Administrative
Report
H.19., File # 24-1301 Meeting Date: 9/3/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
RECEIVE AND FILE THE REDONDO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT, IN COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE 3, CHAPTER 16 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND ASSEMBLY BILL 481
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 30, 2021, the Governor of the State of California signed into law Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481), which requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from the applicable governing body, via adoption of a “military equipment” use policy by ordinance, before acquiring or using certain equipment defined in the Bill, and to provide an annual report on the status and compliance of the equipment’s use. In FY 2023-24 the Police Department did not acquire any new military equipment or use any listed equipment outside of the established policy. Per AB 481, this report, and the updated equipment list, are posted and available on the Redondo Beach Police Department website.
BACKGROUND
On August 9, 2022, the City Council adopted an ordinance governing the use of Military Equipment by the Police Department and approved the Military Equipment Use Policy. The Police Department is committed to using the most up-to-date tools and equipment to safeguard citizens. Many of the items deemed to be “military equipment” by AB 481 are in fact employed by the Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies across the country, in order to specifically reduce risk to community members. These items provide law enforcement with a spectrum of options to resolve tense situations that may otherwise escalate to a higher level of force. The items listed in this report, and the attached Military Equipment Use Policy, also provide members of the Police Department vital tools that facilitate compliance with the Police Department’s use of force policy. None of the equipment in the Redondo Beach Police Department’s inventory has been obtained from the military, nor is it solely designated for military use.
Significant interest exists in ensuring that law enforcement has access to equipment that will provide peace officers as many options as reasonably possible to safeguard lives, ensure safety, and protect civil liberties of all people. The use of the tools identified in the equipment list are vital to the vision and mission of the Police Department and will continue to be strictly regulated through internal processes and oversight.
There are no reasonable alternatives to the applicable equipment items listed that are currently in use by the Police Department. Additionally, the Police Department has not discovered alternative items that can achieve the same safety objectives. Any use of what has been deemed “military
H.19., File # 24-1301 Meeting Date: 9/3/2024
items that can achieve the same safety objectives. Any use of what has been deemed “military equipment” by AB 481 must be reasonably necessary and conform to all applicable laws and Police Department policy sections. The facts and circumstances surrounding any incident must be carefully weighed and considered in the totality of the circumstances before authorizing the use of the listed equipment.
The Annual Military Equipment Reports reaffirm the Police Department’s commitment to transparency by providing comprehensive information to ensure compliance with California State law. The equipment, resources, and training outlined in this report allow Redondo Beach Police Officers to better serve and protect the City of Redondo Beach, enhance the safety of officers and community, as well as bring critical incidents to safe resolutions.
The Police Department has not received any community complaints, concerns, or internal investigations related to the use of military equipment since adoption of the Ordinance. The Police Department utilized military equipment in FY 2023-24 for pre-planned tactical training, Drone First Responder deployments, and four search warrant services. The Police Department maintains documentation of all equipment use, and all use of the listed equipment in FY 2023-24 complied with the Military Equipment Use Policy. In FY 2024-25, the Police Department projects the purchase of breaching rounds, 40MM sponge rounds, and gas munitions to replenish inventory used during training and operations at an estimated total amount of $5,300. These expected expenditures are included in the Police Department FY 2024-25 operating budget.
The Police Department has scheduled a virtual community meeting for September 15, 2024, from 2:00-3:00 PM to discuss the annual report and to answer any questions. The link for the meeting is available on the Police Department’s website.
COORDINATION
The Police Department collaborated internally with the various users of the listed equipment to develop this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the update of the equipment list and completion of this report. Any purchases of listed equipment to maintain acceptable inventory levels are included in the FY 2024-25 Police Department operating budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Report - RBPD AB 481 Compliance Inventory, FY 2024-25 · Report - RBPD AB 481 Compliance Inventory, FY 2023-24 · RMBC Title 3, Chapter 16.01 - Military Equipment Use Policy · Redondo Beach Police Department Policy 705 - Military Equipment Policy
H.19., File # 24-1301 Meeting Date: 9/3/2024
· AB 481 Bill, Approved September 30, 2021