AB 481: Military Equipment Annual
Report
Captain John Lopez
May 7, 2024
Agenda
• Introduction & Mission Statement
• Assembly Bill 481
• Definitions of Military Equipment
• Richmond Police Department’s Equipment Inventory
• Equipment Use Summary
• Projected Acquisitions for 2024
• Summary of Complaints / Concerns for 2023
• Fiscal Impact & Training Cost
• Final Thoughts
• Questions & Answers
Introduction & Mission
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Richmond Police
Department is to prevent crime and
maintain order.
We work in partnership with our
diverse community to help solve
neighborhood problems, address root
causes of crime and improve the
quality of life in Richmond.
We strive to perform in a manner that
promotes public trust, confidence and
a sense of safety and security.
What is Assembly Bill 481
“Military Equipment” means the
following:
1. U n m a n n e d a e r i a l o r g r o u n d v e h i c l e s
2. M R A P v e h i c l e s
3. H u m v e e s / V e h i c l e s w i t h b r e a c h i n g
4. T r a c k e d a r m o r e d v e h i c l e s
5. C o m m a n d a n d c o n t r o l v e h i c l e s
6. W e a p o n i z e d a i r c r a f t , v e s s e l s
7. B r e a c h i n g a p p a r a t u s e x p l o s i v e i n n a t u r e
8. F i r e a r m s & a m m o o f . 5 0 c a l i b e r o r g r e a t e r
9. A s s a u l t w e a p o n s l e s s t h a n . 5 0 c a l i b e r
10. A n y f i r e a r m o r a c c e s s o r y d e s i g n e d t o l a u n c h e x p l o s i v e p r o j e c t i l e s
11. D i v i s i o n a r y d e v i c e s & e x p l o s i v e b r e a c h i n g
12. M u n i t i o n s c o n t a i n i n g t e a r g a s o r O C
13. T a s e r S h o c k w a v e , m i c r o w a v e w e a p o n s , L R A D s
14. K i n e t i c e n e r g y w e a p o n s a n d m u n i t i o n s ( 4 0 m m l a u n c h e r , b e a n b a g s h o t g u n , f o a m t i p p e d p r o j e c t i l e s )
15. A n y o t h e r e q u i p m e n t a s d e t e r m i n e d b y a g o v e r n i n g b o d y t o r e q u i r e o v e r s i g h t The Purpose of the
Equipment
While the Richmond Police Department’s inventory of “military equipment” is varied, the mere possession of the equipment does not warrant its use for every incident. The Richmond Police Department recognizes that critical incidents are unpredictable and can be very dynamic in nature.
A variety of military equipment options can greatly assist incident commanders, officers, and specific units in bringing those incidents to a swift resolution in a safe manner. The use of military equipment is restricted for use only in certain instances and in some cases only by certain units.
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 1 – Robot & Unmanned Aircraft
Tactical Robot
Small Unmanned Tracked Robots: An unmanned tracked robot of any type that is capable of being remotely controlled as well as all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or by any other means.
Capability: Small Unmanned Tracked Robots can support first responders in any hazardous incident which would benefit from a ground level perspective. These uses could include barricaded suspects or high-risk tactical operations, disaster response, and use in crawl spaces or confined isolated areas to assist in searches for suspects or evidence.
Usage: Small Unmanned Tracked Robots are to be used exclusively by the SWAT unit during high risk operations.
Quantity: 1
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Description: An unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether pre-programmed or remotely controlled, and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or by any other means.
Capability: UAS can support first responders in any hazardous incident which would benefit from an aerial perspective. These uses could include search and rescue, barricaded suspects or high-risk tactical operations, disaster response, and video and photographic documentation of crime scenes.
Usage: Any use of a UAS will be in strict accordance with constitutional and privacy rights and FAA regulations. Only authorized operators who have completed the required training shall be permitted to operate the UAS.
Quantity: 8
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 5 – Mobile Command Center
Mobile Command Vehicle
Mobile Command Vehicles: Completely self-contained command posts designed to provide the Incident Commander with a mobile base of operation. Some majo r incidents engender special management challenges and require an on-site incident command structure to assist senior personnel in addressing the circumstance presented by the inciden t. The Mobile Command Center is a vital component to the police mission when major emergencies, natural and man-made disasters or special events in the community trigger the mobilization and coordination of significant resources in the field. Its primary use is to facilitate the management and coordination of personnel, communications, and equipment resources at complex incidents.
Capability: As a mobile base of operation, these vehicles contain specialized command, control, and communications equipment to assist with this mission.
Usage: Mobile Command Vehicles are to be utilized as an Incident Command Post for planned or unplanned events.
Quantity: 1
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 7 – Breaching Shotguns & Projectiles
Breaching Shotguns and Breaching Ammunition
Breaching Shotguns and Breaching Ammunition: During crisis situations, it may become necessary for a SWAT team to facilitate an entry in to a target location. It is critical the point of entry is breached quickly and as safely as possible. A quick and effective breach is one key to a successful tactical mission. In some instances, a breach initiated by a breaching shotgun loaded with specialized breaching rounds may be required to provide an added degree of safety and tactical advantage in order to accomplish a mission.
Specialized Breaching Rounds, are frangible and are designed break into a powder form upon impact with a solid object (i.e. dead bolt lock, door frame, etc.) The Richmond Police Department possesses a limited inventory of Breaching Shotguns and Breaching Shotgun Ammunition. Breaching Shotguns are to be used exclusively by trained members of t he Richmond SWAT Unit.
Capability: Breaching shotguns and breaching rounds can be an effective option to defeat fortified doors and locks. This ammunition provides tactical officers rapid entry to locked rooms while minimizing the risk to victims, officers, and suspects.
Usage: Breaching shotguns are to be exclusively used by the SWAT Unit. Breaching shotguns are used to breach doors expeditiously and can be used in response to barricaded suspects, hostage rescue incidents, and active shooters.
Training requirements: SWAT Officers that are trained in the use of breaching shotguns must successfully complete a SWAT Breaching course or in -house training from a breaching instructor. Furthermore, SWAT Officers must undergo live fire proficiency training in its application.
Quantity: 2 Remington 870 Police Magnum – modified 12 gauge breaching shotgun
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 9 – Rifles, SMGs, and Bullets
Patrol Rifles
Description: A semi-automatic shoulder-fired long gun that fires a rifle caliber cartridge. The Department-approved AR-15 style (Colt M4) weapon system is designed to fire a .223/5.56 caliber projectile. As stated in RPD PM 432.1 – Purpose and Scope, “In order to more effectively and accurately address the increasing level of firepower and body armor utilized by criminal suspects, the Richmond Police Department will make Patrol Rifles available to qualified patrol officers as an additional and more immediate tactical resource.” Capability: The rifle caliber carbine provides officers the ability to engage hostile suspects at distances generally greater than the effective distance of their handguns. Additionally, patrol rifles offer advantages over handguns, such as increased accuracy potential and the ability to defeat soft body armor but are not appropriate for every situation.
Usage: Officers may use rifles in the following situations:
a) When there is an objectively reasonable anticipation of an armed encounter. b) When an officer is faced with a situation that may require the delivery of accurate and effective fire at long range. c) Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect’s firepower. d) When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to deliver fire on a barricaded suspect or a suspect with a hostage. e) When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor. f) When authorized or requested by a supervisor
g) When needed to euthanize an animal
Quantity:
Colt M4 Carbine 5.56 Quantity: 50 Patrol
Colt M4 / M16 A2E 5.56 Quantity: 13 SWAT ONLY
Colt Commando 5.56 Quantity: 2 SWAT ONLY
DPMS M-160 5.56 Quantity: 5 SWAT ONLY
Colt M16 A2 5.56 Quantity: 2 SWAT ONLY
Colt AR15 Match Target .223 Quantity: 8 (Richmond Honor Guard Presentation) H&R Arms M14 7.62 Quantity: 1 (Weapon is decommissioned) H&K SMG 9mm Quantity: 17 SWAT ONLY
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 11 – Diversionary Devices
Diversion Devices (Flash Bangs)
Description: Canisters that emit a loud noise and bright light.
Capability: Diversionary Devices are capable of releasing large amounts of stored energy in the form of heat, light, pressure, and noise. They are intended to temporarily distract, confuse, and disorient subjects. They can also be used as “attention-getting” devices.
Usage: Generally, flash/sound diversionary devices may be considered whenever the use of a less lethal diversion would help facilitate entry, enabling arrest and potentially reducing the risk of injury by disorientation of potentially dangerous suspects and/or animals. Diversion devices shall only be used for distraction purposes. Circumstances for the use of flash/sound diversionary devices include: 1. Barricaded suspect and/or hostage situations. 2. High-risk warrant services. 3. Disperse potentially violent animals. 4. When the SRT Commander or SWAT Commander deems their use necessary to safely resolve an incident.
Training Requirements: SWAT and TRT operators must successfully complete in-house training from a certified instructor and are subject to ongoing practical application training in the use of the Diversionary Devices.
Additionally, SWAT and TRT operators trainon safe device deployment in a variety of operational settings annually.
QUANTITY: 120
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 12 – Chemical Agents & Impact Munitions
Chemical Agents and Chemical Agent Delivery Devices: Compounds, devices, and delivery systems utilized by trained officers. The deployment of chemical agents is a tactical option that may be selected with the goal of protecting life and property and/or restoration of order. It is considered a "use of force" option and consistent with the RPD use of force policy Capability: Depending on the delivery method, chemical agents are capable of being introduced in close proximity or from a distance. Depe nding on the type of delivery system and/or quantity, chemical agents can be used to saturate individual suspects, violent crowds, or areas of varied size.
Usage: Chemical agents are to be used specifically trained officers. Generally, during high risk tactical incidents chemical agents can be used to dislodge a suspect from a stronghold location with the least possible danger to citizens, police, and the suspect. Chemical agents can also be used to prevent an armed suspect from accurately firing at citizens and/or officers. They can also be used in limited instances during civil unrest when objectively reasonable to defend against a threat to life or serious bodily injury to any individual, including the officer, or to bring an objectively dangerous and unlawful situation safely and effectively under control. See Penal Code 13652.
Training Requirements: Only personnel trained and having shown proficiency in the use of any control device are authorized to carry the device. Proficiency training must be conducted and documented by a Department approved instructor; as set in RPD PM Section 308
RPD’s Equipment Inventory
Category 14 – Kinetic Energy / Less lethal platforms
Beanbag Shotguns
Description: This is a standard Remington Model 870, 12-gauge shotgun that has been modified with an orange stock and fore-end.
Capability: Beanbag shotguns are capable of firing a 12-gauge beanbag round with a maximum effective range of sixty (60) feet.
Usage: Beanbag shotguns utilized with beanbag rounds may be deployed to impact subjects demonstrating assaultive behavior or life-threatening behavior, as defined RPD Policy Manual Section 308.8.1
Training Requirements: Officers shall not carry or use any less-lethal device unless they have successfully completed Departmental training or approved external training. Officers shall be required to successfully complete annual training and qualification conducted by a certified instructor in order to maintain their authority to deploy less-lethal devices. Any officer who fails to qualify or who fails to successfully complete two or more department sanctioned training/qualification sessions within a calendar year will no longer be authorized to carry the shotgun or less-lethal device without successfully retaking the initial training and qualification.
Quantity: 1
40mm Launchers
Description: A single shot or multi-shot Extended Range Impact Weapon (ERIW) launcher capable for firing a variety of 40mm rounds. The Department also has a limited inventory of 37mm launchers that share the same characteristics as 40mm launchers but are chambered for 37mm munitions. (40mm launchers and 37mm launchers are considered “Projectile Launch Platforms” under AB-481).
Capability: 40mm launchers are capable of firing a variety of munitions with a maximum effective range of one hundred twenty (120) feet. 40mm launchers can deliver 40mm munitions in the form of chemical agents, sponge baton rounds, or combined use sponge baton OC chemical agent rounds.
Usage: 40mm launchers utilized with less lethal sponge baton rounds are may be deployed to impact subjects demonstrating assaultive behavior or life-threatening behavior. The Richmond Police Department is committed to reducing the potential for violent confrontations. Kinetic energy projectiles, when used properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical injury and can be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially deadly situations, as defined in Policy Manual 308.9. Only department approved kinetic energy munitions shall be carried and deployed. Approved munitions may be used to compel an individual to cease his/her actions when such munitions present a reasonable option.
Equipment Use Summary
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS / DRONES)
Unmanned Aerial Systems were utilized a total of 120 times during this reporting period.
Authorized usages:
• Collect aerial photographic and video evidence in support of an investigation (e.g., crime scene documentation of shootings, homicides, officer-involved shootings). (6 uses) • Support SWAT and patrol during high-risk, tactical, or other public safety life-preservation missions (e.g., interior visual assessments of structures or outdoor areas to gain intelligence prior to officers entering a dwelling or contacting a potentially armed, or resistive subject that may be hiding). (42 uses) • Conduct overwatch and intelligence gathering for investigative, specialty units, and SRT during critical incidents and investigations. (6 uses)
• Assisting patrol with establishing overwatch during perimeter searches. (66)
Equipment Use Summary
TACTICAL ROBOT
The Tactical Robot was deployed/utilized 0 times during this reporting period.
ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER (RESCUE VEHICLE)
From January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, the Richmond Police Department utilized East Bay Regional’s BATT 9 times.
Authorized Usages:
• Support SWAT during critical incidents and pre-planned operations by providing greater safety to community members and officers.
• Higher degree of ballistic protection during high-risk operations • The use of a rescue vehicle is extremely vital to ensure the communities safety and ensure mission success.
MOBILE COMMAND CENTER
The Mobile Command Center (MCC) was used a total of 8 times during this reporting period.
Authorized usages:
• Serves as a command post for critical incidents during complex events • Special Events (RPD Connect, Cinco De Mayo, Juneteenth) • DUI Checkpoint command post
Equipment Use Summary
BREACHING SHOTGUN
The Breaching shotguns (Remington 870) were utilized 2 times in 2023.
Authorized usages:
• SWAT Team operations for High Risk warrant services
LESS LETHAL SHOTGUNS AND MUNITIONS
Less Lethal Beanbag shotguns (Remington 870) was used 1 time during this reporting period.
Authorized usages:
• Confront armed person and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved munitions.
DIVERSIONARY DEVICES
Diversionary Devices (flashbangs) were utilized 38 times during this reporting period.
Authorized usages:
• To facilitate high-risk entries during warrant services, enabling arrest and reducing the risk of injury by disorientation of potentially dangerous suspects and/or animals.
• Used as a distraction device during all incidents
Equipment Use Summary
RIFLES AND AMMUNITION
Rifles were utilized 2 times during this reporting period.
Authorized usages:
• There is an objectively reasonable anticipation of an armed encounter. • Used in accordance with California Penal Code § 835 and RPD PM 300.3.2
CHEMICAL AGENTS AND SMOKE CANISTERS
Chemical Agents and Smoke Canisters were used 0 times during this reporting period. 40mm LAUNCHERS AND MUNITIONS
40mm Launchers were used by the Richmond Police Department 4 times during this period. • Impact rounds (9)
• OC rounds (4)
• CS rounds (0)
• Authorized usages:
Encountering an armed person with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application There is probable cause to believe that the person has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.
PEPPERBALL LAUNCHERS AND PROJECTILES
Pepper-ball launchers and projectiles were used 0 times during this reporting period.
Projected Acquisitions for
2024
Categories of consumables are as follows:
• Ammunition- all calibers
• Diversionary Devices
• Chemical Agents and Smoke Canisters
• Specialty Munitions (40mm and Less Lethal Munitions)
• Kinetic Energy Rounds
Projected Acquisitions for
2024
Non-consumable are as follows:
• Multipurpose Response & Rescue Vehicle
As the SWAT team is responsible for responding to all incidents that exceed the capability of patrol within our jurisdiction, including terrorist attacks, hostage situations, and mass shooting incidents, we hereby request permission to seek funding to purchase a tactical multipurpose Response and Rescue Vehicle. - Projected funding source: State/Federal Grants, Asset Seizure, General Fund • DJI Mavic 3E Drone
-Projected funding source: Budgeted for FY2023-24
• DJI Matrice 30T Drone
-Projected funding source: Budgeted for FY2023-24
• (2) DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Drone
-Projected funding source: Budged for FY2024-25
• Requests the borrowing of a Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport vehicle) from the Department of East Bay Regional Parks Police Department for use with the clear understanding that such equipment will be solely used by the Richmond SWAT team for high-risk tactical situations (high-risk warrant services or critical incidents such as hostage rescues, active shooters, barricaded shooters) to preserve life and protect the community members of Richmond.
Summary of Complaints /
Concerns from 2023
The Richmond Police Department is committed to responding to complaints, concerns and/or questions received in a timely manner. During this reporting period, there were 0 formal complaints. The Richmond Police Department did not have any policy violations with the deployment or use of military equipment.
Pursuant to California Government Code §7070(d)(7), members of the public may register complaints or concerns or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment in this policy by any of the following means:
1. Via email to: [email protected]
2. Via phone call to: 510-620-6675
3. Via mail sent to: Richmond Police Department, 1701 Regatta Blvd, Richmond, CA, 94801
Summary of Complaints /
Concerns from 2023
Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS) and Discharge of Military Equipment Firearm:
There was 1 OIS incident during this reporting period that involved the use of military equipment:
→ June 28, 2023: A search warrant was authorized and served at 1293 Sanderling Island in Richmond by members of the Richmond Tactical Response Team (TRT). The search warrant was the culmination of several firearm brandishing reports taken by patrol, and hours of surveillance by Richmond Police Intelligence officers. The person suspected of brandishing a firearm was located and arrested for the related firearm warrant charges. On June 28th, a search warrant was authorized for the search of 1293 Sanderling Island. A clear knock and notice was given at the front door by TRT members and again inside the residence after entry was made. During the service, a male subject was contacted inside in an upstairs bedroom. The subject pointed a loaded AR-15 rifle at TRT members. Two officers immediately discharged their duty rifles striking the male subject. The subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. → Subsequent search of the residence yields:
▪ 53 firearms (20 Rifles, 23 Pistols, 8 Revolvers, 2 Shotguns) ▪ Live hand-grenade
▪ Over a thousand rounds of ammunition
▪ Firearm manufacturing equipment
Fiscal Impact
Equipment Quantity Acquisitions Annual Maintenance / Replacement Cost Total Cost
1. UAS 9 $ 1,888 $ 2,000 $ 3,888
2. Mobile Command Center 1 $ - $ 196 $ 196
3. Tactical Robot 1 $ - $ - $ -
4. Breaching Shotguns 2 $ - $ 100 $ 100
5. Breaching Rounds 300 $ - $ 1,500 $ 1,500
6. Rifles 80 $ - $ 1,000 $ 1,000
7. Rifle Ammunition 10,000 $ 29,281 $ 30,000 $ 59,281
8. Diversion Devices 200 $ - $ 5,000 $ 5,000
9. Chemical Agents 199 $ 3,026 $ 2,000 $ 5,026
10. Beanbag Shotgun 17 $ - $ 100 $ 100
11. Direct Impact munitions 700 $ 5,802 $ 1,500 $ 7,302
12. Direct Impact Launchers 13 $ - $ 500 $ 500
Training Cost
40-Hour Chemical Agent Instructor Course
Objective: To gain skills and knowledge necessary to become an instructor and instruct Richmond Police Officer’s in the use of Chemical Agents.
Attendees: One (1) Sergeant
Course Location: San Diego, Ca.
Registration Cost: $2,110.00; Hotel Cost: $1,019.81; Travel Cost: $392.97; Rental Car: $545.65 Grand Total Cost: $4,068.43
16-Hour Chemical Agent Instructor Course
Objective: To gain skills and knowledge necessary to become an instructor and instruct Richmond Police Officer’s in the use of Chemical Agents.
Attendees: Two (2) Officers
Course Location: Elk Grove, Ca.
Registration Cost: $229.00; Mileage: $253.35
Grand Total Cost: $482.35
Less Lethal Weapon & Diversionary Devices Instructor Training Objective: To obtain training to become a proficient less lethal weapons instructor.
Attendees: Two (2) Officers
Course Location: Sacramento, Ca.
Registration Cost: $1,252; Mileage: $357.24
Grand Total Cost: $1,609.24
Training Cost
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Basic Pilots Course
Objective: To obtain FAA certification to be legally authorized to operate an Unmanned Aircraft Systems unit.
Attendees: Three (3) Officers
Course Location: San Leandro, Ca.
Registration Cost: $2,997; Lodging: $1,165.80; Mileage: $98.51 Grand Total Cost: $4,261.31
Penn Arms Armorer’s Course
Objective: To gain skills and knowledge necessary to maintain and repair Richmond Police Department’s firearms; including the 40mm launchers.
Attendees: One (1) Sergeant
Course Location: Burlingame, Ca.
Registration Cost: $325.00; Mileage: $84.10
Grand Total Cost: $409.10
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) School
Objective: POST Certified basic SWAT course for all new SWAT Team members.
Attendees: Three (3) Officers
Course Location: Elk Grove, Ca.
Registration Cost: $3,909; Lodging: $4,779.07; Mileage: $1190.79 Grand Total Cost: $9,878.86
Rifle Marksmanship and Sniper Observer Course
Objective: Necessary course to achieve the minimum qualification to become a designated marksman.
Attendees: Three (3) Officers, One (1) Sergeant, One (1) Lieutenant Course Location: San Luis Obispo and Dublin, Ca.
Registration Cost: $4,088.00; Lodging: $4,292.48; Mileage: $617.01 Grand Total Cost: $8,997.49
Total AB481 Trainings: $29,706.78
Final Thoughts
Questions & Comments
Contact US:
Richmond Police Department
1701 Regatta Blvd
Richmond, CA 94804
Email: [email protected]
Non-Emergency Phone: 510-233-1214
Records Department: 510-620-6675