1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 11, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Adam Cornils, Deputy Chief
BY: Viviana Garzon, Police Administrator
SUBJECT: Review of the 202 4 Military Equipment Annual Report and Renew al of Ordinance 22-3,974, Approving the Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use Policy
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report (Attachment 1).
2. R enew O rdinance 22 -3,974, thereby approving the Police Department’s military equipment funding, acquisition, and use policy (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND
On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 481 (Attachment 3) into law, effective January 1, 2022. This legislation introduced California Government Code § 7070 through 7075, regulating the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies. The legislation mandated that law enforcement agencies intending to fund, acquire, or continue using any military equipment obtained before January 1, 2022, must develop a military equipment use policy. Approval from the agency's governing body through the adoption of an ordinance was required no later than May 1, 2022.
Following the initial adoption of the policy, agencies are required to publish an annual military equipment report on their website and hold at least one community engagement meeting each year . These meetings provide a forum to facilitate public inquiries and discussions regarding the report. The annual report must include:
• A summary of each type of military equipment , its intended purpose, and how it was used by the agency in the preceding year.
• A summary of any complaints received regarding the equipment.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2 • T he results of any internal audits related to policy violations. • T he total cost and quantity of each type of equipment.
AB 481 further mandates that the governing body annually review and vote on whether to renew the ordinance authorizing the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment.
The Council may choose to renew or not renew the ordinance, revoke authorization for equipment that does not meet required standards or require modifications to the military equipment use policy. These decisions are based on whether the equipment, as detailed in the annual report, complies with policy and meets the standards outlined in California Government Code § 7071(d).
DISCUSSION
AB 481 was enacted to enhance transparency and accountability in the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by state and local law enforcement agencies.
The legislation defines military equipment broadly, including items such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. While drones are widely used by the public in everyday life, law enforcement agencies have effectively deployed them for years to respond to emerging threats, manage civil unrest, map crime scenes, conduct search and rescue operations, and assist in mass casualty incidents. Additionally, several items classified as military equipment under the bill are not traditionally used by the military but instead serve as standard- issue, less- than-lethal tools for peace officers.
While possession of such equipment does not imply routine use, these tools are essential for de -escalating tense situations, stabilizing volatile conditions, and safely resolving critical incidents when necessary.
In accordance with AB 481’s annual reporting requirements, the Burbank Police Department (Department) has completed the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report.
The Department currently possesses 11 types of equipment classified as military equipment under AB 481. All items were acquired through Council -approved budgets or grant funding. This equipment enhances public and officer safety during high-risk incidents, ensures ongoing readiness through continuous training, and supports the Department’s mission to protect life and property. The annual report includes a detailed inventory of the Department’s military equipment, including quantity, authorized use, fiscal impact, and training requirements. It also summarizes how each type of equipment was used and documents any complaints received. In 2024, the Department did not receive any complaints regarding the inventory or use of its equipment.
On December 17, 2024, Council approved the acquisition of additional military equipment, including two unmanned, remotely piloted aircraft (drones) and four PepperBall Variable Kinetic System Carbine Launchers (PepperBall Launchers). As this equipment was not acquired during the 2024 reporting year, it is not reflected in the 2024 Military Equipment 3 Inventory Report. However, the Department will include it in the 2025 report with all relevant details.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Department's 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report was publicly reviewed as an agenda item during the Burbank Police Commission meeting on January 15, 2025. At the meeting, the Department presented key highlights from the report, and the report was officially published on the Department's website the same day.
On February 19, 2025, the Department and the Police Commission co- hosted a community engagement meeting to provide an opportunity for community members to comment on, discuss, and ask questions about the annual report. The meeting was promoted through City and Department websites, social media platforms, and public postings. It was also broadcast live and recorded for future viewing on the City’s website and YouTube channel. During the meeting, the Department presented a summary of the annual report, and community members were invited to provide public comment in person or via telephone. At the conclusion of the presentation, the Police Commission allowed for additional comments and questions. However, no community members attended this year’s meeting, and no callers provided telephonic public comment.
Following the community engagement meeting, the Police Commission held its regular monthly meeting. Commissioners had minimal discussion on the report, equipment, and its usage. The meeting also offered another opportunity for public comment, both in person and via telephone, but no one participated.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The review of the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and renewal of Ordinance 22- 3,974 will not result in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal.
Code Regs §15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. The M ilitary Equipment Annual Report details the fiscal impact associated with each item of equipment in the Department’s inventory . Any future r equests for funding or acquisition of new military equipment will require Council review and approval.
CONCLUSION
The Department remains dedicated to transparency, public trust, and strong community 4 partnerships while ensuring compliance with all legal standards. The 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report upholds these values by providing a detailed overview of the Department’s acquisition, usage, and oversight of military equipment. The report allows residents to better understand how specialized equipment enhances public safety while ensuring its use aligns with community expectations. Through these efforts, the Department strengthens trust and upholds its mission to protect life and property while maintaining the highest standards of service for the Burbank community.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report
Attachment 2 – Ordinance 22-3,974 and Military Equipment Policy Attachment 3 – Assembly Bill 481