CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
April 15, 2025 {{section.number}}c
ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
RECOMMENDATION:
Review the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report and extend the Military Equipment Use Policy through adoption of a resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Effective January 1, 2022, Assembly Bill 481 (codified in Government Code §§7070, et seq.) requires legislative bodies to adopt ordinances approving military equipment use policies before law enforcement agencies can continue to engage in specified activities related to the use of what the state legislature has now defined as “military equipment” in Government Code §7070. The Coronado Police Department has several pieces qualifying as “military equipment” in inventory and engages in critical public safety activities in coordination with other local jurisdictions. On April 19, 2022, the Coronado City Council adopted an ordinance adding Section 3.68.030 to the Coronado Municipal Code, approving a Military Equipment Use Policy for Police Services.
ANALYSIS:
The Police Department is responsible for ensuring that all provisions of Government Code §7071 and §7072 are met. The City Council is required by law to review the ordinance and policy at least annually and have the opportunity to renew it or make any necessary changes.
The annual policy approves the continued use of equipment currently in the Police Department’s inventory by authorized and trained personnel when the use is necessary to maintain public safety.
The Coronado Police Department does not plan to purchase any military equipment during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. However, should an incident occur during FY 2025-26 requiring the use of Less Lethal 40mm Sponge or Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) projectiles, the Coronado Police Department would need to purchase replacement projectiles to maintain the on-hand inventory of 140 sponge and 40 OC projectiles.
The policy approval would also allow the continued collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the City. The Police Department works closely with other local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies with San Diego County on police-related matters, including safeguarding the public’s welfare and safety, working on regional task forces, conducting training exercises, providing mutual aid and responding to emergencies. In certain circumstances, there arises a need to deploy military equipment from, or lend military equipment to, outside entities to promote the safety and security of community members.
A full inventory of the Police Department’s military equipment is contained in the Annual Report attached. Government Code §7071(d)(1) sets forth the findings that the City Council must make in order to annually approve the policy and ordinance. The City Council can make the required findings because:
1. Authorizing the use of military equipment is necessary because there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. The acquisition and use of this equipment is part of the Coronado Police Department’s overall approach to Critical Incident Management, Use of Force, De-Escalation and public safety. The equipment will enable department members to properly respond to both planned and unplanned events efficiently and effectively.
2. The proposed Military Equipment Use Policy will safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties by ensuring required reporting out, the opportunity for community engagement and feedback, and transparency and oversight regarding the acquisition and use of the specified military equipment in the City of Coronado
3. For the proposed equipment purchases, the equipment is reasonably cost-effective compared to available alternatives that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety.
4. Prior military equipment use has complied with the military equipment use policy that was in effect at the time.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There would not be any new, unplanned direct fiscal impacts to continuing the use of equipment already in the Police Department's inventory or continuing to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, including under mutual aid agreements. Maintenance costs of existing equipment is within the Department's budget and is as follows: a. Mobile Command Vehicle (1) - approximately $3,000 annually. b. Field Supervisor Vehicles (2) - approximately $6,000 annually. c. 40 mm Launchers - approximately $50 annually for each launcher (total of 18) d. Patrol Rifles - approximately $50 annually for each rifle (total of 47). Rounds for the 40 mm Launchers and ammunition for the patrol rifles are purchased as needed for replacement due to training needs and as a result of any use in the field, in order to maintain the listed supply. There will be staff time associated with compliance, annual review, reporting, and community engagement meetings, all of which are required pursuant to applicable provisions of the Government Code.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may decline to extend or renew the Military Equipment Use Policy or make changes to the existing policy.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
The proposed Military Equipment annual report was made public via the Police Department's website at least 30 days prior to the April 15, 2025, Council Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 2025-11 and Exhibit A - Military Equipment Use Policy
2. Coronado Municipal Code Section 3.68.030
Submitted By: Police Services Department / Erica Trevino