AB 481
Annual Military
Equipment Use Report
2025 Reporting Period
January 1 – December 31, 2025
Richmond Police Department
Richmond City Council Presentation | June 16, 2026
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 1 Presentation Roadmap
2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report overview
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 3–60 2
1. AB 481 framework, legal requirements, and annual reporting obligations
2. Prior City Council direction and Department response
3. Statutory definitions and Richmond applicability
4. Military Equipment Use Policy summary
5. Equipment inventory by type and model
6. Summary of each equipment category: purpose, use, controls, training, and fiscal impact
7. 2025 operational use summary and available demographic/location data
8. Patrol rifle deployment tracking and Drone as First Responder data
9. 2026 acquisitions, policy updates, complaints, notable incident, fiscal impact, and projected costs
10. Incident list summary, conclusion, links, and questions
11. Conclusion
Presentation approach
This deck closely follows the Annual Report so the Commission and community can connect each topic to the published report.
AB 481 Framework
What the law requires and why this report exists
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 3
What is AB 481?
California Government Code sections 7070–7075
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 4–7 4 AB 481 is a California law aimed at increasing transparency, public awareness, and local oversight regarding law enforcement use of certain equipment defined by statute as “military equipment. ”
The law became effective January 1, 2022, and requires local law enforcement agencies to obtain governing body approval before funding, acquiring, using, or continuing to use covered equipment.
For Richmond, the governing body is the Richmond City Council. “Military equipment” is the statutory term. It does not mean the equipment came from the military or is used for military purposes.
Examples of covered equipment include drones, robots, command vehicles, breaching equipment, patrol rifles, diversionary devices, chemical agents, 40mm launchers, less lethal shotguns, and related munitions.
Purpose
The Assembly Bill ensures police departments have a written policy outlining how they will use military equipment, and that policy shall be approved by City Council.
The Richmond Police Department’s Military Equipment Policy PM 707 was approved by council in November of 2022.
What AB 481 Requires
Annual obligations under the law
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 6–7 5 Requirement Summary
Governing body
approval
City Council review and approval before seeking funds for, acquiring, using, or continuing to use covered equipment.
Written policy Public Military Equipment Use Policy describing equipment, authorized uses, fiscal impact, legal rules, training, and compliance.
Annual report Report inventory, use, purpose, complaints, internal audits, costs, funding sources, quantities, and planned acquisitions.
Public posting Policy and annual report must be publicly available.
Community
engagement
A well-publicized and conveniently located meeting is required within 30 days after public release.
Annual review City Council annually reviews whether to continue, amend, or revoke authorization.
Annual Report Content
Core reporting areas covered in the 2025 Annual Report
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 3–60 6 Inventory
Equipment by type/model, quantity possessed, and quantity sought for next year.
Use & Purpose
How each equipment type was used and why it was used during the reporting period.
Complaints / Audits
Complaints or concerns received, policy violations, corrective actions, and compliance review.
Costs
Annual costs, acquisition/replacement costs, maintenance, training, and projected future costs.
Policy & Oversight
Authorized uses, legal/procedural rules, training requirements, and Council review.
Public Engagement
Public posting, CPRC overview, community engagement meeting, and Council presentation.
Reporting Period: January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 Public Release and Review Timeline
Public transparency and governing body review
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Staff Report / Report links 7 Date Action
May 14, 2026 2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report publicly released on RPD AB 481 transparency webpage.
May 15, 2026 Notifications of the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report was distributed to the Community Police Review Commission, Mayor’s office, and Richmond City Council members. The notification included a 3-week advance notice of our annual Community Engagement Meeting.
June 3, 2026 Overview presentation to the Community Police Review Commission.
June 5, 2026 AB 481 Community Engagement Meeting in City Council Chambers, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
June 16, 2026 Presentation to City Council for annual review and consideration of continued authorization.
Public link
https://www.richmondca.gov/4248/AB-481---Military-Equipment-Use-Policy Monthly statistics link
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4706/Military-Equipment-Use-Statistics Prior Council Direction and Department Response
April 22, 2025 City Council annual review follow-up
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 3 8 • During the April 22, 2025 Richmond City Council meeting, the 2024 AB 481 Annual Report was presented by former Chief Bisa French and Captain John Lopez.
• During that meeting, the City Council provided additional direction to the Police Department regarding future AB 481 reporting, policy development, and community transparency measures.
• This report reflects the Department’s efforts to address those directives.
Council Direction Department Response
Patrol rifle tracking Created an electronic reporting form and process for officers, supervisors, and watch commanders to document patrol rifle deployments. Resulting data is included in the report.
Armored rescue vehicles Included an amendment to Policy 707.6 addressing use of armored rescue vehicles borrowed from other agencies, including purpose, authorized uses, operational controls, and reporting.
Advance notice Provided notice to CPRC, Mayor’s Office, and City Council at least two weeks in advance of the 2026 community engagement meeting.
Location and
demographics
Collected and included estimated location and demographic data, including race and ethnicity, to the extent known and available.
Definitions
Government Code section 7070 categories and
Richmond applicability
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 9
Definitions: AB 481 Military Equipment Categories
Categories relevant to Richmond PD inventory or potential operational needs Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 4–5 10 Category Richmond Applicability / Equipment Type
Governing Body For purposes of AB 481, the governing body for the Richmond Police Department is the Richmond City Council.
1. Unmanned aerial or ground
vehicles
Applies to the Department’s unmanned aircraft systems and SWAT robots.
2. MRAP / armored personnel
carriers
Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
3. Humvees / wheeled vehicles with
breaching apparatus
Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
4. Tracked armored vehicles Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
5. Command and control vehicles Applies to the Department’s Mobile Command Vehicle.
Definitions: AB 481 Military Equipment Categories
Statutory categories continued
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 4–5 11 Category Richmond Applicability / Equipment Type
6. Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or
vehicles
Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
7. Battering rams, slugs, and
explosive breaching apparatuses
Applies only if the Department possesses or uses breaching rounds or explosive breaching tools covered by the statute.
8. Firearms of .50 caliber or greater Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
9. Ammunition of .50 caliber or greater Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
10. Specialized firearms and
ammunition less than .50 caliber
Applies to Department patrol rifles, as applicable.
11. Firearm/accessory designed to
launch explosive projectiles
Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
Definitions: AB 481 Military Equipment Categories
Statutory categories continued
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 4–5 12 Category Richmond Applicability / Equipment Type
12. Flashbangs, explosive breaching
tools, tear gas, pepper balls
Applies to noise flash diversionary devices, explosive breaching tools, tear gas, and pepper ball systems, as applicable.
13. Taser Shockwave, microwave
weapons, water cannons, LRADs
Not applicable to current Richmond Police Department inventory.
14. Projectile launch platforms and
associated munitions
Applies to 40mm launchers, bean bag shotguns, and specialty impact munitions, as applicable.
15. Other equipment determined by
governing body or state agency
Not currently applicable to the Richmond Police Department.
Reporting focus
The report identifies the statutory AB 481 categories applicable to Richmond PD’s current inventory and operational needs.
Background
AB 481 history and Richmond compliance
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 6 13 Assembly Bill 481 was enacted by the California Legislature in 2021 and became effective on January 1, 2022.
The law was adopted to increase transparency, public awareness, and local oversight regarding the funding, acquisition, and use of equipment defined by statute as “military equipment. ” AB 481 requires governing body review and approval of a military equipment use policy before an agency may seek funds for, acquire, use, or continue using covered equipment.
The law requires annual reporting, public availability of the policy and report, and annual review by the governing body for continued authorization.
Richmond City Council approved the Richmond Police Department Military Equipment Use Policy by Ordinance 12.22 N.S. on October 19, 2022.
On April 22, 2025, City Council adopted Resolution No. 48-25 approving the Department’s annual AB 481 item by unanimous vote.
Military Equipment Use Policy
Policy Manual section 707
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 7 14 Policy Element What the Policy Addresses
Description and quantity Each type of equipment, quantity sought, capabilities, lifespan, and manufacturer description.
Purpose and authorized
use
The purposes and authorized uses for each equipment type.
Fiscal impact Initial cost and estimated annual maintenance costs.
Legal and procedural
rules
Rules that govern each authorized use.
Training Required training before a member is authorized to use specific equipment.
Compliance mechanisms Mechanisms to ensure compliance and oversight.
Public inquiries and
complaints
Procedures for questions, complaints, concerns, and timely response.
Military Equipment Use Policy: Oversight Structure
Annual review, public posting, and independent oversight Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 7 15 • Designates an AB 481 Coordinator.
• Provides for annual inventory review.
• Requires annual reporting to the Richmond City Council. • Requires public posting of the annual report on the Department website. • Requires a community engagement meeting following release of the annual report.
• Provides for referral of complaints to the Community Police Review Commission as the independent oversight body.
Public accountability
Policy 707 is intended to ensure
transparency, accountability, and
compliance with state law and City Council
oversight requirements.
Equipment Inventory by Type
Inventory maintained by Richmond PD as of
December 31, 2025
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 16
Equipment Inventory by Type
How to read the inventory section
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 8–14 17 The inventory identifies military equipment maintained by Richmond PD by equipment type and model as of December 31, 2025.
Consumable inventory may fluctuate throughout the year due to operational deployment, training, replacement, expiration, damage, or manufacturer recommended replacement schedules.
The listed quantities reflect the Department’s reported ending inventory for the 2025 reporting period. “Quantity sought for next year” identifies anticipated acquisition or replenishment needs for 2026.
Category Quantity / Summary
UAS / Drones 15 total
Tactical Robot 1 Recon Robotics; 1 sought
Mobile Command Center 1 EVI Spartan Mobile Command Center Breaching Shotguns 4 Remington 870 Police Magnum shotguns Breaching Munitions 325 rounds total
Rifles 82 total
Rifle Ammunition 50,000 .223 rounds; 5,000 .308 rounds
Diversionary Devices 120 flashbang devices
Chemical Agents / Smoke / PepperBall 700 total
40mm Launchers / Munitions 10 launchers; 150 active 40mm munitions; 2 decommissioned 37mm launchers Less Lethal Shotguns / Rounds 17 shotguns; 500 bean bag rounds Chemical Shotguns 2
FN 303 Launchers 4
Inventory: Unmanned Aerial Systems
UAS / Drones
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 8 18 Model Quantity Qty
Sought
DJI Avata 4 0
DJI Mini 2 2 0
DJI M30T 1 0
DJI Matrice 4 6 0
DJI Air 3S 1 0
DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced 1 0
Total 15 0
Inventory note
UAS inventory supports patrol, SWAT, crime scene documentation, disaster response, search and rescue, and DFR operations when authorized.
Inventory: Robot, Command Center, Breaching Tools
Equipment by type and model
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 9–10 19 Category Equipment /
Model
Quantity Qty Sought
Tactical Robot Recon Robotics 1 1
Mobile Command
Center
2013 EVI Spartan
Mobile Command
Center
1 0
Breaching Shotguns Remington 870 Police
Magnum Shotgun
4 0
Breaching Munitions TESAR 2 / Model
FE183
150 rounds 150
Breaching Munitions TESAR 1 / Model
FE182
175 rounds 150
Purpose
These tools support remote assessment, incident command, and safe tactical entry during high -risk operations.
Inventory: Rifles and Rifle Ammunition
Equipment by type and model
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 10–11 20 Equipment / Model Quantity Qty Sought
COLT M4 Carbine 5.56mm 50 10
COLT M16 A2E 5.56mm (SWAT only) 13 0
COLT Commando 5.56mm (SWAT only) 2 0
DPMS M 160 (SWAT only) 5 0
COLT M16 A2 (SWAT only) 2 0
COLT AR 15 Match Target Competition Rifle 8 0
SIG SAUER MCX Rifle 5.56mm (Traffic Unit) 2 0
Total rifles 82 10
Ammunition Quantity Qty Sought
Gold Dot Soft Point 62 grain
.223
10,000 rounds 250 cases
FMJ 55 grain .223 40,000 rounds 250 cases
Federal Tactical TRU 168
grain .308
2,500 rounds 6,500*
Federal Tactical Bonded Tip
168 grain .308
2,500 rounds 500*
* Quantities shown as stated in the report.
Inventory: Diversionary Devices and Chemical Agents
Equipment by type and model
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 12–13 21 Equipment / Model Quantity Qty Sought
Defense Technology Model 8933 120 200
Defense Tech SPEDE HEAT Pyro Burning CS Gas 1072 10 canisters 20 Defense Tech HAN BALL Pyro Burning CS Gas 1092 20 canisters 10 Defense Tech Flameless Tri Chamber Pyro Internal CS Gas 1032 10 canisters 20 CTS Indoor 5230B Pyro Indoor Safe CS Gas 5230B 50 canisters 20 Defense Tech Aerosol Vapor NON-PYRO OC Gas 1056 25 canisters 25 Defense Tech Maximum Smoke Pyro High Volume 1083 10 canisters 20 CTS 40mm Liquid Ferret Rounds NON-PYRO CS Gas 4330 100 rounds 200 Defense Tech 40mm Direct Impact OC 6320 100 rounds 200
PepperBall Live Projectiles .2% PAVA 375 rounds 0
Inventory total
Chemical agents / smoke / PepperBall
inventory totals 700 units in the report.
Inventory: 40mm, Less Lethal, Chemical Shotgun, FN 303
Equipment by type and model
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 13–14 22 Equipment / Model Quantity Qty Sought
Penn Arms 40mm 6-cylinder Pump Multi Launcher 3 0
Penn Arms 40mm single shot launcher 7 20
Defense Tech 40mm Exact Impact Sponge Round
6325
100 rounds 300
Defense Tech 40mm Exact Impact Marking 6325 A 50 rounds 250 Federal Laboratories 37mm (Decommissioned) 2 N/A
Remington Model 870 12-gauge Shotgun (less
lethal)
17 13
CTS 12-gauge Bean Bag Super Sock 500 rounds 500
Remington Model 870 12-gauge Shotgun
(chemical)
2 2
FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher 4 0
Summary of Military
Equipment
Purpose, authorized uses, fiscal impact, legal rules,
and training
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 23
UAS / Drones
Quantity owned: 15 | Lifespan: approximately 3–5 years
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 15 24 ❖ Equipment type: unmanned aircraft capable of directed flight and supporting systems for imaging, recording, or other means.
❖ Purpose: supports first responders during hazardous or complex incidents that benefit from an aerial perspective.
❖ Uses: search and rescue, barricaded suspects, high-risk tactical operations, disaster response, crime scene documentation, and authorized DFR operations. ❖ Authorized operators only; all flights subject to Department policy, applicable law, FAA regulations, civil rights, and privacy protections. ❖ Digital flight tracking is used for UAS operations, including DFR, to document flight activity, mission details, and operator accountability.
Operational controls
Advance approval by lieutenant; in absence of management, sergeant may approve. Flights are documented and reviewed.
Fiscal impact
Initial and acquisition costs vary by system. 2025 UAS
expenditures: $46,128.05.
UAS Authorized Missions
Operational purposes identified in the report
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 15 25 ❖ Post-incident crime scene preservation and
documentation.
❖ Explosive ordnance disposal support
❖ Hazardous materials incidents
❖ Search and rescue missions
❖ Public safety and life preservation missions
❖ Disaster response and recover
❖ Training missions
❖ Requests from fire authorities for fire response or
prevention
❖ Operations supported by law
❖ Operations pursuant to a search warrant
Privacy and civil rights
Supervisors, operators, and observers must consider civil rights, civil liberties, and reasonable expectation of privacy before deployment.
Documentation
Flights are documented through digital flight tracking; the mission dispatch form remains available if digital tracking is unavailable or not feasible.
Limits
UAS must be used consistent with local, state, and federal law, including FAA regulations.
Tactical Robot
Quantity owned: 1 | Lifespan: approximately 5–7 years
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 16 26 • Equipment type: small unmanned tracked robot capable of remote control and information gathering through imaging, recording, or other means.
• Capabilities: ground-level perspective during hazardous incidents, confined spaces, barricaded suspect incidents, high-risk tactical operations, disaster response, and searches for suspects or evidence.
• Purpose: remotely gain visual and audio data, open doors, and clear buildings. • Uses: high-risk warrant service, barricaded subjects, hostage negotiation or rescue operations, and tactically compromised structures.
• Only assigned SWAT operators trained in its use may operate it. • The robot shall not be used as force against a person.
Fiscal impact
Initial cost: $7,500 | Annual maintenance: $0
Training
SWAT Basic School and practical application training in robot use.
Mobile Command Center
Quantity owned: 1 | Estimated 20-year vehicle/chassis lifespan Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 17 27 • Equipment type: self-contained command post designed to provide an Incident Commander with a mobile base of operations.
• Capabilities: stand-alone mobile command post for large-scale incidents, high-risk incidents, natural disasters, and human-caused disasters. • Purpose: facilitate management and coordination of personnel, communications, and equipment resources during complex incidents.
• Uses: emergencies, special operations, special events, and other incidents requiring on-scene incident command.
• Not an armored vehicle; it is a command and control platform.
Fiscal impact
Initial cost: $402,152.52 | Annual maintenance: $3,000
Training
Authorized drivers must possess a valid California Class B driver license with air brake endorsement and complete required vehicle/system training.
Armored Rescue Carrier / Mutual Aid Support
Quantity owned by RPD: none
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 18 28 • Richmond Police Department does not maintain or own an armored carrier in its inventory. • In limited circumstances, armored vehicle support may be necessary to safely resolve a high-risk incident.
• Support may be requested through mutual aid or operational assistance from an outside agency that provides and operates its own armored carrier.
• Potential uses: high-risk SWAT operations, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, rescue operations, or other incidents where ballistic protection is necessary to enhance officer and public safety.
• Any armored carrier used in support of RPD operations is operated by the assisting agency’s trained personnel.
• Fiscal impact to RPD for ownership/maintenance: none.
Policy rule
Military equipment used by another jurisdiction
providing mutual aid to RPD shall comply with that
agency’s military equipment use policy.
Important distinction
This report does not state that RPD currently owns an
armored rescue vehicle.
Training
Not applicable to RPD personnel for ownership or
operation unless separately trained and authorized.
Breaching Shotguns and Breaching Munitions
Breaching shotguns: 4 | Breaching rounds: 325
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 19–20 29 • Equipment type: Remington 870 breaching shotguns and TESAR breaching rounds. • Purpose: defeat locks, hinges, and other door hardware to facilitate safe entry during high-risk tactical operations.
• Capability: trained breachers may defeat deadbolts, locks, hinges, windows, and sliding glass doors when tactically appropriate.
• Uses: barricaded suspect and/or hostage situations, high-risk warrant service, or when the SRT/SWAT Commander determines use is necessary to safely resolve an incident. • Training: SWAT breaching course or in-house breaching instructor training, plus live fire proficiency training.
Fiscal impact
Breaching shotguns: $550 each | Breaching rounds: initial cost $2,000 | Annual maintenance: shotguns $100; rounds $500.
Rifles and Ammunition
Rifles: 82 | .223 rounds: 50,000 | .308 rounds: 5,000
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 21–23 30 • Equipment type: semi-automatic, shoulder-fired rifles designed to fire rifle caliber ammunition, including .223/5.56 and .308 rifle platforms and ammunition.
• Capabilities: engage armed suspects at distances beyond handgun range; increased accuracy; ability to defeat soft body armor when necessary.
• Purpose: provide qualified officers an additional tactical resource for incidents involving armed suspects, body armor, distance, or circumstances requiring greater accuracy or capability than a handgun may provide.
• Only ammunition meeting Department specifications, approved by the Chief of Police, and issued by the Department may be used in law enforcement operations.
• Note: 17 MP5 firearms acquired for SWAT in the 1990s have been decommissioned and removed from inventory. Fiscal impact
Rifles and ammunition costs are listed by model/case in the report. Annual maintenance cost: $250.
Rifles: Authorized Deployment Circumstances
Purpose and use controls
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 21–23 31 • Objectively reasonable anticipation of an armed encounter. • Situation may require accurate and effective fire at extended distance. • Officer reasonably expects need to meet or exceed suspect’s firepower. • Officer reasonably believes there may be need to deliver fire on a barricaded suspect or suspect holding a hostage.
• Officer reasonably believes a suspect may be wearing body armor. • Authorized or requested by a supervisor.
• Needed to euthanize an animal.
Training required
Officers shall not carry or use a rifle unless they
successfully complete Department training: initial
40-hour patrol rifle course and qualifications with a
certified instructor, plus regular training and
qualifications.
Legal rule
Rifles are used only for official law enforcement
purposes and pursuant to state and federal law
governing use of force.
Diversionary Devices
Quantity owned: 120 | Lifespan: approximately 5 years
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 24 32 • Equipment type: canisters designed to emit a loud noise and bright light to create a temporary sensory distraction.
• Capabilities: release stored energy in the form of heat, light, pressure, and noise; intended to temporarily distract, confuse, and disorient subjects.
• Purpose: distract dangerous suspects during assaults, hostage rescue, room entry, or other high-risk arrest situations.
• Uses: barricaded suspect and/or hostage situations, high-risk warrant services, potentially violent animals, or when SRT/SWAT Commander determines use is necessary to safely resolve an incident. • Diversionary devices shall only be used for distraction purposes.
Fiscal impact
Initial cost: $6,800 per 120 devices | Annual
maintenance: $0
Training
Diversionary Device Trainers must complete an
approved course and attend at least one related
course every three years to maintain/update training
skills.
Definitions
Barricaded suspect: individual inside a structure
actively preventing entry and posing threat to self or
others. High-risk warrant: significant risk of violence or harm requiring specialized tactics.
Chemical Agents
Quantity owned: 700 | Lifespan: approximately 5 years
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 25–26 33 • Equipment type: canisters or projectile rounds containing chemical agents released when deployed. • Capabilities: may be introduced in close proximity or from a distance; may affect individual suspects, violent crowds, or areas of varying size depending on delivery method and quantity. • Purpose: high-risk tactical incidents, crowd management incidents, and other law enforcement situations authorized by Department policy and law.
• Purpose includes dislodging a suspect from a stronghold, preventing an armed suspect from accurately firing, assisting crowd dispersal when legally justified, and reducing risk of injury. • Only the Patrol Sergeant, Incident Commander, or Crisis Response Unit Commander may authorize delivery and use of tear gas.
Fiscal impact
Initial cost: $5,000 | Annual maintenance: $3,000
Legal/training requirement
Crowd control use must comply with Penal Code section
13652 and be deployed only by officers with POST crowd- control training.
40mm Launchers and Munitions
Launchers: 10 | Munitions: 150 | 37mm launchers decommissioned: 2 Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 27–28 34 • Equipment type: extended range impact weapon launchers and associated 40mm munitions designed to deliver less lethal impact rounds and, where authorized, chemical agent munitions. • Capabilities: capable of firing a variety of less lethal munitions with effective range up to approximately 120 feet, depending on round used.
• Purpose: reduce potential for violent confrontations; provide extended range less lethal option to increase distance, accuracy, and tactical flexibility.
• May be used to compel an individual to cease actions when such munitions present a reasonable option.
• Officers are not required or compelled to use 40mm munitions instead of other reasonable tactics if deployment cannot be done safely.
Fiscal impact
Multi launcher: $1,531 each | Single shot launcher: $1,302 each | Exact Impact Rounds: $3,000 total | Annual
maintenance: $0 to nominal.
Training
Only officers who successfully complete Department-
approved training may carry or deploy 40mm launchers or munitions.
40mm Authorized Deployment Circumstances
Use limited by policy, law, and training
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 27–28 35 • When a suspect is armed with a weapon and tactical circumstances allow safe application of approved munitions. • When a suspect has made credible threats to harm self or others. • When a suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or throwing rocks, bottles, or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers. • When there is probable cause to believe the suspect committed a crime of violence and is refusing lawful orders. • For crowd control purposes, 40mm kinetic energy projectiles shall only be deployed by officers with POST crowd-control training and only when objectively reasonable under Penal Code section 13652.
Priority stated in report
The safety of hostages, innocent persons, and officers takes priority over the safety of subjects engaged in criminal or suicidal behavior.
Less Lethal Shotguns and Rounds
Shotguns: 17 | Bean bag rounds: 500
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 29–30 36 • Equipment type: less lethal 12-gauge shotguns and associated impact munitions designed to deliver bean bag rounds.
• Purpose: temporarily incapacitate or gain compliance while reducing the likelihood of death or serious bodily injury compared to conventional firearms.
• Capabilities: deploy 12-gauge bean bag rounds at extended distance to gain compliance, stop dangerous behavior, or safely resolve incidents where lethal force may not be appropriate. • Uses: subject armed with weapon other than firearm when tactical circumstances allow; immediate threat to self or others; violent resistance or assaultive behavior; danger to public or officers; authorized by policy, training, and supervisory direction.
• Only officers who have received Department-approved training may deploy.
Fiscal impact
Less lethal shotguns: $0 | Bean bag rounds: $0 | Annual maintenance: $500
Chemical Shotgun and FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher
Additional specialized less lethal / chemical delivery platforms Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 31–32 37 Equipment Quantity Purpose / Use Fiscal Impact
Chemical Shotgun 2 Deploy authorized chemical munitions at distance during barricaded suspects, high-risk tactical
operations, or other lawful circumstances authorized
by appropriate supervisor/incident commander.
Initial cost: $0; annual maintenance:
$0
FN 303 Launcher 4 Compressed air powered less lethal launcher for violent, assaultive, or dangerous subjects when less
lethal response is reasonable and appropriate.
Initial cost: $0; annual maintenance:
$0
❖ Chemical shotguns shall only be deployed by trained personnel authorized to use chemical agents and the associated delivery platform. ❖ FN 303 may be used to gain compliance, stop dangerous behavior, or reduce risk of injury to officers, the public, or the subject. ❖ Both platforms are limited to official law enforcement purposes and governed by Department policy, applicable law, and training requirements.
2025 Equipment Use Summary
Operational deployment data for January 1 through
December 31, 2025
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 38 Military Equipment Use Summary
Operational use by category during 2025 reporting period Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 34 39 ❖ This section summarizes the operational use of military equipment by the Richmond Police Department for the reporting period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. Unless otherwise noted, the data below reflects only the operational deployment of military equipment identified in this Annual Military Equipment Report.
❖ While the Richmond Police Department maintains a variety of military equipment, the mere possession of that equipment does not justify its use in every incident. The Department recognizes that critical incidents are often unpredictable, rapidly evolving, and varied in nature. The following table reflects the Department’s operational use of military equipment by category during this reporting period.
Type YTD Total
Armored Personnel Carrier* 9
Breaching Shotgun & Projectiles 8
Chemical Agents 5
Diversion Devices (Flashbangs) 26
Less Lethal Impact Devices &
Kinetic Energy Projectiles
13 Mobile Command Center 0
Patrol Rifles & Ammunition 1
Tactical Robot 0
Unmanned Aerial System 104
2025 Total 166
Important note
RPD does not maintain an armored carrier in its inventory. When needed, support may be requested from an outside agency that provides and operates its own armored carrier.
2025 Military Equipment Use Summary Table
Operational deployment totals by month
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 34 40 * RPD does not own an armored carrier; use reflects outside agency armored support when requested for limited high-risk operations.
TYPE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
YTD
TOTAL
Armored Personnel Carrier* 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 9
Breaching Shotgun &
Projectiles 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 8
Chemical Agents 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 5
Diversion Devices
(Flashbangs) 4 0 1 3 4 0 0 2 1 4 4 3 26
Less Lethal Impact Devices &
Kinetic Energy Projectiles 1 1 0 6 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 13
Mobile Command Center 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Patrol Rifles & Ammunition 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Tactical Robot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unmanned Aerial System 10 3 8 15 26 4 2 6 17 6 5 2 104
2025 TOTAL 18 4 9 27 35 4 13 9 20 11 10 6 166
2025 Use by Month
Graph summary of monthly operational equipment use
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 34 41 How to read this chart
The graph shows total operational equipment uses by month from Page 34 table of the Annual Report. 2025 Military Equipment Use by Type
Graph from Annual Report
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 35 42 • The graph summarizes the proportion of reported
operational use by equipment type.
• UAS deployments make up the largest portion of reported non-DFR operational equipment use.
• Diversionary devices, less lethal/kinetic tools, armored mutual aid support, breaching tools, and chemical agents are reported separately.
• Zero-use categories remain listed because AB 481 requires reporting of approved equipment that remains available for use.
• DFR deployments are reported separately because DFR is a distinct operational program and transparency platform.
Known Suspect Demographic Data: Sex and Age
Council-directed reporting
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 36 44 Suspect Sex Total / Percentage
Female 7 / 4.9%
Male 99 / 70.2%
Unknown 29 / 20.5%
N/A 6 / 4.2%
Suspect Age Total / Percentage
0–17 12 / 8.5%
18–29 38 / 26.9%
30–39 18 / 12.7%
40–49 19 / 13.4%
50 and over 7 / 4.9%
Unknown 41 / 29%
N/A 6 / 4.2%
Important notes
“Unknown” means suspect demographics not known. “N/A” means no suspect involved, such as missing person, impound, or traffic control.
Demographics include all incidents of equipment use, including rifle deployments.
Known Suspect Demographic Data: Race
Council-directed reporting; known and available information only Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 36 45 Suspect Race Total / Percentage
Asian 1 / .7%
Black 46 / 32.6%
Hispanic 42 / 29.7%
White 3 / 2.1%
Other 3 / 2.1%
Unknown 40 / 28.3%
N/A 6 / 4.2%
Data context
This data should be reviewed carefully and in context. It reflects known suspect or involved-person data associated with reportable equipment deployments, not all community contacts and not all calls for service.
Data limitation
A significant portion of the entries are Unknown or N/A because some deployments do not involve an identifiable suspect or complete demographic information.
Transparency purpose
The Department included this information because City Council requested more location and demographic detail for public review. This is not a requirement under AB 481.
Patrol Rifle Deployments and Table
Number of officers reported as deploying patrol rifles by month Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 37 47 Rifle Deployment Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Total 0 19 30 23 89 13 5 20 39 38 22 35 333
The chart reflects reported deployments, not uses of force, pointing incidents, or firearm discharges.
How to Read the Rifle Deployment Data
Readiness, precision, restraint, and accountability
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 333 deployments
Officers reported making a rifle available
based on the circumstances of the call or
operation.
1 reportable rifle use
A rifle discharge or reportable use is rare
and separately reported under the
equipment use summary.
86% search warrants
Most deployments were tied to planned
operations for dangerous suspects
wanted for homicide, shootings and
robberies.
• Rifles are precision tools used when accuracy, distance, threat level, or body armor concerns may exceed handgun capability. • They may be necessary in close-quarter or longer-distance incidents when innocent life may be at risk.
• The appropriate measure is not how often a rifle is fired; it is whether a trained and accountable option is available when needed. • Training and qualification are required before carrying or using a rifle.
• Deployment tracking was added at City Council direction. • Data is now reported publicly through the AB 481 annual report and subject to City Council review.
The 2025 data reflects readiness and restraint, not routine use.
Drone as First Responder (DFR)
Program overview and purpose
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 37–38 48 • DFR is a public safety program that deploys unmanned aerial systems in advance of, or in coordination with, responding officers during calls for service. • Operated by trained personnel, DFR provides real-time aerial imagery and situational awareness to officers, supervisors, and dispatch personnel before officers arrive on scene.
• The program is intended to enhance officer and community safety, improve response efficiency, and support effective resource deployment.
• DFR can provide an immediate overhead perspective of unfolding incidents and help determine the appropriate response.
Transparency platform
DFR deployments are publicly accessible through the City’s public-facing transparency platform: https://community.richmond.ca.us.aerodome.com/ DFR: Authorized Response Situations
Where enhanced situational awareness can improve safety and outcomes Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 37–38 49 • Crimes in progress or crimes that have just occurred
• Suspicious persons or vehicles
• Reports of individuals with weapons
• Perimeter searches for suspects or missing persons
• Illegal Firework Calls for Service and related details • Injury traffic collisions or roadway hazards
• Other calls for service including Human Trafficking Operations Council action
The DFR program was expanded as part of a Flock
Group contract amendment approved by City Council
on January 21, 2025.
Operational start
No DFR deployments are reflected from January
through April 2025 because equipment acquisition,
system setup, implementation, and training occurred
before operational deployment.
Data separation
DFR deployment totals are separate from broader
UAS inventory and other drone-related missions.
DFR Deployment Table
Operational use of DFR during 2025 reporting period
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 38 50 DFR Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Total N/A N/A N/A N/A 25 213 240 153 49 47 9 30 766
DFR total: 766 deployments | Separate from the 104 non-DFR UAS deployments in the use summary.
Acquisitions and Policy
Updates
2026 replenishment, armored rescue evaluation,
and policy revisions
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 51
Acquisitions for 2026
Consumables and unplanned replacement
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 39 52 • Some purchases and acquisitions can be anticipated, but unplanned replacement may be necessary when equipment is damaged beyond repair, reaches the end of its service life, or is no longer operationally reliable. • Any replacement will be evaluated case-by-case and remains dependent on operational need, available funding, Department policy, and AB 481 compliance.
• Consumable military equipment may fluctuate throughout the year due to operational deployment, training, expiration, wear, and manufacturer recommended replacement schedules.
• Future acquisitions are expected to replenish previously approved equipment quantities and remain subject to Department policy and AB 481 requirements.
Ammunition
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Chemical agents
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Impact munitions
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Less lethal rounds
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Breaching munitions
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Diversionary devices
Replenishment as needed for training,
replacement cycles, expiration, or operational
use.
Armored Rescue Vehicle Evaluation
2026 intent to continue evaluating dedicated armored rescue capability Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 39–40 53 • For 2026, the Department anticipates continuing to evaluate the need for access to an Armored Rescue Vehicle for critical incidents and high-risk tactical operations. • In August 2025, the Department received a quote of $483,667 for a rescue medic vehicle. • Some federal grant opportunities may not align with Richmond’s sanctuary city policy and may be inappropriate or unavailable.
• RPD currently relies on mutual aid armored vehicle support, but access is not guaranteed and may be delayed by availability, operators, or competing regional needs. • Intent: request/evaluate a dedicated armored rescue vehicle capability through the appropriate City review, funding, and AB 481 process.
Key message
The report frames the armored rescue vehicle as a life
safety tool, not an offensive tool.
Protected platform
Provides ballistic protection for officers, fire personnel, paramedics, crisis negotiators, victims, and community
members during high-risk incidents.
Operational purpose
Safer rescue, evacuation, protected movement,
medical care access, de-escalation support, and
reduced likelihood of relying on greater force options.
POLICY UPDATES
Current policy and proposed armored rescue vehicle amendment Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 41 56 Current Policy 707.6 (Coordination with other Jurisdictions) Military equipment used by any member of this jurisdiction shall be approved for use and in accordance with this Department policy.
Military equipment used by other jurisdictions providing mutual aid shall comply with their respective military equipment use policies in rendering mutual aid.
Policy 707.6.1 (AMENDMENT)
The Richmond Police Department does not currently maintain an armored rescue vehicle in its inventory. In limited circumstances, the Department may request the assistance of an armored rescue vehicle owned and operated by another law enforcement agency when such equipment is reasonably necessary to preserve life, protect the public, protect officers, or support the safe resolution of a critical incident.
An armored rescue vehicle from another jurisdiction may be requested for incidents including, but not limited to, high risk warrant service, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active shooter incidents, rescue operations, evacuations during hazardous conditions, or other critical incidents where ballistic protection, rescue capability, or protected movement is necessary.
Any armored rescue vehicle provided by another jurisdiction shall be operated only by trained personnel from the assisting agency, in accordance with that agency’s military equipment use policy, applicable law, and any mutual aid or operational agreements in place at the time of the incident. Richmond Police Department personnel shall not operate an armored rescue vehicle owned by another agency unless separately authorized, trained, and approved to do so.
When feasible, the decision to request an armored rescue vehicle from another jurisdiction shall be made by the SWAT Commander, Incident Commander, or designee, based on the totality of the circumstances, the threat presented, the need for ballistic protection, rescue capability, or protected movement, and the availability of reasonable alternatives.
Any such use shall be documented and included in the Department’s AB 481 annual reporting, including the purpose of the deplo yment and the assisting agency, to the extent that information is available.
UAS POLICY REVISION – PM 607
UAS limits and safeguards
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 42–44 59 Area Policy Language / Summary
Privacy Absent a warrant or exigent circumstances, operators and observers shall adhere to FAA altitude regulations and shall not intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Reasonable
precautions
Operators and observers shall take reasonable precautions to avoid inadvertently recording or transmitting images of areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Use of vision
enhancement
technology
Permissible only where there is no protectable privacy interest, or when in compliance with exigent circumstances, a search warrant, or court order.
Prohibited uses No random surveillance, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, personal business, or weaponization.
Retention Evidentiary video shall be retained as provided in the established records retention schedule.
Complaints, Fiscal Impact, and
Projected Costs
Report pages 45–49
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership 60
Summary of Complaints / Concerns
Public complaint process and 2025 reporting results
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 45 61 • The Richmond Police Department is committed to responding to complaints, concerns, and questions in a timely manner.
• During this reporting period, there were 0 formal complaints related to military equipment.
• The Department did not have any policy violations with the deployment or use of military equipment.
• Members of the public may register complaints, concerns, or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment.
Method Contact
Email [email protected]
Phone 510-620-6675
Mail Richmond Police Department, 1701 Regatta Blvd, Richmond, CA 94801 2025 result
0 formal complaints | 0 identified policy violations related to deployment or use of military equipment
Notable Incident
Officer-involved shooting and fatal incident protocol
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 45 62 ❖ On August 4th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Richmond Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an armed subject who was inside a residence in the 400 block of 1st Street, threatening to kill people. The reporting party indicated the subject was armed with at least one knife at that time. Officers responded, and they could hear a disturbance coming from inside the residence. They were also simultaneously updated by RPD dispatch that the suspect had armed himself with a second edged weapon. ❖ With the information provided by dispatch, officers prepared for a possible hostage situation. ❖ Officers approached the front door of the residence and announced their presence. Officers were immediately confronted by a subject who was armed with at least one knife. At that time, two officers discharged their firearms, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The subject, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. ❖ A patrol rifle carbine (.223 caliber & identified as Military Equipment per AB481) was deployed and used during this incident.
❖ The Contra Costa Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Protocol, a set of guidelines and procedures followed in cases of officer-involved fatalities, was invoked, and the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office responded to investigate the incident.
Fiscal Impact
Military equipment related expenditures, January 1 –December 31, 2025 Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 46 63 Equipment Quantity Acquired /
Replenished
Acquisitions Maintenance /
Replacement
Total Cost
UAS 7 $46,128.05 $0 $46,128.05
Drone as First Responder
(DFR)
2 $299,454.68 $0 $299,454.68
Rifles 0 $0 $9,698.00 $9,698.00
Rifle Ammunition 60 $7,324.32 $0 $24,841.98
Diversionary Devices 100 $9,054.38 $0 $9,054.38
Chemical Agents 337 $13,917.84 $0 $16,247.96
All other listed categories 0 $0 $0 $0
Grand Total $405,425.05
The Department is budgeted for 147 sworn personnel and 71 professional staff members.
Fiscal Impact: Key Cost Drivers
2025 equipment-related expenditures
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 46 64 Grand Total
$405,425.05 in military equipment related expenditures during the 2025 reporting period.
Largest expenditure
Drone as First Responder: $299,454.68.
UAS
UAS: $46,128.05.
Rifles
Rifles: $9,698.00.
Rifle ammunition
Rifle Ammunition: $24,841.98.
Diversionary devices
Diversionary Devices: $9,054.38.
Chemical agents
Chemical Agents: $16,247.96.
• Expenditures include acquisition of new equipment and replacement of consumable military equipment. • Where applicable, annual maintenance and replacement costs are identified. • Several approved categories had no equipment-related expenditures in 2025.
Estimated Projected Costs for 2025:
Projected salary-cost estimates for specialized training Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 47–48 66 Program Staffing / Training Basis Estimated Cost
SWAT Team Training Approx. 26 members when fully staffed: 19 officers, 5 sergeants, 2 lieutenants. Each trains approx. 240 hours/year. $546,163.20
Patrol Rifle Program Approx. 40 officers and 10 sergeants. One 40-hour course for approx. 10 officers, plus approx. 5 hours annual in-
service/qualification.
$53,498.50
Sniper Team Training Approx. 9 members when fully staffed: 6 officers, 2 sergeants, 1 lieutenant. Each trains approx. 120 hours/year.
$96,837.60
Drone as First Responder One officer full-time from May 25 to Nov. 7, 2025 for startup, implementation, coordination, and readiness.
$81,685.52
Less Lethal Impact
Munitions Instructor
School
Train-the-trainer course attended by one officer from Feb. 10– 12, 2025.
$3,418.50
Incident List and Location Summary
Council-directed location and demographic reporting
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report pp. 49–58 67 • At the direction of City Council, the report includes an incident log identifying offense, general location, and available demographic information associated with certain military equipment deployments.
• The incident list is intended to provide additional transparency regarding the nature of calls and general circumstances in which equipment was deployed.
• This balances transparency with protection of sensitive law enforcement information, investigative integrity, and privacy for victims, witnesses, juveniles, tactical operations, or other sensitive incidents.
• Not every incident resulted in a known or identifiable suspect; some entries contain unknown or unavailable demographic information.
• The incident list should be read as a transparency and reporting tool, not as a complete demographic accounting of every person associated with every deployment. • This list is inclusive of all incidents in which equipment was used, excluding DFR.
Patrol Rifle Deployments by Incident Type
Supplemental context for the 333 deployments reported in 2025 Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Incident Type Total %
Search Warrant 285 86%
Community Generated CFS 41 12%
Officer Initiated CFS 7 2%
Key context
Most rifle deployments occurred during planned search warrant operations, where risk factors are evaluated in advance. • Deployment means a rifle was made available
based on risk and circumstances.
• It does not mean the rifle was pointed, fired,
displayed, or used as force.
Search warrants (authorized by a judge) and
Community Generated calls for service
accounted for 98% of rifle deployments.
2025 Equipment Use by Incident Type
Supplemental breakdown of 166 reportable equipment uses Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Important Point
More than half of reportable equipment uses were connected to calls generated by community members.
• Search Warrant: Equipment used during service of a search warrant • Community Generated CFS: Equipment used during a call from a community member
• Officer Initiated CFS: Equipment used when an officer was flagged down or on-viewed criminal activity
EQUIPMENT TYPE
2025
TOTAL
SEARCH
WARRANT %TOTAL
COMM
GENERATED CFS %TOTAL
OFFICER
INITIATED CFS %TOTAL
Armored Personnel Carrier 9 9 100% 0 0% 0 0%
Breaching Shotgun &
Projectiles 8 0 0% 8 100% 0 0%
Chemical Agents 5 2 40% 3 60% 0 0%
Diversion Devices
(Flashbangs) 26 26 100% 0 0% 0 0%
Less Lethal Impact Devices
& Kinetic Energy Projectiles 13 6 46% 6 46% 1 8%
Mobile Command Center 0 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
Patrol Rifles & Ammunition 1 0 0% 1 100% 0 0%
Tactical Robot 0 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
Unmanned Aerial System 104 21 20% 70 67% 13 13%
TOTAL 166 64 39% 88 53% 14 8%
Victim Demographic Data: Context and Limitations
Supplemental transparency data should be interpreted carefully Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership • Victim demographic information is included to
provide additional transparency and context
regarding reportable equipment deployments.
• Victim demographic data is not available for every
incident.
• Some incidents do not involve an identified victim.
• Victim demographic totals may differ from
equipment-use totals because some events had no
victim and some equipment uses do not map one-to-
one to victim demographics.
• Demographics include all incidents of equipment
use, including rifle deployments.
“Unknown”
Victim demographics were not known or not available in the incident data.
“N/A”
No victim was involved, such as DUI, arrest, outside assist, impound, missing person, or similar incidents.
Use with care
This data is for public transparency and context. It should not be treated as a complete demographic analysis of every call for service.
Victim Demographic Summary
Known and available victim data associated with reportable incidents Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Victim Sex Total %
Female 33 22%
Male 52 34.6%
Unknown 13 8.6%
N/A 52 34.6%
Victim Age Total %
0–17 12 8%
18–29 28 18.6%
30–39 10 6.6%
40–49 9 6%
50 and over 14 9.3%
Unknown 25 16.6%
N/A 52 34.6%
Victim Race Total %
Asian Indian 2 1.3%
Black 27 18%
Hispanic 39 26%
Other 5 3.33%
Pacific Islander 2 1.3%
White 6 4%
Unknown 17 11.3%
N/A 52 34.6%
Notes
“Unknown” means victim demographics not known. “N/A” means no victim involved. Totals reflect available victim data and are provided as context for reportable equipment use, not as a complete accounting of all community contacts or calls for service. 2025 Shooting Incident Context
Why readiness, training, and appropriate AB 481 equipment matter Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership • 110 Shooting Incidents in 2025
• 31 Victims struck by gunfire
AB 481 Equipment are readiness tools for
dangerous and rapidly evolving incidents.
Richmond faces real armed violence
incidents. Preparedness requires trained
officers, clear policy and necessary
equipment when seconds matter most.
Public Safety Reality: The Department’s responsibility
to be prepared
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership In 2023, Richmond officers served a search
warrant connected to a firearms investigation
that led to the following recovery:
- 53 Firearms
- 20 Rifles (AB 481)
- 23 Handguns
- 8 Revolvers
- 2 Shotguns
- 1 Explosive Grenade
- More than 1,000 rounds of ammo
- Firearms manufacturing equipment
Why this matters…
AB 481 equipment is maintained for high-risk incidents involving real threats, including armed suspects, illegal firearms, barricaded subjects, hostage risks, and critical incidents where lives may be at stake. The community deserves officers who are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond when dangerous weapons are present in our neighborhoods.
Public Safety Reality: The Department’s responsibility
to be prepared
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership In 2025, Richmond officers recovered 231
firearms from the streets. That number is not
abstract. Each firearm recovered represents a
real risk that was removed from the community.
These weapons are recovered during shootings,
firearm investigations, search warrants, arrests,
domestic violence calls, vehicle stops, and
community-generated calls for service. Many
times, officers are responding with limited
information, and they have to make decisions
quickly while trying to protect victims, witnesses,
community members, and themselves.
The community deserves officers who are
prepared to respond safely and effectively.
Community Engagement: Questions and Themes
Summary of key topics raised during public review of the 2025 AB 481 Annual Report Questions / Concerns Raised Department Response / Report Context Human impact / OIS Questions about the human cost of equipment deployment and why a rifle was used during the 2025 OIS.
Crowd control /
hostages Questions about AB 481 equipment in crowd-control settings and whether equipment has been used in hostage situations.
Patrol rifles Questions about 333 rifle deployments and one reported rifle use; concern that the numbers show rifles are unnecessary.
Drones / UAS Questions about additional UAS purchases, DFR, privacy, mental health calls, and interactions with Black and Brown residents.
Cost and training Concerns about equipment and training costs compared with other community priorities.
Community safety Questions and comments about violence, firearms, illegal fireworks, and support for UAS as a lower-cost public safety resource.
Respectful limits The Department avoided debating an active fatal incident out of respect for the family and investigative process.
Legal limits AB 481 equipment was not used for crowd control in 2025; any crowd- control use must comply with California law and Department policy.
Deployment ≠ force A rifle deployment means the rifle was made available based on risk.
It does not mean the rifle was pointed, fired, or used as force.
Policy safeguards UAS/DFR use is governed by policy, FAA requirements, privacy limitations, tracking, and public transparency tools.
Preparedness cost Training and equipment costs support lawful use, readiness, supervision, and safer outcomes during rare high-risk incidents.
Public safety need The report reflects both community concerns and the need to be prepared for violent, rapidly evolving, life-safety incidents.
Why this matters: AB 481 is designed for public questions, clear answers, transparent reporting, and continued City Council oversight.
The Department’s responsibility is to listen, explain operational need, correct the record where needed, and remain accountable.
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Use Report Conclusion
Transparency, oversight, and public safety readiness
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 59 68 AB 481 is about transparency, oversight, and accountability. The community has a right to know what equipment the Police Department has, why we have it, how it is used, what it costs, how it is governed, and how concerns can be raised. That is the purpose of this process, and we welcome that review.
The equipment discussed in this report is not maintained for routine use. It is maintained for the difficult moments when lives are at risk and it is the expectation that your first responders are ready for those moments.
The community deserves a Police Department that is trained, prepared, and equipped to respond safely and effectively when the stakes are highest. Our officers also deserve to have the tools, training, and support needed to do their jobs and return home safely at the end of their shifts.
This report is not asking the community to simply trust without verification.
It provides the information needed for public review, City Council oversight, and continued accountability.
Our responsibility is to use these tools lawfully, carefully, and only when the circumstances justify them. Our responsibility is also to be ready when the community needs us most.
Additional Information and Public Questions
Report links and contact information
Integrity • Professionalism • Service • Leadership Report p. 60 69 Resource Link / Contact
RPD AB 481 webpage https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4248/AB-481---Military-Equipment-Use-Policy Monthly Incident Summary
Logs
https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4706/Military-Equipment-Use-Statistics AB 481 Email [email protected]
Phone 510-620-6675
Mail Richmond Police Department, 1701 Regatta Blvd, Richmond, CA 94801 Questions and Answers
Thank you for reviewing the 2025 Annual Military Equipment Use Report.