CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JUNE 24, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT, AS REQUIRED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 481
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Police Department
SUMMARY:
This action will approve the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report, as required by Assembly Bill 481 and pursuant to California Government Code Section 7072.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Palm Springs Police Department Annual Military Equipment Report, pursuant to California Government Code Section 7072.
BACKGROUND:
Assembly Bill 481 was signed into law on September 30, 2021, and became effective on January 1, 2022. AB 481 addresses the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment by law enforcement agencies, as defined in Government Code section 7070.
On June 16, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2064, adopting Palm Springs Police Department Policy No. 709, Military Equipment, in accordance with AB 481. Policy No. 709, included as Attachment A, provides guidelines for the approval, acquisition, use, reporting, oversight, and public transparency requirements related to qualifying military equipment.
Government Code section 7072 requires any law enforcement agency that receives approval for a military equipment use policy to submit an annual military equipment report to the governing body for each type of military equipment approved by the governing body. The report must be submitted within one year of approval and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment remains available for use. The law enforcement agency must also make the annual report publicly available on its website for as long as the equipment remains available for use.
City Council Staff Report
June 24, 2026 -- Page 2
Annual Military Equipment Report
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The Police Department has prepared its Annual Military Equipment Report, included as Attachment B, in accordance with Assembly Bill 481, Government Code section 7072, and Department Policy No. 709. The annual report is required to provide the quantity possessed for each type of miliary equipment, a summary of how the Department’s military equipment was used and purpose of its use, any complaints or concerns received, results of any internal audits, information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response. The annual report also reflects the estimated total annual cost for each type of military 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 military equipment report. Government Code section 7072 mandates that the annual report include the quantity of each type of military equipment that is sought, if the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year.
The equipment identified in the annual report supports the Department’s ability to respond to critical incidents, high-risk tactical operations, natural disasters, search-and-rescue operations, and other public safety incidents where specialized equipment may be needed to protect community members, officers, and involved individuals. The Department recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability when possessing and using equipment defined as military equipment under AB 481.
As required by AB 481 and Policy No. 709, the annual report has been made publicly available on the Police Department’s Transparency Portal (website). Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the annual report, the Department will hold at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting. During that meeting, the public will have an opportunity to discuss the report and ask questions regarding the Department’s funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment.
This item does not request approval of new military equipment, adoption of a new military equipment use policy, or an amendment to the existing policy. Staff recommends approval of the annual report as required by Government Code section 7072.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Public Safety and Community Services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to this item. Costs associated with the use, maintenance, training, storage, replacement, or acquisition of military equipment are identified in the City Council Staff Report
June 24, 2026 -- Page 3
Annual Military Equipment Report
annual report and will continue to follow all applicable City of Palm Springs budget, procurement, and approval processes.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Andrew G. Mills
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Palm Springs Police Department Policy No. 709
B. Palm Springs Police Department Annual Military Equipment Report - 2025