storage, and transportation . In
addition, these devices offer reduced acquisition and maintenance costs.
Based on training and department operations, ammunition inventory levels will be
maintained as needed. If the Police Department determines a need to purchase
equipment classified as “Military” under Government Code 7070, it will notify the Council
for approval prior to acquisition.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Receive and file the Annual Military Equipment Report pursuant to California AB
481 and renew Ordinance No. 714;
2. Do not renew Ordinance No. 714 or accept the annual Military Equipment Report;
or
3. Provide alternative direction to staff.
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Item 9.f.
City Council
Annual Military Equipment Report Pursuant to California AB 481
January 27, 2026
Page 3
ADVANTAGES:
Taking the recommended action will comply with State law requirements and will promote
transparency involving the Police Department's acquisitions, use, and/or purchases of
equipment identified and defined in AB 481. The equipment outlined in this report is
essential to law enforcement’s mission.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages are identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item , as this action is not a “project” per
Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it pertains to submittal and approval of
information regarding the City’s military equipment policy, and is therefore an
organizational and administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical
changes to the environment.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2. In accordance with AB 481, the Military Equipment
Use Policy was also posted on the Police Department’s website , www.agpd.org.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 Military Equipment Inventory
2. 2026 Annual Military Equipment Report
3. Ordinance No. 714
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
1. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): An unmanned aircraft, along with the associated equipment
necessary to control it remotely.
Agency cost of maintaining the UAV (training and software) program in 2025: $0.00
a) Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost of current UAS:
i. DJI MAVIC ENTERPRISE Advanced, cost: $6,900 each, quantity: 2. A UAS that has
a color and infrared camera as well as an audible speaker and light. It can record
video and weighs 909 grams, with approximately 30 minutes of flight time.
ii. DJI Air 3, cost $1,549, quantity: 1. UAS has a dual-primary camera system,
embedding a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS 3x
medium tele camera.
b) Purpose
To be deployed when its view would assist officers or incident commanders with the
following situations, which include but are not limited to:
i. major collision investigations.
ii. search for missing persons.
iii. natural disaster management.
iv. crime scene photography.
v. SWAT, tactical, or other public safety and life preservation missions.
vi. In response to specific requests from local, state, or federal fire authorities for
fire response and/or prevention.
c) Authorized Use
Only assigned operators who have completed the required training shall be permitted to
operate the DJI Mavic during approved missions.
d) Expected Life Span
All UAS equipment, 3-5 years.
e) Fiscal Impact
The annual estimated maintenance and battery replacement cost is approximately $200.
f) Training
All Department UAS operators are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for UAS
operation and are certified under the FAA Part 107 as remote pilots. In addition, each
operator must complete departmental training and quarterly training.
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
g) Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under FAA Regulation 14 CFR Part 107, and the City of Arroyo Grande
UAS policy. It is the policy of the AGPD to use UAS only for official law enforcement
purposes and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, in accordance with
State and Federal law.
2. 40 MM Launchers and Rounds: 40MM Launchers are utilized by department personnel as a less
lethal tool to launch impact rounds.
There was no cost to the agency to maintain this device during the 2025 calendar year.
a) Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost
1) DEFENSE (LMT) TECHNOLOGY, 40MM SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER, cost: $1,000, quantity:
9. The 40MM Single Launcher is a tactical single-shot launcher that features an
expandable ROGERS Super Stock and an adjustable Integrated Front Grip (IFG) with
light rail. It will fire standard 40mm less-lethal ammunition, with a cartridge length of
up to 4.8 inches. It will launch a 40mm less-lethal round up to 131 feet. This less-lethal
platform replaced the Bean Bag shotgun and is authorized for use by patrol personnel.
The launcher is orange in color and has a holographic red dot sighting system.
2) CTS #4557. The 40mm sponge round is a blunt-impact kinetic-energy round. Cost: $24
per round; quantity: 50. CTS #4557 has an effective minimum optimal range of 6.6
feet (2m), though it is operational at point-blank range. The CTS #4557 has been
designed utilizing ballistic technologies, which allow for consistent in-flight stability
throughout an almost flat trajectory. These rounds have repeatedly shown
effectiveness and reliability at ranges up to 150 feet (45m)
3) DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, FERRETT 40MM LIQUID BARRICADE PENETRATOR ROUND,
cost: $23, quantity: 15. A 40MM round used to penetrate barriers, such as windows,
hollow core doors, wallboard, and thin plywood. Upon impact with the barrier, the
nose cone ruptures and immediately delivers a small chemical payload into a structure
or vehicle. In tactical deployments, the 40mm Ferret is primarily used to dislodge
barricaded subjects from confined areas. Its purpose is to minimize the risks to all
parties through pain compliance, temporary discomfort, and/or incapacitation of
potentially violent or dangerous subjects. This is for use by SWAT team members only.
b) Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict and preserve life where the employment of lethal force is
prohibited or undesirable.
c) Authorized Use
Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to:
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
i. Self-destructive, dangerous, and/or combative individuals.
ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained.
iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
d) Training
Sworn members utilizing 40MM less lethal chemical agents or impact rounds are trained in
their use by POST-certified less lethal and chemical agent instructors.
e) Lifespan
Defense Technology LMT- 25 years.
CTS #4557. The 40mm Sponge Round - 5 years.
Model 2262 Liquid Barricade Penetrator Round - 5 years.
f) Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $25 for each launcher.
g) Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under AGPD policy 308.8. It is the policy of the AGPD to use the 40mm
only for official law enforcement purposes, in accordance with State and Federal law,
including those governing the use of force.
3. Distraction Devices: A distraction device is ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during assaults,
hostage rescue, room entry, or other high-risk arrest situations.
There was no cost to the agency to maintain this device during the 2025 calendar year.
a) Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost
1) Defense Technology #8901, Cost $50 Quantity: 6. The Distraction Device® Reload
utilizes a standard military-style M201A1 type fuse and produces 175 dB of sound
output at 5 feet and 6-8 million candelas for ten milliseconds. This reload is for use
in the Distraction Device low roll body.
b) Purpose
To produce atmospheric overpressure and brilliant white light, thereby causing short-term (6 - 8
seconds) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation and giving officers a tactical
advantage.
c) Authorized Use
i. Diversionary Devices shall only be used:
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
ii. By officers who have been trained in their proper use.
iii. In hostage and barricaded subject situations.
iv. In high-risk warrant (search/arrest) services where there may be extreme
hazards to officers.
v. During other high-risk situations where their use would enhance officer safety.
vi. During training exercises.
d) Lifespan
Until used.
e) Fiscal Impact
There is no annual maintenance.
f) Training
Prior to use, officers must complete diversionary device training conducted by post-certified
instructors.
g) Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under AGPD policy 408. It is the policy of the AGPD to use diversion devices
only for official law enforcement purposes, in accordance with State and Federal law regarding
the use of force.
4. Rifles: Guns that are fired from shoulder level, having a long, spirally grooved barrel intended to
make bullets spin and thereby have greater accuracy over a long distance.
There was no cost to the agency to maintain this device during the 2025 calendar year.
Agency cost of maintaining Rifle ammunition inventory in 2025: $5,001.42
a) Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost
1) Colt, Enhanced Patrol Rifle (EPR). Cost $2,000, quantity 27, officially designated Rifle,
Caliber 5.56 NATO. Standard-issued service weapon.
2) Remington .223 CALIBER 55 GRAIN RIFLE ROUND, quantity 3500 rounds. cost: $0.51 per
round. Remington ammo made by PMC. These full-metal-jacket rounds are used for
training and to meet CA POST required qualifications.
3) Hornady Black 5.56 Nato 75 GRAIN HD SBR RIFLE ROUND, quantity 4,000 rounds. Cost
$0.85 per round. 5.56 Nato 75 gr InterLock HD SBR Hornady Black is designed specifically
for 10.5"-11.5" SBRs by using proprietary propellant technology and a bullet designed
with technology from industry-leading Critical Duty FlexLock bullets. This round provides
exceptional ammunition performance in SBR’s suppressed or unsuppressed, with
virtually no flash or residue, dramatically reduced sound signature, will not foul or
overheat suppressors, uniform velocity and accuracy, and provides a controllable rate of
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
fire in automatic platforms. Designed to meet the requirements of the FBI protocol, this
round is the optimum choice for 10.5"-11.5" barreled 5.56 rifles. This is the Duty round
for standard-issue patrol rifles.
b) Purpose
To be used as precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater
distances than a handgun, if present and feasible.
c) Authorized Use
Only members who are POST certified are authorized to use a rifle.
d) Lifespan
1) Colt, Enhanced Patrol Semi-Automatic Rifle - no expiration.
2) Remington .223 CALIBER 55 GRAIN RIFLE ROUND - no expiration.
3) Hornady Black 5.56 Nato 75 GRAIN HD SBR RIFLE ROUND - no expiration.
e) Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance costs approximately $50 per rifle. Annual ammunition costs are
accounted for in the current department budget. Rifle ammunition costs approximately
$ 5,000 annually.
f) Training
Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of
the rifle. Additionally, all members who operate any rifle are required to pass a range
qualification 4 times per year.
g) Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under AGPD policies 312 and 432. It is the policy of the AGPD to
utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes and pursuant to State and
Federal law regarding the use of force. The Police Department owns all Rifles deployed
by the Arroyo Grande Police Department.
5. Pepper-Ball Launcher: A device that discharges irritant projectiles.
There was no cost to the agency to maintain this device during the 2025 calendar year.
a) Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost
1) Pepper-Ball FTC CARBINE, cost: $590, quantity 4. The FTC is a high-capacity semi-
automatic launcher that is reliable and accurate. It features a hopper that holds up to
180 rounds and a flexible air-source configuration. Pepper-Ball® is the most versatile
non-lethal system available, allowing officers to deploy it in a wide range of situations.
Pepper-Ball's many uses include:
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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ATTACHMENT 1
1. Anti-riot
2. Combative suspects
3. Vehicle interdiction
4. Non-compliant individuals
2) Pepper-Ball LIVE-X PROJECTILE, cost: $3 per projectile. The Live Projectile contains a
concentrated amount of PAVA pepper powder. Discharged from a Pepper-Ball Launcher,
the projectile has a velocity of 280-350 FPS. The projectile has a direct impact of 60ft
and a saturation area of 150+ ft. The projectile contains 5% PAVA Powder.
3) Pepper-Ball Glass Breaker costs $2.50 per Projectile, Quantity 60. A solid polymer
projectile used for breaking out residential windows and side glass of automobiles. Not
for use on humans or animals.
4) Pepper-Ball INERT round. Cost: $1 per projectile. This projectile contains a harmless,
scented powder and is best suited for training, qualification, and direct impact when
chemical exposure is not desired.
b) Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable.
Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to:
i. Self-destructive, dangerous, and/or combative individuals.
ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained.
iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
c) Authorized Use
Only those officers who have been trained in the use of Pepper-Ball launchers are authorized to
use the Pepper-Ball launchers.
d) Training
Sworn members utilizing Pepper-Ball launchers and projectiles are trained in their use by
Pepper-Ball-certified less-lethal and chemical agent instructors.
e) Lifespan
i. Pepper-Ball FTC Carbine - 20 years
ii. Pepper-Ball Live-X Projectile - 3 years
iii. Pepper-Ball Glass Breaker - 20 years
iv. Pepper-Ball INERT Projectile - 3 years
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ARROYO GRANDE POLICE DEPARTMENT
2025 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
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f) Fiscal impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $25 for each Pepper-Ball launcher.
g) Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under AGPD policy 308.6.1. It is the policy of the AGPD to utilize Pepper-Ball
only for official law enforcement purposes and pursuant to State and Federal law, including
those regarding the use of force.
MAINTENANCE OF MILITARY USE SUPPLY LEVELS
When munitions stock for "military equipment" has reached significantly low levels or has been
exhausted, the Department may order replacement stock based upon the current approved city
operational budget in a calendar year without city council approval to maintain essential availability for
the Department’s needs. The purchase of this would be included in the annual report.
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ATTACHMENT 2
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
2026 – Annual Military Equipment Report,
Prepared Pursuant to Government Code § 7072
In accordance with Government Code section 7072, the Arroyo Grande Police
Department hereby submits for City Council review and approval the following annual
military equipment report.
1. A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its
use.
All military equipment owned by the Department, which is detailed in Exhibit A to the
Department’s Military Equipment Use Policy, was used exclusively for the purposes
designated by that Policy. In general, those purposes include use of specialized firearms
to be used as precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater
distances than a handgun, if present and feasible; use of noise flash diversionary devices
to produce atmospheric over-pressure and brilliant white light and, as a result, can cause
short‐term (6 ‐ 8 seconds) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation to give officers
a tactical advantage; use of chemical agents and smoke canisters (by officers who are
properly POST certified) to limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force
is prohibited or undesirable; use of projectile launch platforms and associated munitions
to limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force
is prohibited or undesirable.
In 2025 the Arroyo Grande Police Department used the following equipment:
Unmanned Aerial Systems “UAS” (3) also known as “Drones.” The drones were
activated during the search and arrest of offenders, traffic collision investigations,
special event security, fire department support, and firework response during the
4th of July holiday. AGPD’s UAS where also operated by Arroyo Grande City staff
to support Public W orks on citywide projects.
40mm Launchers (9) designed to expel nonlethal munitions. The 40 mm launchers
were used during personnel training and deployed in Los Angeles during civil
unrest. The 40mm munitions were used to train law enforcement personnel in
accordance with California Peace Officers' Standard and Training requirements.
Patrol Rifles (27). During patrol operations, there were two incidents in which a
rifle was required, but neither resulted in the weapon being discharged. Additionally,
officers deployed their assigned rifles during training and qualifications.
Pepper-Ball Launchers (4) were also deployed in the city of Los Angeles during
civil unrest.
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ATTACHMENT 2
2. A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military
equipment.
The Department did not receive any complaints or citizen outreach concerning the
Department’s Military Equipment Use Policy or ongoing use of said equipment.
3. The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the
military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.
There were no violations of the Policy, and accordingly, no audits or actions took place in
response.
4. The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including
acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage,
upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be
provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following
submission of the annual military equipment report.
Costs associated with military equipment in 202 5 included purchases of specialized
equipment, annual training costs, and replacement of munitions, totaling $5,001.42.
These costs were accounted for in the City’s 2025 budget.
5. The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.
The quantity for each type of military equipment is listed in Exhibit A to the Military
Equipment Use Policy, available on the City’s website and in person at the Department.
6. If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military
equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each typ e of military
equipment.
The Department plans to purchase additional unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and
new/updated distraction devices from commercial suppliers. Funding for the purchase of
the additional UAS equipment would be through the Office of Community Oriented
Policing Services (COPS) grant.
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ATTACHMENT 3
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