ORDINANCE UPDATING
MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICIES
IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 481
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 14, 2022
Item 5.1
SUMMARY
• Tonight, we are seeking City Council approval for use of “Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations”, known as Drones, and categorized as military style equipment as defined in California Government Code Sections 7070-7075;
• Staff will explain the use policy for the UAS/Drones and how it will be utilized by the Lathrop Police Department in order to maintain public safety and the highest quality of police service to our community.
BACKGROUND
On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed into law 7 major peace officer reform bills, including Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481), to address the funding, acquisition and use of items lawmakers deem to be considered military equipment.
AB 481 codified in GC Sections 7070-7075, requires local Police Departments to implement a new military equipment use policy via ordinance, prior to taking certain actions relating to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment.
BACKGROUND
On June 13, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance 22-436, amending Title 9 “Public Peace and Welfare” of the Lathrop Municipal Code (LMC) by adding Chapter 9.20 titled “Military Equipment Use Policy” to establish a policy for the proper use, funding and acquisition of military style equipment.
Military Equipment Use Policy No. 706 referenced by Ordinance 22-436 authorized the Police Department to fund, acquire, and use thirty-five 5.56mm semiautomatic rifles and ammo, and eight 40mm launchers and rounds.
BACKGROUND
Tonight, staff is requesting Council’s approval for the use, funding and acquisition of four (4) unmanned aerial systems (known as drones). A public hearing is required to consider the ordinance amending Chapter 9.20 titled “Military Equipment Use Policy”, of Title 9 “Public Peace and Welfare” of the LMC, by adding new Section 9.20.050 titled “Active Policies”
The new Section will incorporate by reference both Military Equipment Use Policies: (existing) Policy No. 706, reviewed and approved in June; and new / proposed Policy No. 606
WHAT ARE DRONES?
Matrice 30T
Mini 2 Mavic 2
These drones are also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING DRONES?
• Search and Rescue (SAR) & Natural Disaster Response Missions • Crowd Monitoring and Surveillance
• Traffic Collision Investigation and Reconstruction
• Clear Buildings / Location to Navigate Unsafe Areas
• Crime Scene Analysis & Reconstruction
• Investigate Active Shooter Incidents / Armed and Dangerous Suspects • Collaboration with law enforcement agencies in critical operations
TYPE & COST
Quantity Name
2 DJI Mini 2 Drone
1 Mavic 2
1 DJI Matrice 30T
Initial cost is approximately $38,485.08;
ongoing costs for maintenance may vary; most
maintenance needs will be covered by
department staff.
Associated Miscellaneous Costs
• Remote Control
• Protective Cases
• Intelligent Battery Packs
• Spotlights
• Speakers
• Data Platform
PUBLIC HEARING & QUESTIONS
Questions from Council
Open Public Hearing