CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: June 3, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Darren Goodman, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Subject: City of San Bernardino Police Department Annual Assembly 481 Military Equipment Usage Report (All
Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Receive and file the Department’s annual military equipment use report; and
2. Approve the Department’s request to acquire additional life-saving equipment in accordance with Assembly Bill 481.
City Manager's Comments
This report is consistent with Assembly Bill 481
Executive Summary
Assembly Bill 481 requires all law enforcement agencies in the State of California to submit an annual report to their respective governing bodies. This report must detail the agency’s current use of military equipment and identify any additional equipment the agency plans to acquire. The intent of the legislation is to promote transparency, oversight, and accountability in the acquisition and deployment of equipment defined as “military equipment” under the law.
Background
Assembly Bill 481, enacted in January 2022, was designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and oversight regarding the acquisition and use of military equipment by state and local law enforcement agencies. The legislation requires these agencies to obtain approval from their governing legislative bodies before purchasing, fundraising for, or acquiring military equipment by any means. Additionally, agencies must obtain approval from their governing bodies before collaborating with other law enforcement entities in the deployment or use of military equipment within their jurisdiction or before utilizing any new or existing equipment that has not been previously authorized.
The first reading of Ordinance No. MC-1579 occurred on May 4, 2022. This Ordinance was created to adopt Police Department Policy 705 (Military Equipment Policy) in accordance with Assembly Bill 481. The Ordinance was adopted on May 18, 2022. A component of AB 481 requires law enforcement agencies to submit annual reports to their governing bodies regarding their use of the military equipment, any complaints received, any internal audits or other information about violations of the military equipment use policy, the cost, and other similar information.
Discussion
The attached annual report provides a comprehensive summary of all military equipment used over the past year, including associated costs, purposes for deployment, and current inventory. The report begins with an annual overview, followed by a month-by-month breakdown. In addition to submitting the report, the Department is seeking approval to purchase additional drones and robots, and replenish/replace inventory for munitions that were used throughout the course of the year. Because this equipment is classified as military equipment under Assembly Bill 481, the Department is required to obtain formal approval from its governing body prior to initiating the procurement process.
Law enforcement incidents are often unpredictable and complex, requiring officers to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving threats. To help de-escalate tense and potentially violent situations, officers rely on specialized equipment, tools, and resources. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of harm to community members, individuals involved in the incident, and responding officers, while improving the likelihood of a safe and constructive resolution. Equipment classified as “military equipment” under Assembly Bill 481 includes, but is not limited to, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), unmanned ground vehicles (robotics), less-lethal projectile launchers, and distraction devices. These tools have been field-tested and are widely regarded as best practices for promoting public and officer safety while reducing the need for escalation. Their use is common among law enforcement agencies across the United States.
The San Bernardino Police Department ("Department") has determined that the use of these specialized tools is essential to achieving its goals of community safety and officer protection. After thorough evaluation, the Department has not identified any reasonable alternatives that offer the same level of effectiveness and protection. The deployment of this equipment is considered critical to the safe and successful resolution of high-risk and volatile situations. By leveraging the latest available technology, officers are better equipped to reduce the risk of harm to all parties involved. The Department remains firmly committed to utilizing equipment that enhances public safety while minimizing the potential for incidents to escalate into encounters involving lethal force.
Looking ahead, the Department plans to acquire the following additional items classified as military equipment under Assembly Bill 481:
1. Additional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones)
2. Additional Unmanned Ground Vehicles (robotics)
These acquisitions are intended to enhance the Department’s operational capabilities in managing critical incidents, improving situational awareness, and ensuring the safety of both the community and responding officers.
As drone and robotics technology continues to advance, law enforcement agencies around the world are expanding their use to save lives, improve officer safety, and support investigative operations. The San Bernardino Police Department currently maintains an inventory of drones and robotics; however, due to ongoing technological developments, these systems require regular software updates and replacement parts to remain functional. Several existing drones must be replaced because of software and hardware incompatibilities, as well as the unavailability of discontinued components, while others have reached the end of their service life.
Drones have become indispensable tools in a wide range of law enforcement applications, including traffic collision reconstruction, tactical reconnaissance, hostage and barricade situations, forensic investigations, patrol operations, tethered surveillance, and traffic flow analysis. One of their most significant advantages is the ability to rapidly and accurately document crash scenes, producing detailed, three-dimensional models in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. This not only enhances the quality of evidence but also leads to considerable cost savings by reducing investigative time. Drone use improves officer safety by allowing investigations to be conducted from secure locations, away from active roadways or hazardous environments. This reduces the need for secondary safety officers and minimizes exposure to potential harm.
Patrol-deployed drones can be easily stored in the trunk of police vehicles and rapidly deployed at incident scenes to provide real-time situational awareness. These drones can assist in locating suspects, identifying weapons, and detecting other hazards. They are particularly valuable during K9 deployments, enhancing safety for both the handler and the dog. As technology continues to evolve, drones and robotics are becoming vital components in nearly all aspects of emergency response, delivering both increased operational effectiveness and enhanced safety. In the face of staffing shortages and increasing threats to law enforcement personnel, drones serve as essential tools for protecting both the community and officers.
Robotics similarly offer significant advantages for modern policing. Their primary benefit lies in the increased safety they provide by performing tasks that are too hazardous for officers. Robots can be deployed to clear locations where armed suspects may be present, enter buildings suspected of containing explosive devices, or operate in environments contaminated with toxic substances.
Additionally, robotics enhance operational efficiency. They can be programmed to perform routine or repetitive tasks, allowing officers to focus on complex duties requiring human judgment and decision-making. The use of robotics in high-risk scenarios also helps reduce legal and financial liability by minimizing the risk of injury or fatalities to officers and civilians alike.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The annual reporting of department military equipment use aligns with Key Target No. 3:
Improved Quality of Life - Constantly evaluate public safety service delivery models to enhance the quality of service.
Fiscal Impact
There is no new fiscal impact associated with the approval of this equipment. Any future equipment will be purchased in compliance with City purchasing rules and there are sufficient funds in the Department’s budget for the purchase.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Receive and file the Department’s annual military equipment use report; and
2. Approve the Department’s request to acquire additional life-saving equipment in accordance with Assembly Bill 481.
Attachments
Attachment 1 Annual Military Equipment Report (1)
Attachment 2 Annual Military Equipment Report (2)
Attachment 3 Annual Military Equipment Report (3)
Attachment 4 Ordinance No. MC-1579
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
May 7, 2025 The Mayor and City Council approved of the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report and Approved Future Purchases.
May 15, 2024 The Mayor and City Council approved of the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report and Approved Future Purchases.
May 3, 2023 The Mayor and City Council approved of the Police Department’s Annual Military Equipment Report and Approved Future Purchases.
May 18, 2022 The Mayor and City Council adopted Ordinance No. MC1579 approving Police Department Policy 705 (Military Equipment Policy) in accordance with Assembly Bill 481.
May 4 ,2022 First reading of Ordinance No. MC-1579 adopting Police Department Policy 705 (Military Equipment Policy) in accordance with Assembly Bill 481 was presented to, and introduced by, the Mayor and City Council.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager