Rialto Police Department
Chief Mark P. Kling
AB 481 – Military Equipment Use
California Assembly Bill 481
Enacted January 1, 2022
Government Code 7070-7075
Declares that the acquisition and deployment of military equipment adversely impacts the public’s safety and welfare Requires adoption of Military Equipment Use Policy by governing body by May 1, 2022 to continue use of military equipment
Military Equipment – CGC 7070
Unmanned Aerial or Ground Vehicles
Armored Personnel Carriers
Specialized Firearms less than 50 caliber
Flashbang Light-Sound Diversionary Devices
Explosive Breaching Tools
Tear Gas
40 mm Projectile Launchers
Bean Bag Shotguns
Military Equipment Use Policy
Posted on Rialto Police Department website on March 16, 2022 Governs use and reporting of military equipment
Itemized list of equipment outlined in CGC 7070
Several items currently used as de-escalation tools
Military Equipment De-Escalation Tools
Unmanned Aerial and Ground Vehicles
Drones – Safely Provide Overhead Observation
Crowd Monitoring
Reconnaissance During Critical Incidents
Area Searches
Robots – Safely Deployed in Lieu of Officers
High Risk Enclosed Areas
Move Potentially Hazardous Items
Communicate With Dangerous Subjects
De-Escalation Tools - Continued
Tear Gas
Eye and Respiratory Irritant
Deployed to Force Surrender of Barricaded Subjects
Safe Alternative to Officers Entering Dangerous Environment 40 mm Projectile Launchers / Bean Bag Shotguns
Less Than Lethal Impact Munitions (Foam, Rubber, Bean Bags) Deployed From a Greater Distance, Offering Increased Safety Proven Effective Alternative Option to Lethal Force when Reasonable Surrender of Violent Subjects with Minimal Injury
Conclusion
Items deemed as “Military Equipment” by AB 481 are components of overall best practices by law enforcement agencies across the nation.
The lack of these tools will significantly inhibit the ability to safeguard the public’s welfare and will subject officers and citizens to unnecessary harm.
Many of these tools are proven effective alternatives to the use of lethal force, and are integral to the preservation of life.