1 MOUNTAIN VIEW
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ASSEMBLY BILL 481
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
ANNUAL REPORT
POSTED: April 11, 2025
Attachment 2
2 Background
On September 30, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of eight (8) policing reform bills, including Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) on the acquisition and use of items defined as military equipment. On May 10, 2022, the Mountain View City Council adopted Ordinance No. 7.22 approving Mountain View Police Department Policy 709, Military Equipment (“MVPD Policy 709”) pursuant to AB 481, which was renewed on May 9, 2023.
On May 28, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 6.2024, which adopted an amended MVPD Policy 709.
Summary
In 2024, the Mountain View Police Department (MVPD) had equipment meeting 10 of the 15 categories requiring reporting by AB 481. For the most part, the equipment listed in this report is highly specific in its use, requires authorization and training, and is not carried day-to-day. Even when equipment is taken into the field in certain appropriate circumstances, it is not necessarily used or fired. The majority of equipment use in 2024 was during training and certifications.
The City of Mountain View has not received any complaints or concerns regarding the use or acquisition of the equipment during this reporting period. MVPD has diligently followed MVPD Policy 709, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
In 2024, the department purchased 36 noise-flash diversionary devices to replace expired devices and those used in training at a cost of approximately $3,700. The department additionally purchased 40 40mm Single Shot Sponge Round Launchers at an approximate cost of $42,000. Along with the 40mm launchers, 500 sponge rounds were purchased at a cost of approximately $11,000. Unless otherwise noted, all the costs for the equipment listed in the tables below are funded in the Police Department budget from the City’s General Operating Fund.
Plans for future equipment purchases meeting the reporting requirements of AB 481 include incidental purchases to replace or replenish equipment used throughout the year for existing items. In addition, a proposed item has been included in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to purchase an Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV). An ARV would provide a safe, robust, rapid response option in emergency situations where there is a risk of gunfire, violent confrontations, or hazardous conditions (such as active shooter events, dangerous rescues, high-risk warrant services, and natural disasters). An ARV can shield first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police, from harm and can help safely extract injured or trapped individuals from dangerous areas. Having an ARV in Mountain View will enable timely and reliable response rather than having to rely on the availability of and wait for mutual aid.
Although the military equipment category for the ARV, category 3, contains a broad range of possible equipment types, including traditional military vehicles such as “Humvees,” the proposed ARV is not designed for traditional military use. Instead, it is a purpose-built public safety vehicle constructed on a standard Ford F-550 chassis.
3 MVPD does not possess any equipment related to the 1033 Department of Defense program. All equipment that was previously possessed as part of this program has been returned. In addition, any items listed from the 2023 report that have been removed from the tables below are no longer in the possession of MVPD.
Introduction
As required by AB 481, City Ordinance 6.2024, and MVPD Policy 709, MVPD must prepare an annual report on the use of each type of military equipment approved in the Policy over the last year. Subsequently, the City Council must review the Ordinance, Policy, and AB 481 Annual Report and determine whether MVPD’s use of the defined military equipment in the past year complied with the Policy.
AB 481 requires police departments to identify, at a minimum, six (6) elements in their annual reports for each type of equipment:
1. Summary of how each type of equipment was used and the purpose of that use.
2. Summary of complaints or concerns received for each type of equipment.
3. Information disclosing violations of military equipment policies and actions taken in response as well as the result of internal audits.
4. Annual costs for each type of 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 report.
5. Quantity possessed of each type of equipment.
6. Plans to acquire additional military equipment in the coming year and the quantity sought.
In 2024, MVPD has equipment meeting eight of the 15 categories set forth in AB 481 and MVPD Policy 709, indicated below in bold. In 2025, the Department proposes purchasing an ARV, which would add a new category, category 3, shown below in bold italic:
Category 1: Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles.
Category 2: Mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. However, police versions of standard consumer vehicles are specifically excluded from this subdivision.
*Category 3: High-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), commonly referred to as “Humvees,” two and one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. However, unarmored all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorized dirt bikes are specifically excluded from this subdivision.
4 Category 4: Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants and utilize a tracked system instead of wheels for forward motion.
Category 5: Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units.
Category 6: Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind.
Category 7: Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature.
However, items designed to remove a lock, such as bolt cutters or a handheld ram designed to be operated by one person, are specifically excluded from this subdivision.
Category 8: Firearms of .50-caliber or greater. However, standard-issue shotguns are specifically excluded from this subdivision.
Category 9: Ammunition of .50-caliber or greater. However, standard-issue shotgun ammunition is specifically excluded from this subdivision.
Category 10: Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50-caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, with the exception of standard-issue service weapons and ammunition of less than .50-caliber that are issued to officers, agents, or employees of a law enforcement agency or a state agency.
Category 11: Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles.
Category 12: “Flashbang” grenades and explosive breaching tools, “tear gas,” and “pepper balls,” excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
Category 13: Taser Shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannons, and the Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).
Category 14: The following projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: 40-millimeter projectile launchers, “bean bag,” rubber bullet, and specialty impact munition (SIM) weapons.
Category 15: Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require additional oversight.
* Although the military equipment category for the ARV, category 3, contains a broad range of possible equipment types, including traditional military vehicles such as “Humvees” the proposed ARV is not designed for traditional military use. Instead, it is a purpose-built public safety vehicle constructed on a standard Ford F-550 chassis.
5 Military Equipment
The tables on the following pages provide the required information regarding Quantity, Costs, Summary Use and Purpose, Complaints, Policy Violations, and Future Purchases. The cost column includes any expenditures in 2024 as well as the original acquisition cost, noted in the table with an asterisk (*).
Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints Policy Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 1: Unmanned, Remotely Piloted, Powered Aerial or Ground Vehicles
Mavic 2
Enterprise
Dual with
Forward-
Looking
Infrared
Unmanned
Aerial
System
(UAS)
2 *$14,861.31
(when
purchased
in 2020)
$0 cost in 2024
In 2024, this Unmanned Aerial
System (UAS) platform was used in
two (2) public outreach flights.
This platform is generally used for
training missions, pilot training,
and public demonstrations. These
systems provide valuable training
for department staff and can be
utilized for public safety missions
and enhancing officer safety by
enabling remote monitoring of
hazardous situations. Additionally,
they support City departments in
tasks like fire suppression and
building inspections.
None None None
planned
DJI Matrice
30T
Drone with
Thermal
Camera
2 *$33,986.81
(when
purchased in
2023)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, this Unmanned Aerial
System (UAS) was deployed for
training, assisting outside
agencies/task forces,
investigations, special operations,
patrol support, and public
outreach. 65 flights in total were
conducted (41 missions and 24
training flights). Flights included
searching for violent and property
crime suspects, missing children,
and supporting special operations.
In addition, the drone captured
media for the MVFD 150th
Anniversary parade as well as
supporting the department’s media
content. This equipment enhances
officer safety by enabling remote
observation of potentially
dangerous situations and is
versatile in applications.
None None None
planned
6 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
Loki MK2 EU
Drones
2 *$13,693.80
(when
purchased in
2023)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, this UAS platform was
deployed for training, assisting
external agencies, community
presentations, and supporting
SWAT and investigations in
executing search warrants. This
equipment enhances officer safety
by allowing remote observation of
dangerous situations, thus
reducing risks to personnel. Their
primary use is for suspect searches
within buildings.
The estimated number of
deployments in 2024 were 15
times in training and five times in
the field
None None None
planned
DJI Mavic
3T
Wide/Zoo
m/Thermal
Camera
UAS
1 *$6,157
(when
purchased in
2023)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, this UAS platform was
used 71 times (28 times for
training and 43 times in support of
department operations in the
field). This UAS platform enhances
officer safety by enabling remote
assessment of risks, thereby
reducing potential harm to
personnel. It serves various
purposes, including documenting
crime scenes, suspect and missing
person searches, interagency
support, and tasks like aerial
surveillance for firefighting
support, building inspections, or
aerial photography.
None None None
planned
Robotex
Avatar Robot
1 *$12,389.21
(when
purchased
in 2011)
$0 cost in 2024
In 2024, this robot was deployed in
the field once and used in training
ten (10) times. It enters the
dwelling ahead of officers based on
intelligence to gather visual/audio
information safely, enhancing
safety for individuals and officers.
Only trained, assigned operators
can operate the robot.
None None None
planned
7 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints Policy Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 3: mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), two-and-one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached.
Terradyne
Armored Rescue
Vehicle (ARV)
(Proposed in
2024-25)
1 $382,200 An ARV would provide a safe,
robust, rapid response option in
emergency situations where
there is a risk of gunfire, violent
confrontations, or hazardous
conditions (such as active
shooter events, riots,
dangerous rescues, high-risk
warrant services, and natural
disasters). An ARV can shield
first responders, such as
paramedics, firefighters, and
police, from harm and can help
safely extract injured or trapped
individuals from dangerous
areas.
None None Proposed in
Fiscal Year
2025-26
Budget.
*The purchase of the ARV is proposed in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget to be funded from the City’s General Operating Fund, Federal and State Asset Forfeiture Funds, and the Shoreline Regional Park Community Fund.
Although the military equipment category for the ARV, category 3, contains, a broad range of possible equipment types, including traditional military vehicles such as “Humvees” the proposed a ARV is not designed for traditional military use. Instead, it is a purpose-built public safety vehicle constructed on a standard Ford F-550 chassis
8 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchase
s
Category 5: Command and Control Vehicles that are Either Built or Modified to Facilitate the Operational Control and Direction of Public Safety Units
Mobile
Command
Control
Vehicle (MCV)
1 *$536,000
(when
purchased in
2016)
$581.60
maintenance
and repair
costs in 2024
In 2024, the Mobile Command
Vehicle (MCV) was deployed to
large concerts, SWAT/Crisis
Negotiation Team training, Google
I/O, and driver familiarization
exercises. It provides command
and control capabilities and
workspaces for the Incident
Commander at both on-scene and
remote locations, supporting
incident and event management.
None None None
planned
SWAT
Command
Vehicle
1 * $229,884
(when purchased
in 2015)
$8,616.94
maintenance
and repair
costs in 2024
In 2024, the SWAT Command
Vehicle was deployed in the field
three times and was used in
monthly SWAT training. It
provides command and control
capabilities for the SWAT
Commander, transports SWAT
personnel and equipment,
facilitates training, and provides
a safe environment for
emergency medical and tactical
medic staff.
None None None
planned
Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 7: Battering Rams, Slugs, and Explosive Breaching Apparatuses
Explosive
Breaching
Initiator
2 *$200
(when
purchased in
2002)
$0 cost in
2024
Explosive breaching
equipment was used only in
training in 2024. None of the
other equipment was used in
2024.
This equipment enables safe,
quick entry into structures, is
restricted to SWAT incidents,
and requires Incident
Commander authorization for
deployment.
None None The
department
anticipates
purchasing
replacements
for
equipment
used in
training or
operations at
an estimated
cost of
$1,000.
Nonel MS
(blasting
cap)
136 *$3.75 each
(when
purchased in
2002)
$0 cost in
2024
9 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and
Purpose
Complaints Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 9: Ammunition of .50-Caliber or Greater
.50-Caliber
Ammunition
590
Rounds*
*$4,300
(when
purchased
in 2021)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, the Barret .50-caliber
ammunition was not used for
training nor deployed in the
field. The rifle is compatible
with various ammunition types
for different uses (see
Category 8).
None None None
planned
Primacord
(50 grains
per foot)—
primary
explosive
2,980’ *$695 for
2,000’
(when
purchased in
2002)
$0 cost in
2024
Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints Policy Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 8: Firearms of .50-Caliber or Greater (Excludes Standard-Issue Shotguns and Standard-Issued Shotgun Ammunition)
.50-Caliber
Semiautomatic
Rifle
1 The Barrett
.50 caliber
sniper rifle
was seized in
2006 during
a criminal
investigation
and now
belongs to
the MVPD.
$0 cost in
2024
The Barret .50-caliber rifle was
not used for training or
deployed in the field in 2024. It
is designed for specific strategic
and tactical purposes, such as
stopping weaponized vehicles,
penetrating heavy glass, or
neutralizing protected snipers.
It uses various ammunition
types to suit different
scenarios.
None None None
planned
10 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 10: Specialized Firearms and Ammunition of Less than .50-Caliber
.308-Caliber
Sniper Rifle
2 *$7,518
(when
purchased
in 2021)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, this firearm was not
deployed in the field. The
SWAT team trained monthly
with this sniper rifle. The rifle’s
primary functions are incident
observation and immediate
threat assessment.
None None None planned
.308-Caliber
Ammunition
1,600
rounds
*$3,300
(when
purchased
in 2022)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, the sniper rifle
ammunition was not deployed in
the field. 400 rounds were used for
qualification and training.
None None The
department
anticipates
purchasing ap
-proximately
$2,000 in
ammunition
(approximately
1,000 rounds)
in 2025.
B-West AK-47
.762
Semiautomatic
Rifle
1 *$500
(when
purchased
in 2008)
$0 cost in
2024
The B-West AK-47 was acquired in
lieu of destruction in 2008 and
used for operator weapons
systems familiarity and weapons
systems capabilities. This rifle is
currently in inventory and stored
as surplus.
None None None
planned
Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
M4 .223
Carbine
Semiautomatic
Rifle
12 *$18,000
(when
purchased
in 2018)
$0 cost in
2024
In 2024, the SWAT team
deployed the M4 Carbines in
the field three (3) times, but
they were not fired. The M4
Carbines were used at
mandatory training and
qualifications. It is the primary
weapon for each SWAT
operator.
None None None planned
M4 .223 Rifle,
Semi- and
Fully
Automatic
2 *$3,000
(when
purchased
in 2000)
$0 cost in
2024
The M4 .223 semi- and fully
automatic rifles were not
deployed in the field or in
training in 2024. These rifles
were the previously assigned
SWAT operator primary
weapon.
None None None planned
11 HK MP5
Suppressed
9mm
Submachine
Gun
1 *$2,700
(when
purchased
in 1994)
$0 cost in
2024
The HK MP5 suppressed 9mm
submachine gun, acquired for
concealed carry by plainclothes
SWAT operators, was used only
in training in 2024 and is stored
as surplus in inventory.
None None None planned
HK .308
Rifle
1 *$5,000
(when
purchased
in 2010)
$0 cost in
2024
The HK .308 rifle was not
deployed in the field or used in
training in 2024. This firearm is
stored as surplus in inventory.
None None None planned
Remington
870
Breaching
Shotgun
1 *$800
(when
purchased
prior to
1995)
$0 cost in
2024
The Remington 870 breaching
shotgun, designed for
defeating locks and hinges for
emergency entry, was neither
deployed in the field nor in
training in 2024 and is stored
as surplus in inventory.
None None None planned
Steyr AUG
.223 Rifle
1 *$2,000
(when
purchased
prior to
2010)
$0 cost in
2024
The Steyr AUG .223 rifle,
converted for blank
ammunition use in scenario
training, was not deployed in
the field or in training in 2024.
None None None planned
12 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints
Policy
Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 12: Noise Flash Diversionary Device and Chemical Munitions
Chemical
Munitions
141* *$4,800
(when
purchased
in 2018)
$0 cost in
2024
Chemical munitions were
deployed in the field but not fired
and were used only in training to
ensure certification and
proficiency in 2024. This includes
various chemical deployment
munition systems. These
munitions are used primarily as a
nonlethal tool to disperse rioting
and barricaded suspects.
SWAT members spend about four
(4) hours on chemical munitions
training.
None None Additional
purchases
may be made
in 2025 to
replace used
and/or
expired
equipment.
The
estimated
cost is
$5,000.
Noise Flash
Diversionary
Device (NFDD)
58 *$4,407
(when
purchased
in 2018 &
2023)
$3,700 to
purchase
36 in 2024
NFDDs were deployed in the
field but not detonated. They
were used in training to ensure
certification and proficiency.
They serve to distract or
disorient threats, aiding officers
in managing dangerous
situations.
SWAT members spent
approximately eight hours
training with NFDDs in 2024.
None None None
planned
13 Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints Policy Violations
Future
Purchases
Category 14: Kinetic Energy Weapons and Specialty Munitions
FN303 .68
Launcher
2 *$2,400
(when
purchased
prior to
2010)
$0 cost in
2024
The FN303 .68 launcher was only
used for training in 2024. It fires
.68-caliber projectiles, such as
impact, marker, chemical, powder,
and training rounds, to prevent
suspect access to protected areas,
control suspect movement, cease
suspect actions, or disable or
disorient suspects.
None None None planned
.68-Caliber
Projectiles
900 *$4,443
(when
purchased
in 2023)
$0 cost
in
2024
These munitions were deployed
only in training, and are a non-
lethal option used to deescalate
conflict.
None None None planned
Equipment
Name
Qty Cost Summary of Use and Purpose Complaints Policy Violations
Future
Purchases
40mm LMT
Single-Shot
Sponge
Round
Launcher
42 *$1,800
(when
purchased
)
$42,000
cost in
2024 to
purchase
40. The 40mm LMT Single-Shot Sponge
Round Launchers were deployed in
the field but not fired except at
mandatory training and
qualifications. This equipment
provides the option for gaining
compliance through less-lethal
munitions.
None None None planned
40mm LMT
4-Shot
Multi-
Launcher
1 *$2,300
(when
purchased
)
$0 cost in
2024
The 40mm LMT 4-Shot Multi-
Launcher was deployed in the field
but not fired except at mandatory
training and qualifications. This
equipment provides the option for
gaining compliance through less-
lethal munitions.
None None None
planned
40mm
Sponge
Round
300
*$1,980
(when
purchased
)
$11,000
cost to
purchase
500 in
2024
These projectiles were deployed in
the field but not fired. They were
used for training and qualification
purposes.
Projectiles fired with the launchers
are used to prompt individuals to
stop their actions when deemed a
reasonable option.
None None The
department
plans to
purchase 300
rounds in
2025 for
approximately
$8,000
14 40mm
Less- Lethal
Sponge
Round with
Chemical
Agent
39 *$720
when
purchased
in 2020)
$0 cost in
2024
These projectiles were deployed in
the field but not fired except at
40mm training and qualification.
Projectiles fired with the launchers
are used for the purpose stated
above.
None None None planned
40mm
Less-Lethal
Sponge
Round with
Chemical
Agent
20 *360
when
purchased
in 2020)
$0 cost in
2024
These projectiles were deployed in
the field but not fired.
Projectiles fired with the launchers
are used for the purpose stated
above.
None None None planned
12-Gauge
Shotgun
Chemical
Munition
Launcher
1 *$400
(when
purchased
prior to
1995)
$0 cost in
2024
The 12-Gauge Shotgun Chemical
Munition Launcher was deployed
in the field but not fired except at
training. This equipment is used as
a non-lethal option to deescalate
conflict.
None None None
planned
12-Gauge
Shotgun
Beanbag
Launcher
37 *$14,800
(when
purchased
prior to
1995)
$0 cost in
2024
The 12-Gauge Shotgun Beanbag
Launchers were deployed in the
field and for training and
qualification. They were not fired
in 2024. This equipment offers
less-lethal means to disable or
disorient suspects and compel
them to cease their actions and is
standard issue for all patrol
Officers.
None None None planned
12-Gauge
Beanbag
Impact
Munition
400 *$3,000
(when
purchased
in 2023)
$0 cost in
2024
Beanbag Munitions were deployed
in the field but not fired except for
training and qualification in 2024.
These rounds are deployed with
each 12-Gauge Beanbag Launcher
as described above.
None None Due to no
longer having
this weapons
system, there
are no plans to
purchase
more
15 SAGE
37mm
Projectile
Launcher
3 *$2,325
(when
purchased
prior to
2000)
$0 cost in
2024.
The SAGE 37mm Projectile
Launcher was not deployed in the
field or in training. It launches less-
lethal munitions and is currently
stored as surplus in inventory.
None None None
planned
Sage
37mm
Impact
Munition
50 *$500
(when
purchased
prior to
2000)
$0 cost in
2024
37mm impact munitions were not
deployed in the field nor used in
training in 2024. Rounds for the
above launcher systems offer an
additional less-lethal option and
are currently stored as surplus.
None None None
planned
* Purchased or acquired in previous fiscal years.
Conclusion
This Assembly Bill 481 Annual Military Equipment Use Report is designed to ensure compliance with the law and Mountain View Police Department policies. The equipment, purpose, and training outlined in this report are essential in helping Mountain View officers maintain community safety. The department is committed to using this equipment responsibly, as it enhances the ability to deliver professional and efficient service during incidents that require a strategic law enforcement response.