DISCUSSION
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 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, commonly referred to as drones) that are regularly 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 the bill 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 situational necessity to effectively de-escalate intense situations or bring volatile conditions and critical incidents to a safe resolution.
In compliance with AB 481, in 2022 the Manteca Police Department (Department) developed a military equipment policy and accompanying military equipment inventory. The policy and inventory were posted for public viewing on the Department’s website and approved by City Council at the April 5, 2022, City Council meeting through the adoption of Ordinance number 2.40.030.
In accordance with the annual requirements set forth in AB 481, the Department completed the 2026 Military Equipment Annual Report. The Department currently possesses 10 types of items that fall under the military equipment classifications delineated in AB 481. All equipment was funded and acquired either through Council- approved annual budgets or grant funding. The availability of this equipment enables the Department to minimize risk to members of the community and officers during dynamic and unfolding high-risk incidents, maintain a state of readiness through continuous training and familiarity with such equipment, and strategically fulfill its mission to protect life and property. The annual report includes an inventory detailing each type of military equipment possessed by the Department and its quantity, authorized use, fiscal impact, and training requirements. The report also summarizes usage of each type of equipment and complaints received regarding the equipment during calendar year 2026.
The Department’s 2026 Military Equipment Annual Report is made available for public review through placement on our website.
On September 22, 2026 members of the Manteca Police Department held a community engagement meeting to provide community members the opportunity to comment on, discuss, and ask questions regarding the annual report; we also had equipment available for viewing. The community engagement meeting was advertised through City and Department websites and postings on City and Department social media platforms and was held at the City’s Council Chambers. The Department presented a summary of the annual report and members of the community had the opportunity to provide comment, discuss the report, and ask questions.
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