Item 6b
The popular party registration program continues to prove successful. The Department received 460 party requests and approved 332 events. Of the approved events, 34 received a warning call and just 14 (3%) were issued citations.
PARTY REGISTRATION
YEAR SUBMITTED APPROVED DENIED WARNING CALL CITATION
2017 35 24 11 5 0
2018 115 99 27 9 1
2019 339 242 91 38 3
2020 36 33 6 1 0
2021 257 169 88 23 4
2022 460 332 119 34 14
The Police Department continued strong efforts in building upon past initiatives and campus partnerships. Summer orientation programs for incoming Cal Poly students and supporters returned to the pre-pandemic in-person model and Police Department staff was once again granted the opportunity to provide information on living in SLO, city laws. and state laws, and crime prevention tips related to personal and property safety.
The Neighborhood Officer Program continues to be an excellent resource for community members in need of help and where problem-oriented policing can help, even often before calls for service are generated. Neighborhood officers also visit properties that have had multiple noise violations to help educate community members and encourage responsible social event planning.
Item 6b
Throughout the year, a high volume of focused messaging is geared towards the student population through social media, postcards/mailers, posters/flyers, e-blasts, on-campus in-person presentations, media releases, and participation in the Student Community Liaison Committee (SCLC). The best avenue for messaging is via the partnerships with Cal Poly and Cuesta College. In addition to summer orientation, in-person presentations are made available to student government, housing, Greek life, athletics, and clubs.
Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA):
Assembly Bill 953, the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015 (RIPA), enacted Government Code section 12525.5, which requires all law enforcement agencies in the state to collect perceived demographic and other detailed data regarding pedestrian and traffic stops. The data is not to be collected from identification like a passport or driver's license. Rather, the data is based upon the officer's perception of the person they stopped.
January 1, 2022, the RIPA law required the Police Department to start collecting this information on all “stops” – defined as any detention or search (including consensual searches) – and report this information to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) annually.
Item 6b
The initial RIPA stop data application used, Crossroads, to collect this information for the Police Department did not perform to our standards. After numerous failures with Crossroads the Police Department transitioned and purchased a new product, Veritone, on June 1, 2022. Veritone provided the Police Department with the tools required to ensure we appropriately comply with the law.
The embedded RIPA graph only contains analytics from Veritone that covers June 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Due to the problems with Crossroads, a summary report could not be produced, nor could those analytics be moved into Veritone. Even with these issues, the Police Department successfully reported the 2022 stop data to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) as required. For 2022 we submitted 5628 reports to DOJ of that 3448 reports were from Veritone and 2180 were from Crossroads.
Military Equipment Use:
California State Law established under AB-481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of the applicable governing body (Mayor and City Council), by adoption of a military equipment use policy. The bill requires publication of the military equipment use procedure and the annual military equipment report on the Department’s website.
The military equipment use procedure must be posted on the website at least 30 days prior to the Council meeting. The Police Department posted it on May 20, 2023, on the Police Department website under the link “SB978-Police Policies, Procedures, and Training Materials”, and notified the public via Instagram, Facebook, Next Door, and Twitter on May 20, 2023, that the report was available for public review.
Military equipment use was recorded by the San Luis Obispo Police Department for this report from April 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, contemporaneous and in compliance with the timelines associated with the passage of the law and corresponding City Ordinance 1712. In all years following, the annual report will have a range of January 1 to December 31 for each calendar year.
The military equipment listed in the table below was deployed operationally during the reporting period. Depending on the scale of the response, multiple pieces of military equipment may be deployed on the same incident. Military equipment was used by highly trained department members to subdue and arrest dangerous persons and those suspected of committing a crime and only in those circumstances where the person posed a significant risk to others.
Military equipment was utilized in the following incidents: To assist another Law Enforcement agency execute a high-risk search warrant for narcotics trafficking, conducted area canvasses for at-risk missing persons, intelligence gathering during large scale public events including protests and rallies and large-scale holiday celebrations, documented the scene of multiple fatal collisions, and aided in the location of an assault suspect who fled the scene.
Item 6b
Military equipment was deployed on nine total incidents during the reporting period.
During that same time, the department responded to 27,504 calls for service incidents per the department’s CAD/Records Management System. Military equipment was deployed operationally on approximately 0.03% of incidents the police department responded to.
Equipment Type Number of Deployments
Lenco Bearcat Armored Rescue Vehicle 1
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) 2
40mm Launcher with Less Lethal Rounds 6
In accordance with Section 7072 of AB-481, the Department is required to include a list of additional military equipment that will be acquired within the next calendar year. The department is requesting to purchase the following items to replace inventory that was used in training or responses or to have the necessary inventory to adequately respond to incidences., These purchases will be added to our existing military equipment inventory:
19 CTS Baffled Riot CS Canister ($40.00 each) – Current inventory is six, need to increase inventory to 25 to be better equipped to adequately respond to incidents should they develop.
400 PepperBall Live Projectiles ($2.38 each) – Current inventory is 1200. Need to increase inventory to 1600 to be better equipped to respond to incidents as they develop. With 5 PepperBall launchers, total PepperBall projectiles is currently 240 per launcher. This purchase would increase available projectiles per launcher to 320.
12 - Defense Technology command-initiated cord for remote activation of chemical agents and diversionary devices from inside the Bearcat via Draco. ($90 each)
12 - Defense Technology CS canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. ($40 each)
12 - Defense Technology OC canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. ($40 each)
DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro – ($1000 each) Addition to drone fleet to improve operational readiness and reduce time to flight in exigent circumstances. DJI Matrice X-30 – ($14,000 each) Drone that has the ability to operate in inclement weather, with extended flight times.
Item 6b
Conclusion:
In 2022 the Police Department worked very hard to move back to a balanced community based and proactive approach to providing emergency services to our community, maintaining a safe work environment for our employees, educating, and enforcing in a constantly changing public landscape, while supporting our dedicated employees. Staffing remained a challenge for all of 2022 and employees worked many extra hours to ensure community safety. The police staff has worked very diligently to ensure your Police Department remains trusted, supported, physically and emotionally healthy, and continues to provide high-quality law enforcement service to our community.
Our efforts are shown positively in many areas as demonstrated by the information in this report. Crime and new crime trends will continue to be a major priority for the Police Department. Violent crime is on the rise across the country in our post-pandemic communities. While San Luis Obispo is not immune to this increase, the aggregate numbers driving the percentages remain relatively low. Regardless, lowering violent crime will be a top priority for 2023.
Through the implementation of numerous crime reduction initiatives and community programs, the City has seen a 3% decrease in Part 1 crime for 2022. The Police Department also saw a 5% decrease in property-related crimes for 2022. Property crimes continue to be a significant challenge within the City, and throughout the State. Theft from unsecured vehicles and residences continues to be a problem within the City.
Continued education has helped with decreasing the trend, which we will continue throughout 2023. These measures will include directed patrols targeted at problem locations, utilization of proactive and specialized operations to apprehend criminals engaged in or looking for crimes of opportunity, and using print media, social media, and community engagement to educate our community members to reduce victimization and increase awareness. We will continue to work to reduce crime and safeguard the community, while ethically policing in an ever-changing legal and procedural landscape.
Public Engagement
The community is invited to submit comments in writing prior to the meeting regarding this item. In addition, the Military Equipment Use Annual Report was posted to the San Luis Obispo Police Department website and linked through social media platforms 30 days prior to this meeting, as required by law. This hearing satisfies the requirements under section Government Code 7071 et seq and provides the most transparent summary to date of both crime and public safety information and the use and inventory of military equipment as defined under California Law.
Item 6b
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2022
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $ $ $ $
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City related to this report. All requested items are budgeted in the Police Department’s budget which is funded through the General Fund’s annual budget appropriation adopted by the City Council. All efforts within the report are covered through the annual program allocations as outlined in the City’s Financial Plan.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose not to receive and file the report. This is not recommended as the report provides a record of key crime-related statistics and trends that are important for policymakers and the public to be aware of in our community.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2021/2022 Annual Crime Report Presentation
B - San Luis Obispo Police Department Annual AB481 Report 2022 C - Military Equipment Use Policy 709
Police Department
2021/2022 Crime Report
1
Current Projects
Continue working with community partners on
homeless issues
Supporting major city goals including diversity, equity and inclusion, housing and homelessness, climate action and fiscal sustainability Improve recruitment and retention of employees Improve data-driven community policing through hotspot micro mapping
2
Recommendation:
Receive and file the 2022 Police Department crime report (Attachment A) and Military Equipment Use annual report (Attachment B).
Accomplishments
Provided emergency services while facing significant
staffing issues
Successfully hosted first ever Groceries for Guns a
gun “buyback” program
Started the development of our new 5-year strategic
plan
Implemented new community engagement framework
for the Police Department (SPIDR)
Reported first years Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) data to DOJ per AB 953
4
Violent Crime in CA 2021
(Murder, Rape, Aggravated Assault, Robbery)
Violent Crime in SLO increased 18% in 2022
compared to 2021
Violent Crime CA
– 4.66/1000 (2021)
Violent Crime SLO 4.68/1000 (2021) Violent Crime SLO 5.49/1000 (2022) 5 Statewide statistics for 2022 not yet released
(Residential, Commercial and Vehicle Burglary, Theft, Vehicle Theft) The property crime rate in SLO decreased 5% in 2022 SLO Property crime percentages in 2022 are 79% larceny (theft and vehicle burg), 15% burglary, 7% auto thefts Property Crime CA 2.2/1000 (2021) Property Crime SLO 38.4/1000 (2021) Property Crime SLO 36.0/1000 (2022) 6 Property Crime in CA 2021
Statewide statistics for 2022 not yet released
Calls for service decreased 2% in 2022 and 29% increase since 2009 7
2022 Call for Service by Type
8
Crime Comparison
2021 / 2022
9 2021 2022 %Dif
Murder 2 0 -100%
Rape 25 37 48%
Robbery 33 40 21%
Agg. Assault 165 189 15%
Burglary 272 254 -7%
Larceny 1398 1372 -2%
Motor Veh. Theft 174 119 -32%
Part 1 Violent 225 266 18%
Part 1 Property 1844 1745 -5%
Total Part 1 2069 2011 -3%
Traffic - 2021 / 2022
10 2021 2022 %Dif
Collisions 399 435 9%
Pedestrian 32 36 13%
Bike 36 35 -3%
Traffic Cites 2408 3293 37%
Pedestrian 259 249 -4%
Bike 308 303 -2%
Warnings 2304 2172 6%DUI Arrests 108 140 30%
Noise 2021/ 2022
2021 2022 %Dif
Noise Complaints 1417 1409 -1%
Cites 143 153 7%
DACS 146 260 78%
UTL 148 158 7%
Neg. Violation 907 802 -12%
Landlord Cites 39 66 69%
11
Noise Complaints Since 2009
12
Party Registration Since Inception
PARTY REGISTRATION
YEAR SUBMITTED APPROVED DENIED WARNING CALL CITATION
2017 35 24 11 5 02018 115 99 27 9 1
2019 339 242 91 38 3
2020 36 33 6 1 02021 257 169 88 23 42022 460 332 119 34 14
Homeless SLO
City & County
SLO City 2015 2017 2019 2022
Sheltered 158 189 156 137
Unsheltered 324 222 326 248
Total 482 411 482 385
SLO County 2015 2017 2019 2022
Sheltered 392 345 311 292
Unsheltered 1123 780 1172 1156
Total 1515 1125 1483 1448
14 Homeless point in time count completed every two years. 2021 delayed until 2022 due to COVID-19.
Homeless Calls for Service
2022
– 18% of all calls for service were related to homelessness 15
Downtown Calls for Service
2022
– 11% of all calls for service occurred downtown
16
Homeless CFS vs. Downtown Homeless CFS
2022 - 17% of all Homeless Calls for Service occurred in Downtow n
17
Mental Health Related
Calls for Service
2021 - 21% increase in Mental Health calls
Calls Transported %Transported
2017 303 111 37%2018 207 103 50%2019 252 119 47%2020 282 128 45%2021 342 149 44%2022 245 132 54% 18
Current Challenges
Ongoing Staffing Challenges
Time required to hire and train new Officers to solo status (overtime, over hires, lost time, Injured On Duty)
Employee wellness/peer support
Homelessness and Mental Health
Resources Policy
Crime and nuisance behavior New Technology
NIBRS/CIBRS Reporting RIPA Stop Data Collection E-Collision/E-Citation SPIDR Tech 19
SPIDR Tech
Notable Legislation
SB2 Police Officer decertification SB16 Increases transparency over Peace Officer misconduct records
AB26 Additional minimum
requirements for use-of-force policies
AB48 Restricts use of less-lethal
munitions to disperse protests
QUESTIONS?
22
Military Equipment Use
Annual Report
23
AB-481 Background
Enacted in 2021 requiring Law Enforcement agencies to seek approval for military equipment inventory and create and file a report on military equipment inventory, costs and usage each year. New military equipment requires governing body
approval.
Initial policy and report received and approved by
council on April, 2022.
04/01/2022
– 12/31/2022 reporting period.
Future military equipment use reports will be for full calendar year.
24
Program Statistics
SLOPD responded to 27,504 during the reporting
period and deployed military equipment 9 times. (.03%)
Summary of Complaints per Government Code
§
7072(a)(2):
The department received no complaints regarding the use of military equipment during this reporting period.
Summary of Internal Audits or Policy Violations per
Government Code
§ 7072(a)(3):
No policy violations were noted related to military equipment deployment.
25
Ongoing Costs
26 Category Annual Costs
Armored Vehicles $4,500
Mobile Incident Command $2,100
Breaching Shotguns and
Ammunition
$80
Patrol/SWAT Rifles $2,620
Ammunition $40,750
PepperBall Launchers and
Munitions
$1025
40mm Launchers and
Munition
$1,850
Distraction Devices $480
Chemical Agents and Smoke $375
UAS (Drones)/Robots $1,750
2022 Military Equipment Use
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
04/01/2022 - Attempt to locate Adult At-Risk Missing Person 11/28/2002 - Scene Documentation – Double Fatal Traffic Collision
Bearcat
09/03/22 - Assistance Request
– Grover Beach Police Department, Warrant Service
40mm Less Lethal Munitions
4/10/2022 - Disorderly suspect with a knife 4/30/2022 - Robbery suspect 5/11/2022 - Disorderly suspect / fighting with a Peace Officer 6/23/2022 - Disorderly/mentally ill suspect threatening harm to neighbors 7/14/2022 - Disorderly/mentally ill suspect who started a fire/created bio-hazard 12/16/2022 - Disorderly suspect threatening Officers and refusing to follow commands in the middle of the street
27
Proposed Military Equipment
DJI Matrice X-30
– Drone that has the ability to operate in inclement weather, with extended flight times.
DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro
– Addition to drone fleet to improve operational
readiness and reduce time to flight in exigent circumstances. Defense Technology command-initiated cord for remote activation of chemical agents and diversionary devices from inside the Bearcat via Draco. (12) Defense Technology CS canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. (12) Defense Technology OC canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. (12) CTS Baffled Riot CS Canister (19) – Augment current inventory of 6.
PepperBall Live Projectiles (400)
– Augment current inventory of 1200.
28
Recommendation:
Receive and file the 2022 Police Department crime report (Attachment A) and Military Equipment Use annual report (Attachment B).
1 SAN LUIS OBISPO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Assembly Bill 481
2022 Annual Report
(Government Code § 7072; San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Ordinance 1712)
2 Table of Contents:
Definitions……………………………………………………………….……………………….3
Preface…………………………...………………………………………………………………5
Executive Summary ..…………………..………………………………………………………5
Reporting Requirements………………………………………………………………………..7
Summary of Military Equipment…………………………………………………………….....8 Unmanned Aircraft systems………………………………………………….………………..9
Robots………………………………………….……………………………………………….11
Lenco Bearcat………………………………………………………………………………….12
Mobile Incident Command Vehicle……………………………………………………….….13 Shotgun Breaching and Ammunition………………………………………………….….…14 Patrol Rifles…………………………………………………………………………………….17
SWAT Rifles……………………………………………………………………………………18
Rifle and Pistol Ammunition…..………………………………………………………………23 Diversionary Devices………………………………………………………………….………27
Chemical Agent and Smoke Canisters……………………………………………………...30 40mm Launchers……………….……………………………………………………………...33
40mm Munitions……………………………………………………………………………….35
PepperBall Launchers and Munitions…………………………………..…………………...37 Defense Logistics Disposition (formerly DRMO) Equipment.………..…………………...40 Appendix A Military Equipment Deployment…………………………………….………….44 Appendix B Military Equipment Quantities….……………………………………….……...46 Appendix C Fiscal Impact…………………………...…………..……………………………54
3 Definitions:
Pursuant to AB-481, the following definitions are applicable only to the Department’s current military equipment inventory and potential future military equipment acquisitions for operational needs. (For a more detailed list, refer to Government Code section 7070, for “military equipment” as defined within the Assembly Bill.) “Governing body” means the San Luis Obispo City Council and Mayor. “Military equipment” means the following:
1. Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. This definition applies to the Department’s inventory of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and SWAT robot.
2. Armored personnel carriers. However, police versions of standard consumer vehicles are specifically excluded from this definition. This definition applies to the San Luis Obispo Police Department’s Lenco Bearcat.
3. Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units. This definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of command and control vehicles, including but not limited to the following:
a) Mobile Incident Command Vehicle (MCV)
4. Battering rams, slugs, and other breaching apparatuses. However, items designed to remove a lock, such as bolt cutters, or a handheld ram designed to be operated by one person, are specifically excluded from this definition. This definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of breaching shotguns, and breaching shotgun rounds, which are all maintained by the SWAT unit.
5. Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, except for standard issue service weapons and ammunition of less than .50 caliber that are issued to sworn members. This definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of rifle caliber carbines, sniper rifles, and associated ammunition.
6. Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles.
7. “Flashbang” grenades and explosive breaching tools, “tear gas,” and “pepper balls,” excluding standard, service-issued handheld OC. This definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of flashbangs, pepper ball launchers and related ammunition.
Additionally, this definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of various chemical agents and chemical agent delivery systems maintained by the SWAT Unit and Mobile Field Force. These delivery systems are capable of dispersing chemical agents via burning, expulsion, liquid, or fog.
4 8. The following projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: 40mm projectile launchers and Pepperball launchers. This definition applies to all the Department’s inventory of 40 mm projectile launchers and associated munitions. This definition also applies to the Department’s inventory of Pepperball launchers and associated munitions.
9. “Military equipment” does not include general equipment not designated as prohibited or controlled by the Federal Defense Logistics Agency.
“Military equipment use policy” refers to the San Luis Obispo Police Department Policy 709 which requires a publicly released, written document governing the use of military equipment by the department that addresses, at a minimum, the following:
1. A description of each type of military equipment, the quantity sought, its capabilities, expected lifespan, and product descriptions from the manufacturer of the military equipment.
2. The purposes and authorized uses for which the Department proposes to use each type of military equipment.
3. The fiscal impact of each type of military equipment, including the initial costs of obtaining the equipment and estimated annual costs of maintaining the equipment.
4. The legal and procedural rules that govern each authorized use.
5. The training, including any course required by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, that must be completed before any sworn member is allowed to use each specific type of military equipment to ensure the full protection of the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties and full adherence to the military equipment use policy.
6.The mechanisms to ensure compliance with the military equipment use policy, including which independent persons or entities have oversight authority, and, if applicable, what legally enforceable sanctions are put in place for violations of policy, the procedures by which members of the public may register complaints or concerns or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment, and how the Department will ensure that each complaint, concern, or question receives a response in a timely manner.
5 Preface:
The San Luis Obispo Police Department retains and utilizes a wide variety of equipment which falls under the definition of AB-481. This equipment is used to assist the San Luis Obispo Police Department in its ultimate mission which is the preservation of life.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department recognizes critical incidents are unpredictable and dynamic in nature. The retention of this equipment alone also does not warrant its use for every incident. The equipment listed in this report assists with the safe and swift resolution of these incidents.
Policy and procedure dictate when the equipment may be deployed in the field, how it may be used, and which officers are authorized to use it. However not all situations can be predicted. The need for the incident commander, on scene supervisor, or officers to deploy and utilize the equipment in a manner not outlined within policy or procedure may be necessary for the preservation of life in a rapidly evolving incident.
Further, incident commanders, supervisors, officers, and specific specialized units can authorize use of equipment for each specific incident based on the totality of the circumstances.
Executive Summary:
On September 30, 2021, the Governor of the State of California approved AB-481 requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of the applicable governing body (Mayor and City Council), by adoption of a military equipment use policy. The Department is required to seek City Council approval of their military equipment use procedure by ordinance at a regular open meeting prior to taking certain actions relating to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment, as defined.
The bill allows the governing body to approve the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment within its jurisdiction only if it determines that the military equipment meets specified standards. The ordinance is subject to annual City Council review to determine whether, based on an annual military equipment report, the standards set forth in the approving ordinance have been met. The City Council may renew the authorizing ordinance, disapprove authorization for particular military equipment where standards have not been met, or require modifications to the military equipment use procedure to address any non-compliance with standards.
Finally, the bill requires publication of the military equipment use procedure and the annual military equipment report on the Department’s website. The military equipment use procedure must be posted on the website at least 30 days prior to the Council meeting.
Military equipment use was recorded by the San Luis Obispo Police Department for this report from April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, contemporaneous and in compliance
6 with the timelines associated with the passage of the AB-481 and corresponding City Ordinance 1712. In all years following, the annual report will have a range of January 1 to December 31 for each year.
Summary of Use and Purpose of Use per Government Code § 7072(a)(1):
The military equipment listed in the table below was deployed operationally during the reporting period. Multiple pieces of military equipment may be deployed on the same incident.
Military equipment was used by department members to subdue disorderly suspects who refused to follow commands and posed a significant risk to others, to assist another Law Enforcement agency execute a high-risk search warrant for narcotics trafficking, conducted area canvasses for at-risk missing persons, supporting assistance during large scale public events including protests and rallies and large-scale holiday celebrations, documented the scene of multiple fatal collisions, and aided in the location of an assault suspect who fled the scene.
Military equipment was deployed on 9 total incidents during the reporting period. During that time, the department responded to 27,504 calls for service incidents per the department’s CAD/Records Management System. Military equipment was deployed operationally on approximately 0.03% of incidents the police department responded to.
Equipment Type Number of Deployments
Lenco Bearcat Armored Rescue Vehicle 1
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) 2
40mm Launcher with Less Lethal Rounds 6
Refer to Appendix A for deployment information.
Summary of Complaints per Government Code § 7072(a)(2):
The department received no complaints regarding the use of military equipment during this reporting period.
Summary of Internal Audits or Policy Violations per Government Code § 7072(a)(3):
No policy violations were noted related to military equipment deployment internally or by citizen complaint.
Refer to Appendix B for audit information.
7 Summary of Annual Cost of Military Equipment per Government Code § 7072(a)(4):
Refer to Appendix C for annual cost information.
Quantity Possessed per Government Code § 7072(a)(5):
Refer to Appendix B
New Equipment Acquisition per Government Code § 7072(a)(6):
The department is seeking to purchase the following items to add to our existing military equipment inventory:
19 CTS Baffled Riot CS Canister ($40.00 each) – Current inventory is 6, seeking to increase inventory to 25 to be better equipped to handle incidents as they develop. 400 PepperBall Live Projectiles ($2.38 each) – Current inventory is 1200. Seeking to increase inventory to 1600 to be better equipped to handle incidents as they develop.
With 5 PepperBall launchers, total PepperBall projectiles is currently only 240 per launcher. This purchase would increase available projectiles per launcher to 320. 12 - Defense Technology command-initiated cord for remote activation of chemical agents and diversionary devices from inside the Bearcat via Draco. ($90 each) 12 - Defense Technology CS canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. ($40 each) 12 - Defense Technology OC canisters for Bearcat Draco deployment. ($40 each) DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro – Addition to drone fleet to improve operational readiness and reduce time to flight in exigent circumstances.
DJI Matrice X-30 – Drone that has the ability to operate in inclement weather, with extended flight times.
Reporting Requirements:
AB-481, Section 7072 states the following:
(a) A law enforcement agency that receives approval for a military equipment use policy pursuant to Section 7071 shall submit to the governing body an annual military equipment report for each type of military equipment approved by the governing body within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The law enforcement agency shall also make each annual military equipment report required by this section publicly available on its internet
8 website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The annual military equipment report shall, at a minimum, include the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment:
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response. (4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report. (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment. (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment. (b) Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing an annual military equipment report pursuant to this section, the law enforcement agency shall hold at least one wellpublicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the general public may discuss and ask questions regarding the annual military equipment report and the law enforcement agency’s funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment
In addition to maintaining the highest levels of public safety, the San Luis Obispo Police Department is committed to transparency, public trust, community partnerships, and compliance with the law. As such, the Department has authored the following 2022 Annual Military Equipment Report in accordance with annual reporting requirements set forth in AB-481 and government code 7072.
Summary of Military Equipment:
The inventory of military equipment, particularly consumable material (ammunition, diversionary devices, Less Lethal Impact Weapon – LLIM, etc.) fluctuates regularly. This is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to operational usage, operational deterioration, training, maintenance, and expiration and replenishment guidelines. The San Luis Obispo Police Department is committed to transparency in disclosing its military equipment inventory and related information to our community and elected officials in compliance with the law. The Department strives to provide the most accurate military equipment inventory and information at the time of this report’s publication.
9 The following are the various types, descriptions, and guidelines for usage of military equipment currently employed by the San Luis Obispo Police Department: (*NOTE: The manufacturer descriptions and source photos contained within are referenced via publicly accessible website source citations. The website source citations utilized in this report are for military equipment descriptive purposes only and are not an endorsement by the San Luis Obispo Police Department of a particular product or vendor.) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS):
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): An unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether pre-programmed or remotely controlled, and all 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: The guidelines for the use of UAS are outlined in Lexipol Policy 613 and FAA Regulation 14 CFR Part 107 It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize UAS only for law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community pursuant to state and federal law.
Training Requirements: All department UAV operators are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for UAS operation. In addition, each operator attends a 24-hour POST certified training along with ongoing monthly department training.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately five (5) years.
The Department currently possesses the following types of UAS:
DJI Mavic Mini (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: DJI
Manufacturer Description: Mavic Mini takes power and portability to the next level, offering advanced features in a compact form factor. Intelligent shooting functions and excellent image quality put aerial masterpieces within reach. Safer, smarter flight enables you to up your game while fully enjoying the creative process.
10 (Description and photo Source: https://www.dji.com/mavic-mini) DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual & Advance (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: DJI
Manufacturer Description: Designed to empower a new generation of workers, the Mavic 2 Enterprise is the ultimate expression of a tool that delivers beyond expectation to meet current workplace challenges and future demands. Featuring:
Visible & Thermal Imagery
Integrated Radiometric FLIR Thermal Sensor
Adjustable Parameters for Emissivity & Reflective Surfaces Multiple Display Modes: FLIR MSX, Infrared & Visible
(Description and photo source: https://www.dji.com/mavic-2- enterprise?site=brandsite&from=nav)
11 Robots:
Robots: An unmanned robot of any type that is capable of being remotely controlled as well as all the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or by any other means.
Capability: 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: Robots are generally used by the SWAT team during high-risk operations.
Training requirements: SWAT Officers authorized to operate robots are required to successfully complete a POST Certified SWAT School and are subject to classroom and practical application training in the use of the robots. Additionally, SWAT Officers regularly train on safe robot deployment in a variety of operational settings.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: ICOR Technologies Mini Caliber Robot – 8-10 years Lifespan varies on operational usage and wear.
The Department currently possesses the following types of Robots:
ICOR Technologies – Mini Caliber (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: ICOR Technologies
Manufacturer Description: Lightweight, modular and one-man portable, the MiniCALIBER® SWAT and EOD Robot is tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).
Designed for rapid tactical missions, the robot is simple to operate and quick to deploy for searching rooms, hallways, stairwells and confined spaces. With rubber tracks and articulating front and rear flippers, the Mini-CALIBER effortlessly climbs stairs. It also includes an extendible rotating claw arm that simplifies opening door handles.
12 (Description and photo source: MK3 CALIBER® - ICOR Technology - Tactical & Security Robotics Products)
Armored Vehicles:
BearCat: A 4X4, wheeled, armored personnel carrier capable of providing high ballistic protection, cover, limited breaching capability, and transport of officers and/or civilians at critical incidents and high-risk tactical operations.
Capability: BearCat can support first responders in any hazardous, high risk, or critical incident which would benefit from having a vehicle that provides a high level of ballistic protection.
Usage: To be used in response to critical incidents to enhance officer and community safety, improve scene containment and stabilization, rescue of citizens and personnel and assist in resolving critical incidents.
Training requirements: The use of the armored vehicle is authorized for officers during critical incident, based on the circumstances of each individual incident. All sworn officers have access to the BearCat. Armored vehicles shall be used only by officers trained in their deployment and in a manner consistent with department policy and training. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize armored vehicles only for law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to state and federal law.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 20 years depending on operational usage and wear. The Department currently possesses the following BearCat:
2004 BearCat – 2 Door Model (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Lenco Manufacturer Description:
The Lenco BearCat is the standard tactical armored vehicle for special operations units within the US Law Enforcement community. The BearCat has excellent on-road driving characteristics and maneuverability in tight urban settings. The large floor plan seats 8-
13 10 fully equipped officers with a long list of tactical features only found on the Lenco BearCat line of armored SWAT vehicles for Police and Government. (Description source: https://www.lencoarmor.com/model/bearcat-g2-police-government/ Mobile Incident Command Vehicles (MIC)
Mobile Incident Command Vehicles:
Self-contained command posts designed to provide the Incident Commander with a mobile base of operation.
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, natural disasters, and for SWAT/CNT.
Training requirements: The driver/operator shall receive training in the safe handling of the vehicle on a closed training course. Once the operator has shown competence in vehicle handling, the driver/operator will drive the vehicle throughout the city with an experienced driver.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: No lifespan indicated by manufacturer. Dependent on operational usage and wear.
14 The Department currently possesses the following Mobile Incident Command Vehicle:
Mobile Incident Command Trailer - (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Pace American
Manufacturer Description: No description available. (Custom build) 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 into 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 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 Department possesses a limited inventory of Breaching Shotguns and Breaching Shotgun Ammunition. Breaching Shotguns are to be used exclusively by trained members of the SWAT Unit.
Capability: Shotgun breaching, the use of a breaching shotgun to affect a breach, can be an effective option in SWAT Unit tactics. An effective breach is a design where the least amount of breaching shotgun rounds are used and still accomplishes its goal. An effective shotgun breach can defeat fortified doors and locks. Effective breaching techniques allow tactical officers immediate entry with minimal risk to victims, officers, and suspects.
15 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. Breaching shotguns are considered firearms and can be utilized as such when operated in accordance with department policy.
Training requirements: SWAT Officers that are trained in the use of breaching shotguns must successfully complete a POST certified SWAT school. Furthermore, SWAT Officers must undergo regular classroom and live fire proficiency training in its application.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan:
Remington 870 Express Shotgun – Fifteen (15) years
Benelli M4 Shotgun – Fifteen (15) years
Royal Arms TESAR-2 Frangible Breaching Ammunition – Five (5) years The Department currently possesses the following breaching shotguns and breaching shotgun ammunition:
Remington 870 Express – modified 12 gauge breaching shotgun (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Remington
Manufacturer Description:
The Remington 870 Police Magnum pump-action shotgun is a rugged 12- gauge with a short, tactical 18” barrel backed by a stout 3” chamber. The all-matte black gun is Parkerized for generalized durability and rust-resistance. Both the pump action fore-end and stock are robust and tough synthetic.
(Description and photo source: https://www.gunbroker.com/Remington-870- Police/search?Keywords=Remington%20870%20Police&s=f)
Benelli M4 –12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun (Quantity: See Appendix B)
16 Manufacturer: Benelli
Manufacturer Description:
Benelli's M4 Tactical is a unique, Auto-Regulating-Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) semiautomatic shotgun, upon which the U.S. Marine Corps depends. It comes standard with a picatinny rail and pistol-grip stock. Other features include a fully adjustable ghost-ring aperture rear sight and windage-adjustable front sight. The M4 is now available in a weather-defying Titanium-Cerakote finish.
(Description and photo source: M4 Tactical Shotguns | Benelli Shotguns and Rifles (benelliusa.com)
TESAR-2 Breaching Shotgun Rounds - Model FE183 (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Royal Arms International
Manufacturer Description: Black Cap 2-3/4” 425 Grain Compressed Copper Frangible 12 Ga Shotgun Slug.
Slug Material: Copper Powder
Velocity: 1,525 Ft p/sec -18” Barrel
Use: For Metal Doors, Locks & Hinges
Defeats: Heavy Locks, Deadbolts and Hinges (Solid Oak – Steel Doors)
17 (Description and photo source: https://royalarms.com/shop/black-cap-420-gr-copperfrangible-12-round-box/) Patrol Rifles:
Patrol Rifles: A semi-automatic shoulder-fired long gun that fires a rifle caliber cartridge. The Department-approved AR-15 style weapon system is designed to fire a .223/5.56 caliber projectile.
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, AR-15 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: The usage guidelines for AR-15 rifles are outlined in Lexipol Policy 434. Only Officers who have completed a POST certified course, mandated department training and have qualified are authorized to use a patrol rifle.
Training Requirements: Prior to using a patrol rifle, officers’ must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle. Additionally, all officer who operate any rifle are required to pass arrange qualification once a year. The training requirements for patrol rifles are outlined in Lexipol Policy 434. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize rifles only for law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to state and federal law regarding the use of force.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan:
Rifles – Fifteen (15) years
The Department currently possesses the following patrol rifles:
Colt Carbine AR-15 (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing LLC
Manufacturer Description:
Throughout the world today, Colt's reliability, performance, and accuracy provide our Armed Forces the confidence required to accomplish any mission.
11.5-16” barrels
18 (Description and source photo: https://www.colt.com/detail-page/colt-le6920-carbine223556-161-301-pmag-mbus-4-pos-stk-blk) SWAT Rifles:
Colt Carbine M4 (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Colt Manufacturing LLC
Manufacturer Description: Rapid response, maneuverability, and enhanced firepower play a major part in joint and coalition operations in modern warfare. Colt’s M4 Commando carbines epitomize modern warfare’s emphasis on “Get In and Get Out”.
They were designed to exploit firepower capability in confined spaces where lightweight mobility, speed and violence of action rule.
The Commando can be comfortably carried with its 11.5” barrel yet be instantly available to provide the type of firepower required to outmatch combatants. Because it provides full 5.56mm power and accuracy in a very compact sub-machine gun size weapon, the Commando is often chosen over smaller less powerful sub-machine guns.
Regardless of the application, the Colt M4 Commando provides the superior qualities that will enable operators to accomplish an increasingly wide range of combat missions.
19 (Description and source photo: https://www.colt.com/detail-page/commando-556mm115-301) Accuracy International .308 Bolt Acton Rifles:
.308 Bolt Action Rifles: A shoulder-fired rifle with precision optics that fires a .308 Winchester cartridge.
Capability: The .308 Bolt Action rifle provides SWAT Snipers the ability to engage hostile suspects at great distances with accuracy.
Usage: .308 Bolt Action rifles are to be used exclusively by officers assigned to the SWAT Sniper Team. These rifles are typically deployed with the SWAT Sniper Team during high risk SWAT operations and special events or instances wherein Sniper overwatch teams are needed.
Training Requirements: SWAT Snipers must successfully complete a POST certified SWAT school. San Luis Obispo Police Department Snipers must also complete a POST certified sniper school, and regularly train and qualify with various weapons systems including the .308 Bolt Action rifle to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Accuracy International – Barrel life rated to approximately 5-10 years. No lifespan indicated by manufacturer. Lifespan varies on operational usage and wear.
The Department currently possesses the following .308 Bolt Action rifles:
Accuracy International - .308 Bolt Action Rifle (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Accuracy International
Manufacturer Description: A bolt-action, high accuracy, long range, scoped rifle that fires a .308 caliber round with precision used by SWAT snipers. Fixed Stock, 16.5” barrel, standard adjustable cheekpiece, fixed butt pad with spacers, pistol grip, flush cup sling attachments points, double chamber stand muzzle break, and 10 round magazines. Manufacturer Description: The AT (Accuracy Tactical) continues the legacy of the combat proven AW308 and takes the AW to new levels. The standard model has a fixed stock with 24 inch, quick change, plain barrel. There are options for color, folding stock, barrels and suppressors and many accessories, which can be added. The AT is ideal for Law Enforcement and civilian users. (Our model is LE only, and features a folding stock and 16.5” barrel)
20 (Photo and description source: AT308 (accuracyinternational.com) Daniel Defense .308 Semi-Automatic Rifle:
.308 Semi-Auto Rifle: A shoulder-fired rifle with precision optics that fires a .308 Winchester cartridge.
Capability: The .308 semi-auto rifle provides SWAT Snipers the ability to engage hostile suspects at great distances with accuracy.
Usage: .308 rifles are to be used exclusively by officers assigned to the SWAT Sniper Team. These rifles are typically deployed with the SWAT Sniper Team during high risk SWAT operations and special events or instances wherein Sniper overwatch teams are needed.
Training Requirements: SWAT Snipers must successfully complete a POST certified SWAT school. San Luis Obispo Police Department Snipers must also complete a POST certified sniper school, and regularly train and qualify with various weapons systems including the .308 rifle to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Daniel Defense – Barrel life rated to approximately 5-10 years. No lifespan indicated by manufacturer. Lifespan varies on operational usage and wear.
The Department currently possesses the following .308 semi-auto rifles:
Daniel Defense - .308 semi-auto Rifle (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Daniel Defense
Manufacturer Description: The DD5 V4, chambered in either 6.5 Creedmoor or
7.62x51mm NATO, provides users of the Daniel Defense semi-automatic platform even
21 greater long-range precision shooting capability. This highly accurate and durable rifle includes an adjustable gas block that allows for a consistent feel whether shooting suppressed or unsuppressed. The perfected bolt carrier group reduces overall recoil impulse and is easy to maintain and operate in all conditions. (Photo and description source: Daniel Defense, AR-10, DD5 V4, 7.62 | Daniel Defense) Barrett .50 Caliber Semi-Automatic Rifle:
.50 Semi-Auto Rifle: A shoulder-fired rifle with precision optics that fires a .50 Barrett cartridge.
Capability: The .50 semi-auto rifle provides SWAT Snipers the ability to disable vehicles.
Usage: .50 caliber rifles are to be used exclusively by officers assigned to the SWAT Sniper Team. These rifles are used for disabling a vehicle in incidents where lethal force is justified, and no other reasonable means exist to stop the vehicle to protect innocent life.
Training Requirements: SWAT Snipers must successfully complete a POST certified SWAT school. San Luis Obispo Police Department Snipers must also complete a POST certified sniper school, and regularly train and qualify with various weapons systems including the .50 caliber rifle to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Barrett 82A1M – Fifteen (15) years
The Department currently possesses the following .50 caliber semi-auto rifles:
Barrett - .50 semi-auto Rifle (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Barrett
Manufacturer Description: Engineered as the first shoulder fired semi-automatic 50 BMG rifle, the Model 82A1 has been proven in combat in every environment from the snow covered mountains, to the desolate deserts, and everything in between. Its low felt
22 recoil and reliable repower delivers on target with every pull of the trigger. More than just a rifle, the Model 82 is an American icon.
(Photo and description source: Model 82A1® - Barrett Firearms) Heckler and Koch MP5:
9mm SMG: A shoulder-fired submachine gun with precision optics that fires a 9mm round.
Capability: The MP5 has a barrel that is longer than a pistol but shorter than a rifle, which provides a trained SWAT officer better control inside of a structure with greater accuracy than a handgun.
Usage: MP5 SMG’s are to be used exclusively by officers assigned to the SWAT Team.
These weapons are used in incidents where lethal force is justified to protect innocent life.
Training Requirements: SWAT Officers must successfully complete a POST certified SWAT school and regularly train and qualify with various weapons systems including the MP5 SMG to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: H&K MP5 – Fifteen (15) years
The Department currently possesses the following SMG’s:
MP5 – 9mm Submachine gun (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
Manufacturer Description Developed by Heckler & Koch in the mid-1960s, the 9 mm MP5 submachine gun uses the same delayed blowback operating system found on the famous HK G3 automatic rifle. Reliability, accuracy, ease of handling, simple maintenance, and safety — all the elements of HK excellence are highlighted on the MP5. Firing from the closed-bolt position in all modes of fire make MP5 submachine guns extremely accurate and controllable.
23 (Photo and description source: MP5 - Heckler & Koch (hk-usa.com) Rifle & Pistol Ammunition:
Rifle Ammunition: Rifle ammunition manufactured specifically for rifles chambered in
5.56/.223 Remington or .308 Winchester. Pistol ammunition manufactured specifically for 9mm luger. (Used in the MP5)
Capability: 5.56/.223 or .308 rifle ammunition used in conjunction with an AR-15 type rifles or .308 sniper rifles provides officers the ability to engage hostile suspects at distances generally greater than the effective distance of their handguns. Rifle ammunition fired from AR-15 rifles, or .308 sniper rifles offers advantages over handguns, such as increased accuracy potential and the ability to defeat soft body armor but are not appropriate for every situation.
Usage: To project a force against a selected target to have an effect, potentially lethal.
Officers shall carry only department issued ammunition on duty. Officers shall be issued fresh duty ammunition in the specified quantity yearly. Use is established under Lexipol Policy 311. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize ammunition only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to state and federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: All sworn personnel are required to qualify annually with their duty weapons (pistol and rifle, if assigned) on an approved course of fire.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 5 year shelf life.
24 The Department currently possesses the following types of rifle/SMG duty and training ammunition:
HORNADY ELD TAP PRECISION 168 GRAIN (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Hornady Ammunition
Manufacturer Description: (a) .308 Winchester, polymer tip, 2582 feet per second muzzle velocity, brass casing. high accuracy round, for duty use in SWAT sniper rifles.
Hornady 308 WIN TAP 168 gr. ELD MATCH TAP PRECISION ammunition was designed as an improvement on the 168 gr. A-MAX TAP PRECISION load by incorporating the new ELD Match bullet. The 168 gr. ELD Match bullet with Heat Shield tip delivers the excellent terminal performance TAP Precision is known for, but features a resilient, heat resistant polymer tip that improves the ballistic coefficient, resulting in higher impact velocities, less drop, less wind drift, and more energy on target. (Description and photo source: https://www.hornadyle.com/) HORNADY TAP SBR 75 GRAIN (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Hornady Ammunition
Manufacturer Description: 5.56 NATO, 2270 feet per second muzzle velocity, brass casing, barrier penetrating round, for duty use in SWAT sniper rifles. TAP® SBR™ is designed specifically for 10.5"-11.5" SBR’s by using proprietary propellant technology and a bullet designed with technology from industry leading Critical Duty® FlexLock® bullets. TAP® SBR™ provides exceptional ammunition performance in SBR’s suppressed or unsuppressed, with virtually no flash or residue, dramatically reduced sound signature, will not foul or overheat suppressors, uniform velocity and accuracy, and provides controllable rate of fire in automatic platforms. Designed to meet the requirements of the FBI protocol, TAP® SBR™ is the optimum choice for 10.5"-11.5" barreled 5.56 rifles.
25 (Description and photo source: https://www.hornadyle.com/) Winchester Ranger Law Enforcement 55 Grain, .223 (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Winchester
Manufacturer Description: .223 Remington, full metal jacket, 3240 feet per second muzzle velocity, brass casing. used in department-issued rifles as training ammunition. (Description and photo source: USA223L1 | Winchester Ammunition) Barrett M33 - 661 GRAIN .50 Caliber (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Barrett
Manufacturer Description: Our 50 BMG ammunition is ready for action. Encased in Barrett head-stamped brass, every cartridge is loaded with noncorrosive powder and primers as well as a 661 gr projectile using state-of-the-art machinery.
26 (Description and photo source 50 BMG - Barrett Firearms) Hornady 135 Grain, 9mm (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Hornady
Manufacturer Description: The patented Hornady® Flex Tip® design eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. A large mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock® band works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention, excellent expansion and consistent penetration and terminal performance through all FBI test barriers. The FlexLock® is an “intelligent bullet” that reacts differently depending on the barrier it encounters, delivering “barrier blind” performance after penetrating urban barriers such as plywood, sheet metal and even auto glass. (Description and photo source 9MM Luger +P 135 gr FlexLock® Critical Duty® - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc)
Winchester 115 Grain, 9mm FMJ (Quantity: See Appendix B)
27 Manufacturer: Winchester
Manufacturer Description: Backed by generations of legendary excellence, Winchester "USA White Box" stands for consistent performance and outstanding value, offering high-quality ammunition to suit a wide range of hunter's and shooter's needs. (Description and photo source Q4172 | Winchester Ammunition) Diversionary Devices (Flashbangs)
Diversionary Devices (Flashbangs): Canisters that emit a loud noise and bright light.
Capability: Diversionary Devices can release 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. A diversionary device is ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during assaults, hostage rescue, room entry or other high-risk arrest situations producing atmospheric overpressure and brilliant white light, and as a result, can cause short-term (6-8 seconds) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation to give officers a tactical advantage.
Usage: Diversionary devices shall only be used:
By officers who have been trained in their proper use
In hostage and barricaded situations
In high-risk warrant (search/arrest) service where three may be extreme hazards to officers
During high-risk situations where use would enhance officer safety.
28 During training exercises
Training Requirements: Prior to use, officers must attend in-house diversionary device training conducted by certified instructors.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Five (5) year limited warranty. Five (5) year shelf life.
The Department currently possesses the following types of Diversionary Devices:
Combined Tactical Systems 9-Bang Diversionary Device (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: The 7290-9 Flash-Bang exhibits a non-bursting, nonfragmenting multi-bang device that produces a thunderous bang with an intense bright light. Ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during assaults, hostage rescue, room entry or other high-risk arrest situations. The unit has a 175db output and produces 6-8 million candelas of light.
(Photo and description source https://www.combinedsystems.com/product/7290-9-flashbang-aluminum-body-9-bang-priced-individually-must-order-in-quantities-of-12/) Defense Technology Low Roll Diversionary Device (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Defense Technology
29 Manufacturer Description: The Non-Reloadable Distraction Device® unit incorporates an M201A1 type fuze with hex design gun steel body. This is compact version of the 8933 Low Roll® body Distraction Device is the newest version of the first reusable nonbursting canister that limits movement and rolling once deployed. The compact Distraction Device fits safely in your hand and packs all the power of the full-size Distraction Device. This is a smaller, lighter device with the same output. (Photo and description source Low Roll® 12-Gram Non-Reloadable Distraction Device® w/Safety Clip - Defense Technology (defense-technology.com) Liberty Dynamic Low Roll Diversionary Device (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Liberty Dynamic
Manufacturer Description: Deployment mechanics match existing flashbangs, therefore minimal training will be required. A digital "smart" fuse improves operational control through increased adaptability and a 0-delay deviation. The smart fuse can be factory programmed to any delay length. Emitting a powerful and disorienting report, the Enhanced Noise Flash Diversion Device's energetic sound and light output surpasses industry standards. The output is also factory scalable to specification (Tested to 184db). Semi-flat ergonomic design promotes improved target accuracy as the device does not roll after deployment. LED indicator lights provide device condition feedback.
Liberty Dynamic's Enhanced Noise Flash Diversion Devices are reloadable, thereby reducing overall operating costs. Safe and inexpensive reloadable training cartridges enable personnel to be more adequately trained while still maximizing costeffectiveness.
30 (Photo and description source The Safer & Smarter Tactical Flashbang Diversionary Device | Liberty Dynamic)
Chemical Agents, Smoke Canisters:
Chemical Agents and Smoke Canisters: Canisters that contain chemical agents that are released when deployed. Chemical agents can include irritants such as Chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) or an inflammatory agent such as Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) or Pava (synthetic OC). Chemical agents can be liquid, powder, or gaseous.
Delivery systems can be pyrotechnic, blast dispersion, OC Fogger, or aerosol.
Capability: Depending on the delivery method, chemical agents are capable of being introduced in close proximity or from a distance. Depending 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 to also include structures.
Usage: Situations for the use of chemical agents may include but are not limited to:
Self-destructive, dangerous and or combative individuals Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents (see below) Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained Potentially vicious animals
Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
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. Chemical agents are uses are governed under Lexipol Policy. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo
31 Police Department to utilize chemical agents only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to state and federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: Officers utilizing chemical agent canisters attended a POST certified school in deploying less lethal and chemical agent munitions.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Combined Tactical Systems (CTS) Chemical Agent Canisters and Munitions – Five (5) year limited warranty. Five (5) year shelf life.
The Department currently possesses the following types of Chemical Agent & Smoke Canisters:
CTS Smoke Canister #5210B (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: Pyrotechnic smoke grenade used for concealment or as a signaling device.
(Photo and description source: 5210 - White Smoke Canister Grenade - Combined Systems)
CTS Triple-PHASER CS Canister #5231 (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: CS Triple Phaser canister grenade is a large diameter grenade consisting of 3 separate aluminum canisters pressed together with separate charges between each canister. When deployed, the grenade will separate over a broad space to give a wider area of coverage. Can be launched or thrown.
32 (Photo and description source: 5231 - Triple Phaser CS Smoke Grenade - Combined Systems)
CTS Riot CS Canister #5230 (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: Large diameter burning grenade that discharges a high volume of smoke and chemical agent through multiple emission ports. Specifically for outdoor use and should not be deployed on rooftops, in crawl spaces or indoors due to potential fire hazard. Can be hand thrown or launched. Discharge duration can reach up to 40 seconds.
(Photo and description source: 5230- CS Canister Grenade - Combined Systems) CTS Riot CS Canister #5230B (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: Pyrotechnic grenade designed for indoor use delivering a maximum amount of irritant smoke throughout multiple rooms with minimal risk of fire.
33 (Photo and description source: 5230B- CS Baffled Canister Grenade, Pyro, Low Flame Potential - Combined Systems)
40mm Launchers:
40mm Launchers (Projectile Launch Platforms): A single shot or multi-shot Less Lethal Impact Weapon (LLIM) launcher capable for firing a variety of 40mm rounds. (40mm launchers are considered “Projectile Launch Platforms” under AB-481).
Capability: 40mm launchers can fire 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 rounds, or combined use sponge OC chemical agent rounds.
Usage: 40mm launchers utilized with less lethal sponge rounds may be deployed to impact subjects demonstrating assaultive behavior or life-threatening behavior, as defined in Department Policy & Procedure (Use of Force). 40mm launchers utilized with less lethal sponge rounds may also be used to control an actively resistive subject reasonably believed to possess or have immediate access to a deadly weapon, within the force guidelines of Department Policy & Procedure (Use of Force). The main objectives that officers attempt to achieve in using an LLIM on a subject exhibiting any of the aforementioned criteria are to effect an investigative detention or arrest, control a subject who is in lawful custody, prevent an escape, or protect the officer, the subject, or another person from injury or death. 40mm single launchers combined with less lethal 40mm sponge rounds are authorized to be used by any officer that has been trained in its use and maintains current LLIM qualifications.
Training Requirements: Officers that have been trained in the use of the 40mm launcher undergo thorough classroom and live fire training in its use from POST certified instructors. Officers are required to regularly train and qualify with 40mm launchers and projectile launch platforms on a quarterly basis to maintain proficiency.
Lifespan: Defense Technology 40mm Launchers – Fifteen (15) years.
Combined Tactical Systems Launching Cup – Twenty Five (25) years.
34 The Department currently possesses the following types of 40mm launchers:
Defense Technology – 40mm LMT Single Launcher #1425 (40mm Single Shot Launcher) (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Defense Technology
Manufacturer Description: Manufactured exclusively for Defense Technology the 40 LMTS is a single shot launcher with and adjustable intergraded Front Grip (IFG) with light mounting rail. The ambidextrous Lateral Sling Mounty (LSM) and QD mounting systems allow both a single and two point sling attachment. The 40LMTS will fire standard 40mm less lethal ammunition, up to 4.8 inches in cartridge length. The Picatinny Rail Mounting System will accept a wide array of enhanced optic/sighting systems.
(Photo and description source: https://www.defense-technology.com/product/40mm-lmttactical-single-launcher-expandable-stock/ Combined Systems – LC5 Gas Launching Cup (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Combined Tactical Systems
Manufacturer Description: The LC5 Launching Cups are designed for the 5200 series grenades. The cups can be attached to virtually any 12ga shotgun and the munition launched with our model 2600 launching cartridge. These can be fired from most 12ga smooth bore shotguns.
35 (Photo and description source: LC5 Launching Cup - Combined Systems) 40mm Munitions:
40mm Munition: The 40MM LLIM round is a sponge cartridge. The sponge round has a blue colored nose with a black base. The casing is stainless.
Capability: 40mm LLIM direct impact rounds can impact a suspect at a maximum effective range of one hundred twenty (120) feet.
Usage: Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which: (a) The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved munitions. (b) The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others. (c) The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers. (d) There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders. The San Luis Obispo Police Department adheres to California Penal Code 13652 and Lexipol Policy 307.
Training Requirements: Officers that have been trained in the use of the 40mm impact ammunition in conjunction with the 40mm single launcher undergo thorough classroom and live fire training in its use. Additionally, officers trained in the use of the 40mm single launcher must pass annual LLIM qualifications to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Five (5) year limited warranty. Five (5) year shelf life The Department currently possesses the following types of 40mm ammunition:
40mm Extended Range Direct Impact Sponge Round – Model 6323 (Quantity: See Appendix B)
Manufacturer: Defense Technology
Manufacturer Description: The 40 mm Direct Impact® LE Extended Range Round is a point-of-aim, point-of-impact direct-fire round and is intended to be used in applications that exceed the performance capability of the standard Direct Impact Round. An excellent solution whether you need to incapacitate a single subject or control a crowd.
The black nosed inert munition is a great option for training.
36 (Photo and description source: Direct Impact® LE 40 mm Extended Range Inert Crushable Foam Round - Defense Technology (defense-technology.com) Byrna 40mm Direct Impact BIP
Manufacturer: Byrna
Manufacturer Description: The 40mm BIP is a blunt impact kinetic energy round. The patented technology involves an internal energy absorption system, as well as a collapsible gel head. This head “mushrooms” upon impact while absorbing a portion of the kinetic energy and dispersing the inertia (causing less injury). Additionally, by spreading the impact of the nose over a larger surface area, greater pain compliance is achieved as more sensory nerves on the target will be stimulated, thus increasing the pain reception.
(Photo and description source: SDI By Byrna 40MM – Byrna Law Enforcement) Ferret 40mm Barricade Round CS – Model 2292 (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: Defense Technology
37 Manufacturer Description: The Ferret® 40mm Round is non-burning and suitable for indoor use. Used primarily by tactical teams, it is designed to penetrate barriers, such as windows, hollow core doors, wallboard and thin plywood. Upon impacting the barrier, the nose cone ruptures and instantaneously delivers a small chemical payload inside of a structure or vehicle.
In a tactical deployment situation, the 40mm Ferret is primarily used to dislodge barricaded subjects from confined areas. Its purpose is to minimize the risks to all parties through pain compliance, temporary discomfort and/or incapacitation of potentially violent or dangerous subjects.
(Photo and description source: https://www.defense-technology.com/product/ferret-40- mm-powder-barricade-round-cs/)
PepperBall Launchers and PepperBall Munitions:
PepperBall Launchers and PepperBall Munitions: A non-lethal munitions system that employs paint ball launchers to fire “PepperBalls” that contain Pava pepper powder in place of the paint. The PepperBall delivery system combines chemical agent exposure with kinetic energy impact to aid in its effectiveness in addressing armed and/or violent individuals or crowds. PepperBall munitions also include glass breaking rounds and marking rounds.
Capability: PepperBall launchers give officers the ability to address an armed and/or violent suspect(s) with a non-lethal munition that delivers both chemical agent and kinetic energy impact. This combination can be extremely effective in gaining compliance or reducing threat potential with an armed and/or violent suspect(s). Due to its design, PepperBalls can be delivered from a larger standoff distance allowing for an added degree of officer safety. Its high round capability and accuracy allow for its use in a wide variety of operational environments.
38 Usage: Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which: (a) The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved munitions. (b) The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others. (c) The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers. (d) There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders. The San Luis Obispo Police Department adheres to California Penal Code 13652 and Lexipol Policy 307.
Training Requirements: Officers undergo regular classroom and live fire proficiency training by certified instructors. Additionally, officers are required to qualify with PepperBall launchers on a quarterly basis to maintain proficiency.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: PepperBall Launcher – No manufacturer life span indicated by manufacturer. Two (2) year limited manufacturer warranty.
PepperBall Munitions – Approximately three (3) year shelf life.
The Department currently possesses the following types of pepper ball launchers and pepper ball munitions:
Pepper Ball Launchers (Quantity: See Appendix B)
SX Launcher
Manufacturer: PepperBall
Manufacturer Description: Compact and lightweight, the PepperBall FTC is the industry gold standard for crowd-control and other applications where accuracy and reliability is a factor. The FTC features a modular design with a rapid feeding loader and firing rate of 10-12 RPS.
39 (Photo and description source FTC™ | Crowd Control | Pepper Ball Launcher – FTC is a newer version of the SX, which is no longer on the pepperball website) PepperBall Glass Breaker – Projectile PepperBall Munition (Quantity: See Appendix A) [*NOTE: This projectile is utilized for glass breaking applications only.] Manufacturer: PepperBall
Manufacturer Description: Used to break side glass of vehicles and residential glass windows.
(Photo and description source: https://www.pepperball.com/products/glass-breaker/) PepperBall Live – Projectile PepperBall Munition (Quantity: See Appendix B) Manufacturer: PepperBall
40 Manufacturer Description: The classic PepperBall projectile. Contains 2% PAVA, and is excellent for direct impact and area saturation, especially in confined, interior spaces. (Photo and description source: https://pepperball.com/projectiles/live/) Defense Logistics Disposition (DLA) Services (formerly DRMO) Equipment:
Reutilized equipment donated to state and local governments as well as law enforcement agencies. The following items were received from the military at no cost:
Detachable Weapon Magazines
Description: COLT 30-round magazines chambered for .223/5.56 caliber rifles. (Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: Magazines are for use with Department issued AR-15 rifles. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize these magazines only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: Only members that are POST certified to use an issued AR15 rifle may be issued and use these magazines.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10 years.
Reflex Rifle Sights
41 Description: AIM POINT Reflex Optics. A reflector sight or reflex sight is an optical sight that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass viewer to identify where a weapon system is pointed. It is the primary aiming device for modern rifles. (Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: Reflex rifle sights are for use with Department issued AR-15 rifles. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize these sighting systems only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: Only members that are POST certified to use an issued AR15 rifle may be issued and use these reflex rifle sights.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
Backup Iron Rifle Sights
Description: MAG-PULL flip-up rear sights. Back-up sighting system. (Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: Iron rifle sights are for use with Department issued AR-15 rifles. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize these sighting systems only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: Only members that are POST certified to use an issued AR15 rifle may be issued and use these iron rifle sights.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
Laser Range Finder
Description: Laser range finder. The range finder determines the distance between two points so that calculations can be made to determine the trajectory of rounds fired by a precision rifle team member.
(Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize laser range finders only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
42 Training Requirements: Only members that are POST certified to use an issued longrange rifle system may be issued and use these laser range finders.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
Infrared Transmitter
Description: Infrared transmitters are small blinking infrared lights that attach to a 9-volt battery. Infrared transmitters emit an infrared light that can be seen using night vision illuminators.
(Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: Infrared transmitters are used by tactical teams in conjunction with night vision equipment. The transmitters are used to identify objects or locations that can only be seen with the use of night vision equipment. Use of infrared transmitters are deployed at the direction of the SWAT Team Commander for use during tactical operations.
Officers deploying the infrared transmitters receive periodic training in the proper deployment of the transmitters. It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize these infrared transmitters only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
Training Requirements: Only members that are trained in the use of night vision equipment are authorized to use infrared transmitters.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
Image Intensifier (Night Vision)
Description: Night Vision Goggles. Nigh vision allows Officers to see in low light conditions.
(Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize night vision goggles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. These goggles are assigned to SWAT and are used at the direction of the SWAT Team Commander.
Training Requirements: Only members who receive POST approved training in the use of night vision equipment are authorized to use the equipment. Additionally, all
43 members that deploy night vision equipment are required to train with the equipment several times per year.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10 years.
Toxicological Agents Protective Coveralls
Description: Rubber coated coveralls used to protect officers during an incident involving chemical/biological contaminants.
(Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize protective coveralls for official law enforcement purposes. Members of the department are authorized to use the protective equipment during their response to any situation where chemical/biological contaminants are suspected.
Training Requirements: Officers are trained in the proper use of the protective coveralls on a five-year training cycle.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
Illuminator, Target Pointer, Aiming Laser
Description: EOTECH laser aiming device. This is a multi-function visible and infrared laser aiming device with laser illuminator.
(Quantity: See appendix B)
Usage: It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department to utilize the aiming laser only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. The laser aiming device is used by SWAT members who are deploying a rifle while using night vision goggles. When using night vision, it becomes the primary aiming device for a rifle.
Training Requirements: Only members who received POST approved training in the proper use of the laser aiming device are authorized to use a rifle equipped with an EOTECH laser aiming device.
Fiscal Impact: See Appendix C
Lifespan: Approximately 10-15 years.
44 Appendix A
Military Equipment Deployment April 1st, 2022 – December 31, 2022 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle:
04/01/2022 Case #220401088 Attempt to locate Adult At-Risk Missing Person 11/28/2002 Case #221128024 Scene Documentation – Double Fatal Traffic Collision Robots:
None.
Lenco Bearcat Armored Rescue Vehicle:
09/03/22 Case # 220903028 – Assistance Request – Grover Beach Police Department, Warrant Service
Mobile Incident Command Vehicle:
None.
Breaching Shotgun and Ammunition:
None.
Rifles:
None.
Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD):
None.
Chemical Agent Deployment:
None.
45 40mm Launchers and Munitions:
4/10/2022 Case # 220410064 – Disorderly suspect with a knife (1 BIP round used) 4/30/2022 Case # 220430041 – Robbery suspect (1 BIP round used) 5/11/2022 Case # 220511048 – Disorderly suspect / fighting with a Peace Officer (1 BIP round used)
6/23/2022 Case # 220623050 – Disorderly suspect actively threatening harm to neighbors (1 BIP round used) - Possible underlying mental health issues. 7/14/2022 Case # 220714070 – Disorderly suspect who started a fire and covered himself in feces (1 BIP round used) - Possible underlying mental health issues. 12/16/2022 Case # 221216071 – Disorderly and possibly armed suspect threatening Officers and refusing to follow commands in the middle of the street (4 BIP rounds used)
PepperBall Launcher and Munitions:
None.
46 Appendix B
Military Equipment Quantities
(Future inventory counts will be conducted at the start of each calendar year) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles:
DJI Mavic Mini:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Mini.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Mini.
DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual.
DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual Advanced:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual Advanced.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual Advanced.
Robots:
Icor Technologies Mini-Caliber:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Icor Technologies Mini-Caliber.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Icor Technologies Mini-Caliber.
Armored Vehicles:
Lenco Bearcat Armored Rescue Vehicle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Lenco Bearcat.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Lenco Bearcat.
47 Mobile Incident Command:
Pace American Mobile Incident Command Trailer:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Pace American MIC Trailer.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Pace American MIC Trailer.
40mm Launchers and Munitions:
Defense Technology 40mm Single Shot Launcher:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 20 Defense Technology Single Shot Launchers.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 20 Defense Technology Single Shot Launchers.
Defense Technology 40mm Extended Range Direct Impact Sponge Round – Model 6323:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 48 rounds of Defense Technology 40mm Extended Range Direct Impact Sponge Munitions.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 48 rounds of Defense Technology 40mm Extended Range Direct Impact Sponge Munitions.
Byrna 40mm Direct Impact BIP :
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 110 rounds of Byrna 40mm Direct Impact BIP Munitions.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 70 rounds of Byrna 40mm Direct Impact BIP Munitions.
(31 rounds used in training. 9 rounds used on calls for service.) Defense Technology Ferret 40mm Barricade Round CS – Model 2292:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 16 rounds of Defense Technology Ferret 40mm Barricade Round CS Munitions.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 16 rounds of Defense Technology Ferret 40mm Barricade Round CS Munitions.
Defense Technology 12 ga. Launching Cup:
48 On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Defense Technology 12 ga. Launching Cup.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 2 Defense Technology 12 ga. Launching Cup.
It was discovered that the Department has had two in inventory, but erroneously reported only one in 2021.
Distraction Devices:
Combined Tactical Systems 9-Bang Diversionary Device:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 11 Combined Tactical Systems 9-Bang diversionary devices.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 11 Combined Tactical Systems 9-Bang diversionary devices.
Defense Technology Low-Roll Diversionary Device:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 14 Defense Technology Low-Roll diversionary devices.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 12 Defense Technology Low-Roll diversionary devices.
(2 used in training)
Liberty Dynamic Reloadable Low-Roll Diversionary Device Frame:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 12 Liberty Dynamic reloadable distraction device frames.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 12 Liberty Dynamic reloadable distraction device frames.
Liberty Dynamic Low-Roll Diversionary Device Reloads:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 24 Liberty Dynamic distraction device reloads.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 20 Liberty Dynamic distraction device reloads.
(4 used in training)
Rifles/SMGs:
49 Barrett .50 Caliber Rifle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Barrett .50 Caliber Rifle.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Barrett .50 Caliber Rifle.
Daniel Defense DD5 .308 Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 2 Daniel Defense DD5 .308 Semi-Auto Sniper Rifles.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Daniel Defense DD5 .308 Semi-Auto Sniper Rifle.
One rifle was sold and replaced with an Accuracy International AT .308 LE Sniper Rifle.
Accuracy International AT .308 LE Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 0 Accuracy International AT .308 LE Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Accuracy International AT .308 LE Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle.
Colt 5.56 M4 Rifle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 9 Colt 5.56 M4 Rifles.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 9 Colt 5.56 M4 Rifles.
Colt .223 AR-15 Rifle:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 55 Colt .223 AR-15 Rifles.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 55 Colt .223 AR-15 Rifles.
Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm Submachine Gun:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 6 Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm Submachine Guns.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 6 Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm Submachine Guns.
50 Chemical Agent and Smoke Canisters:
Combined Tactical Systems Smoke Canister #5210B:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 18 CTS smoke canisters.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 18 CTS smoke canisters.
Combined Tactical Systems Triple-PHASER CS Canister #5231:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 33 CTS TriplePHASER CS canisters.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 32 CTS TriplePHASER CS canisters. (One canister used in training.)
Combined Tactical Systems Riot CS Canister #5230:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 34 CTS riot CS canisters.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 34 CTS riot CS canisters.
Combined Tactical Systems Baffled Riot CS Canister #5230B:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 6 CTS baffled riot CS canisters.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 6 CTS baffled riot CS canisters.
PepperBall Launchers and Munitions:
PepperBall SX Launcher:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 5 PepperBall SX Launchers.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 5 PepperBall SX Launchers.
PepperBall Live Projectiles:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1200 projectiles of PepperBall Live.
51 On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1100 projectiles of PepperBall Live.
(100 rounds used in training)
PepperBall Glass Break Rounds:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department 50 PepperBall Glass Break projectiles.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department 50 PepperBall Glass Break projectiles.
Shotgun Breaching Tools:
Remington 870 Express Breaching Shotgun:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Remington 870 Express Breaching Shotgun.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Remington 870 Express Breaching Shotgun.
Benelli M4 Breaching Shotgun:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Benelli M4 Breaching Shotgun.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1 Benelli M4 Breaching Shotgun.
Royal Arms Tesar-2 Black Cap 425 Grain Copper Frangible Breaching Round:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 94 Royal Arms Tesar-2 Black Cap 425 Grain Copper Frangible Breaching rounds.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 94 Royal Arms Tesar-2 Black Cap 425 Grain Copper Frangible Breaching rounds.
Duty Ammunition:
Note: Ammunition inventory fluctuates throughout the year depending on range dates, qualifications, courses of fire, officer monthly allotment and delivery and availability of ammunition orders. Maximum ammunition inventory allotment figures have been added to better reflect the maximum number of rounds that could be on hand at any given time.
52 Hornady 135 Grain, 9mm Ammunition:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 7,000 rounds of Hornady 135 grain 9mm ammunition.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 6,500 rounds of Hornady 135 grain 9mm ammunition.
12,000 rounds used in training and duty ammunition yearly replacement.
Department maximum – 15,000 rounds.
Winchester 115 Grain, 9mm FMJ Ammunition:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 13,000 rounds of Winchester 115 grain 9mm ammunition.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 9,000 rounds of Winchester 115 grain 9mm ammunition.
54,000 rounds used in training and Officer allotment.
Department maximum – 40,000 rounds.
Winchester Ranger Law Enforcement 55 Grain, .233 Ammunition:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 9,500 rounds of Winchester Ranger Law Enforcement 55 Grain, .223 ammunition.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 15,000 rounds of Winchester Ranger Law Enforcement 55 Grain, .223 ammunition. 37,000 rounds used in training and Officer allotment.
Department maximum – 25,000 rounds.
Hornady ELD TAP Precision 168 Grain, .308 Ammunition:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1,800 rounds of Hornady ELD TAP Precision 168 Grain, .308 ammunition.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 1,600 rounds of Hornady ELD TAP Precision 168 Grain, .308 ammunition.
1,800 rounds used in training.
Department maximum – 3,000 rounds.
53 Hornaday TAP SBR 75 Grain, 5.56:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 5200 rounds of Hornady TAP SBR 75 Grain, 5.56 ammunition.
On 04/30/2023 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 5000 rounds of Hornady TAP SBR 75 Grain, 5.56 ammunition.
4,800 rounds were use in training.
Department maximum – 8,000 rounds.
Barrett M33 661 Grain .50 Caliber Ammunition:
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 70 rounds of Barrett M33 661 grain .50 caliber ammunition.
On 04/01/2022 the San Luis Obispo Police Department inventoried 60 rounds of Barrett M33 661 grain .50 caliber ammunition.
10 rounds were use in training.
Department maximum – 200 rounds.
54 Appendix C
Fiscal Impact by Equipment Type – Fiscal Year 2022 (July 2022 – June 2023) and Estimated Projected Cost
Military Equipment Appendix
Armored Vehicles
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
Lenco Bear Cat (1) $169,000 (grant
funded)
$4,200 $4,500
Mobile Incident Command Vehicle (MIC)
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
2011 Pace American $0 Donation from
AGPD + $50,000 to
outfit with equipment
$2,000 $2,100
Breaching Shotguns and Ammunition
Equipment Name and
Model / Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY24
(Approximate)
Remington 870
Shotguns Qty: (1)
$800 $20 $20
Benelli M4 Qty: (1) $1,900 $20 $20
Royal Arms Tesar-2
Black Cap 425 Grain
Copper Frangible
Breaching Round
(94)
$4.50 $40 $40
Patrol Rifles
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY24
(Approximate)
Colt Carbine AR-15
Rifle 5.56/.223
Caliber (55)
$99,000
($1,800 ea)
$2,200
($40 ea)
$2,200
($40 ea)
55 SWAT Rifles/SMGs
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY24
(Approximate)
Colt M4 Rifle (9)
5.56/.223 caliber
$17,100
($1,900 ea)
$360
($40 ea)
$360
($40 ea)
H&K 9mm SMG MP5
(6)
$15,000
($2,500 ea)
$0 $0
Accuracy
International AT LE
.308 (1)
$6,652 $20 $20
Daniel Defense .308
(1)
$4,500 $20 $20
Barrett .50 Caliber
Rifle (1)
$0 – Donation from
PG&E
Value $8,500
$20 $20
Pepper Ball Launchers and Munitions
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY24
(Approximate)
Pepper Ball SX
Launcher (5)
$4,750
($950 ea)
$100
($20 ea)
$100
($20 ea)
Pepper Ball Live
Projectiles (1200)
$2,856
($2.38 ea)
$900 $900
Pepper Ball Glass
Break 50 Projectiles
(50)
$145
($2.90 ea)
$25 $25
40MM Launchers and Rounds
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY24
(Approximate)
Defense Technology
Single Shot Launcher
(20)
$22,000
($1,100 ea)
$400
($20 ea)
$400
($20 ea)
Defense Technology
12 ga. Launching
Cup (2) *
$600
($300 ea)
$0 $0
Defense Technology
40MM Extended
Range Impact (48)
$864
($18 ea)
$200 $200
Byrna Direct Impact
BIP
$2,530
($23 ea)
$1100 $1150
56 Defense Technology
40MM Ferret Round
(16)
$368
($23 ea)
$92 $92
*Initial 2021 Military Use Report listed one 12 ga. Launching Cup, however there are 2 in inventory. A mistake was made in 2021 and is now corrected.
Distraction Devices
Equipment Name and
Model / Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
Liberty Dynamic
Reloadable Frame
$1,560 $0 $0
Liberty Dynamic
Reloads (24)
$1,080
($45 ea)
$90 $90
Combined Tactical
Systems 9-Bang (11)
$2,310
($210 ea)
$210 $210
Defense Technology
Low-Roll Flash Bang
(14)
$1,260
($90 ea)
$180 $180
Chemical Agent and Smoke Canisters
Equipment Name and
Model / Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
CTS Smoke Canister
(18)
$684
($38 ea)
$115 $115
CTS Triple-PHASER
CS (33)
$1,452
($44 ea)
$88 $88
CTS Riot CS
Canister (34)
$1,360
($40 ea)
$80 $80
CTS Baffled Riot CS
Canister (6)
$240
($40 ea)
$80 $80
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY23 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY2
(Approximate)
DJI Mavic Mini (1) $500 $0 $0
DJI Mavic Enterprise
Dual (1)
$0 – Donation
Value $4,500
$0 $0
57 DJI Mavic Enterprise
Dual Advanced (1)
$6,500 (grant
funded)
$0 $0
Annual Maintenance
and Battery
Replacement Cost
$1,000 $1,000
Robots
Equipment Name
and Model /
Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
Icor Technologies
Mini Caliber (1)
$64,000 (grant
funded)
$0 $0
Annual Maintenance
and Battery
Replacement Cost
$750 $750
Ammunition
Equipment Name and
Model / Manufacturer
Initial Cost Ongoing Annual Cost
FY22 (Approximate)
Projected Annual
Cost FY23
(Approximate)
Barrett .50 Caliber
M33 661 grain (70)
$700
($10 ea)
$100 $120
Winchester Ranger
Law Enforcement 55
grain .223 (9500)
$1,900
($.20)
$7,400 $7,500
Hornady ELD
Precision 168 grain
.308 (1800)
$2,250
($1.25 ea)
$2,250 $2,300
Hornady 5.56 TAP
SBR 75 Grain (5200)
$4,420
($.85 ea)
$4,080 $4,250
Winchester 9mm
115g FMJ
$4,550
($.35 ea)
$18,900 $19,500
Hornady 9mm 135
grain (7000)
$3,920
($.56 ea)
$6,720 $7,000
Policy
709
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
Department
Military Equipment - 1
Military Equipment
709.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the approval, acquisition, and reporting requirements of military equipment (Government Code § 7070; Government Code § 7071; Government Code § 7072).
709.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include (Government Code § 7070):
Governing body – The elected or appointed body that oversees the Department.
Military equipment – Includes but is not limited to the following:
• Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. • Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. • High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), two-and-one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. • Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants. • Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units. • Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind. • Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. This does not include a handheld, one-person ram.
• Firearms and ammunition of_.50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns and standard-issue shotgun ammunition.
• Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than_.50 caliber, including firearms and accessories identified as assault weapons in Penal Code § 30510 and Penal Code § 30515, with the exception of standard-issue firearms.
• Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles. • Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools. • Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
• TASER® Shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannons, and long-range acoustic devices (LRADs).
• Kinetic energy weapons and munitions.
• Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require additional oversight.
Pursuant to Government Code § 7070(c), the following are not military equipment:
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/03, All Rights Reserved.
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Military Equipment - 2
• Police versions of standard consumer vehicles
• Unarmored all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorized dirt bikes • Items designed to remove a lock, such as bolt cutters, or a handheld ram designed to be operated by one person
• Standard issue shotguns
• Standard issue shotgun ammunition
• Standard issue service weapons and ammunition of less than.50 caliber • Standard service-issued handheld pepper spray
• General equipment not designated as prohibited or controlled by the federal Defense Logistics Agency
709.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the San Luis Obispo Police Department that members of this department comply with the provisions of Government Code § 7071 with respect to to the approval for, acquisition, funding, and use of, and reporting regarding military equipment. 709.3 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police shall designate a member of this department to act as the Military Equipment Coordinator. The responsibilities of the military equipment coordinator include, but are not limited to:
department
(a) Acting as liaison to City Council for matters related to the requirements of this policy. (b) Identifying department equipment that qualifies as military equipment in the current possession of the Department, or the equipment the Department intends to acquire that requires approval by the governing body.
(c) Conducting an inventory of all military equipment at least annually. (d) Collaborating with any allied agency that may use military equipment within the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo Police Department (Government Code § 7071). (e) Preparing for, scheduling, and coordinating the annual community engagement meeting to include:
1. Publicizing the details of the meeting.
2. Preparing for public questions regarding the department's funding, acquisition, and use of equipment.
(f) Preparing the annual military equipment report for submission to the Chief of Police and ensuring that the report is made available on the department website (Government Code § 7072).
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Military Equipment
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Military Equipment - 3
(g) Establishing the procedure for a person to register a complaint or concern, or how that person may submit a question about the use of a type of military equipment by the department, and how the Department will respond in a timely manner. 709.4 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
The qualifying equipment for the Department islisted in Attachment A to this policy. 709.5 APPROVAL
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall obtain approval from City Council by way of an ordinance adopting the military equipment policy. As part of the approval process, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall ensure the proposed military equipment policy is submitted to the governing body and is available on the department website at least 30 days prior to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue (Government Code § 7071). The military equipment policy must be approved by the governing body prior to engaging in any of the following (Government Code § 7071):
(a) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to 10 USC § 2576a. (b) Seeking funds for military equipment, including but not limited to applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.
(c) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing.
(d) Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the jurisdiction of this department. (e) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body.
(f) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of military equipment.
(g) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided above. 709.6 COORDINATION WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Military equipment in the possession of the department shall not be used by any other law enforcement agency or member in this jurisdiction unless the military equipment is approved for use in accordance with this policy.
This policy recognizes the need for agencies to provide assistance to each other, whether in ongoing, combined, or regional operations, occasional planned operations, or in exigent circumstances. Where applicable to the provisions of Government Code § 7070 through § 7075, such assisting agencies shall comply with their respective military equipment use policies when
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Military Equipment
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Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
Department
Military Equipment - 4
rendering assistance and with any directions for use of department military equipment given by department command.
709.7 EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES
This policy also recognizes that there may be very limited or extreme instances where incidents of extraordinary nature could demand the need for incident commanders to authorize Department personnel to use equipment not specified in this policy. This decision must be made depending on the totality of the circumstances, including due regard for the public's safety, officer safety, respecting civil rights, the seriousness of the situation, and other information available at that time.
Should such extreme instances occur that call for members of this Department to use equipment not specified in this policy, the incident commander shall, if practical, notify the Chief of Police via the chain of command prior to deploying such equipment and the use of such equipment shall be documented in an appropriate report. Should such circumstances occur, the Chief of Police, or his/her designee, shall notify the City Council as soon as practical, and document any such uses in the required annual report.
709.8 ANNUAL REPORT
Upon approval of a military equipment policy, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee should submit a military equipment report to the governing body for each type of military equipment approved within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use (Government Code § 7072).
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should also make each annual military equipment report publicly available on the department website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The report shall include all information required by Government Code § 7072 for the preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment in department inventory.
The annual military equipment report shall, at a minimum, include the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment:
(a) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use. (b) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment. (c) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response. (d) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report. (e) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment. (f) If the department intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Military Equipment
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Military Equipment - 5
709.9 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the annual report, the Department shall hold at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the Department should discuss the report and respond to public questions regarding the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment. At the meeting, the Department shall discuss the report and respond to questions regarding the Department's funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment (Government Code §7072).
709.10 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COMPLAINT PROCESS
Trust and transparency to the community we serve is paramount to our community-oriented policing philosophy. Maintaining an active exchange of ideas and feedback is integral to the harmonization of this collaborative initiative. The most effective way to partner with our community on these important topics is to provide a safe and transparent means by which we listen to feedback and engage concerns on the necessary tools we are entrusted with to serve our community. Building and maintaining trust is predicated on first listening to concerns, giving a voice through dialogue, and swiftly acting on areas where we can improve.
Pursuant to 709.3 (g) of this policy, all formal complaints, questions, or inquiries received by the department, regardless of manner, pertaining to the use or misuse, possession, or acquisition of any item defined by this policy and/or AB 481 as Military Equipment shall be referred to Lexipol policy 1019 Personnel Complaints. Any complaint related to the misuse of Military Equipment is deemed in nature and will be investigated thoroughly and as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with the stringent procedures and processes as directed by Lexipol policy 1019.
Complaints received under 709.10 will be thoroughly documented and dispositions recorded per Lexipol policy 1019. All complaints, regardless of findings and/or disposition, shall be aggregated annually and reported to the Chief of Police for inclusion into the department's annual Military Equipment Report presented to Council.
709.11 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
See attachment: Policy 709 Military Use Equipment _ Attachment A.pdf
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
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Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
Department
Attachments - 6
Attachments
Attachment
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
Department
Policy 709 Military Use Equipment _
Attachment A.pdf - 7
Policy 709 Military Use Equipment _ Attachment A.pdf
Policy 709 Military Use Equipment _ Attachment A.pdf
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 1
MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
1. Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): An unmanned aircraft along with the associated equipment necessary to control it remotely.
a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. DJI MAVIC MINI, cost: $500 each, quantity: 1. Miniature UAS that weighs approximately 249 grams and is able to record video and audio with approximately 30 minutes of flight time.
ii. DJI MAVIC ENTERPRISE DUAL, no cost, received a donation from the community which paid the entire $4,500 each, quantity: 1. UAS that has a color and inferred camera as well as audible speaker and light. Capable of video recording and weighs approximately 899 grams, approx. 30 minutes of flight time.
iii. DJI MAVIC ENTERPRISE DUAL ADVANCED, no cost, received County Homeland Security Grant that paid the entire $6,500 each, quantity: 1.
UAS that has a color and inferred camera as well as audible speaker and light. Capable of video recording and weighs approximately 899 grams, approx. 30 minutes of flight time.
b. Purpose
To be deployed when its view would assist officers or incident commanders with the following situations, which include but are not limited to:
i. Major collision investigations.
ii. Search for missing persons.
iii. Natural disaster management.
iv. Crime scene photography.
v. SWAT, tactical or other public safety and life preservation missions. vi. In response to specific requests from local, state, or federal fire authorities for fire response and/or prevention.
c. Authorized Use
Only assigned operators who have completed the required training and received a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, shall be permitted to operate any UAS during approved missions.
d. Expected Life Span
All UAS equipment, 3-4 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance and battery replacement cost is approximately $ 2,000.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 2
f. Training
All Department UAS operators are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration for UAS operation. In addition, each operator must attend training updates throughout the year.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
Use is established under FAA Regulation 14 CFR Part 107, and department policy. It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize UAS only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.
2. Robots: A remotely controlled unmanned machine that operates on the ground, which is utilized to enhance the safety of the community and officers. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. ICOR TECHNOLOGIES, no cost, received Count Homeland Security Grant that paid the entire $64,000 each, quantity: 1. The ICOR Mini Caliber robot is designed for rapid tactical missions, the robot is simple to operate and quick to deploy for searching rooms, hallways, stairwells, and confined spaces. With rubber tracks and articulating front and rear flippers, the Mini-CALIBER effortlessly climbs stairs. It also includes an extendible rotating claw arm that simplifies opening door handles. b. Purpose
To be used to remotely gain visual/audio data, deliver the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) phone, open doors, and clear buildings.
c. Authorized Use
Only assigned operators who have completed the required training shall be permitted to operate the robots.
d. Expected Life Span
Robot, 8-10 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance and battery replacement cost is approximately $ 1000.00 f. All robot operators receive inhouse training on the use and deployment of the robot. All robot operators are required to train monthly with the robot. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize a robot only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.
3. Armored Vehicles: Commercially produced wheeled armored personnel vehicle utilized for law enforcement purposes.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 3
a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. LENCO BEARCAT, no cost, received Count Homeland Security Grant that paid the entire $156,000. The City had to pay a onetime vehicle registration fee of $13,000, quantity: 1. The Lenco Bearcat, is an armored vehicle that seats 10-12 personnel with open floor plan that allows for rescue of down personnel. It can stop various projectiles, which provides greater safety to citizens and officers beyond the protection level of shield and personal body armor.
b. Purpose
To be used in response to critical incidents to enhance officer and community safety, improve scene containment and stabilization, and assist in resolving critical incidents. c. Authorized Use
The use of armored vehicles shall only be authorized by a watch commander or SWAT commander, based on the specific circumstances of a given critical incident. Armored vehicles shall be used only by officers trained in their deployment and in a manner consistent with Department policy and training.
d. Expected Life Span
Lenco Bearcat 15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance cost of approximately $4200.00
f. Training
All driver/operators shall attend formalized instruction and be trained in vehicle operations and practical driving instruction.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the Department to utilize armored vehicles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law.
4. Mobile Incident Command Vehicle (MIC): A vehicle used mobile office that provides shelter, access to Department computer systems, and restroom facilities during extended events.
a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. 2011 PACE AMERICAN, no cost, trailer was donated by the City of Arroyo Grande covering the entire estimated cost of $30,000. The City had to pay $ 50,000 to outfit as a MIC, quantity: 1. The MIC can also be utilized for SWAT/CNT and other critical incidents, preplanned large events, searching for missing persons, natural disasters, and community events.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 4
b. Purpose
To be used based on the specific circumstances of a given critical incident, large event, natural disaster or community event that is taking place. c. Authorized Use
Only officers trained in their deployment and operations in a manner consistent with Department policy and training are authorized to operate the MIC. Situations which the MIC is authorized for use would include but not be limited to critical incidents, emergencies and natural disasters.
d. Lifespan
The MIC, 20-year lifespan on trailer structure. IT upgrades needed every 5-7 years to maintain systems.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance cost is approximately $2000.00
f. Training
The driver/operator shall receive training in the safe towing and handling of the vehicle. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the Department to use the MIC only for official law enforcement purposes, and in accordance with California State law regarding the operation of motor vehicles.
5. 40 MM Launchers and Rounds: 40MM Launchers are utilized by department personnel as a less lethal tool to launch impact rounds.
a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER, #1425, cost $1100 each, quantity: 20. The 40MM Single Launcher is a tactical single shot launcher that features an expandable ROGERS Super Stoc and an adjustable Integrated Front Grip (IFG) with light rail. It will fire standard 40mm less lethal ammunition, up to 4.8 inches in cartridge length. It will launch a 40MM less lethal round up to 131 feet and is only authorized to be used by officers who have received training from POST certified instructor.
ii. DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM CS FERRET, cost $23 per round, quantity: 16. The ferret round is deployed from a 40mm launcher and contains CS gas. The ferret is used to deploy CS gas from a safe distance.
iii. DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM EXTENDED RANGE DIRECT
IMPACT, cost $18 per round, quantity: 48. A less lethal light weight expanding foam projectile used for longer distances.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 5
iv. BYRNA, 40MM DIRECT IMPACT BIP ROUND, cost $23 per round, quantity: 110. A less lethal light weight expanding foam projectile. b. Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable.
c. Authorized Use
Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to:
i. Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals. ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained. iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
d. Lifespan
DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER, #1425 – 15 years.
DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM CS FERRET – 5 years.
DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, 40MM EXTENDED RANGE DIRECT – 5 years.
BYRNA, 40MM DIRECT IMPACT BIP ROUND – 5 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $10 for each launcher.
No annual maintenance for munitions.
f. Training
Sworn members utilizing 40MM less lethal chemical agents or impact rounds are trained in there use by POST certified less lethal and chemical agents’ instructors. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize the 40mm only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
6. 40MM Launching Cup: Cups that attaches to 12 gauge less lethal shotguns which allow officers to launch canisters of chemical agents or smoke. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. COMBINED SYSTEMS LC5 Gas LAUNCHING CUP, cost $300 each, quantity 1. The LC5 Launching cups can be attached to virtually any 12ga
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 6
shotgun and the munition is launched with our Safariland model 1210 launching cartridge.
b. Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable.
c. Authorized Use
Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to:
i. Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals. ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained. iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
d. Lifespan
Combined Systems LC5 40MM Launching Cup - 25 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
No annual maintenance.
f. Training
Officers utilizing the launching cups are trained by POST certified chemical agents instructors.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize the 40mm only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
7. Distraction Devices: A device used to distract dangerous persons. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, model 8902 Distraction Device, cost $90 each, quantity: 14. A low roll distraction device that produces a loud bang with a bright light. Ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during a hostage rescue, room entry or other high-risk arrest situations. ii. LIBERTY DYNAMIC, Reloadable Noise Flash Diversion Device, cost $130 each, quantity: 12. A low roll distraction device that produces a loud bang with a bright light. Ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during a hostage rescue, room entry or other high-risk arrest situations.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 7
iii. LIBERTY DYNAMIC, Reload for Noise Flash Diversion Device, cost $45 each, quantity: 24. This is the reload for the distraction device once it has been used.
iii. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, model 7290-9 Distraction Device, cost $210 each, quantity: 11. A low roll distraction device that produces nine separate loud bangs with a bright light. Ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during a hostage rescue, room entry or other highrisk arrest situations. b. Purpose
A distraction device is ideal for distracting dangerous suspects during assaults, hostage rescue, room entry or other high-risk arrest situations. To produce atmospheric overpressure and brilliant white light and, as a result, can cause short-term (6 - 8 seconds) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation to give officers a tactical advantage. c. Authorized Use
Diversionary Devices shall only be used:
i. By officers who have been trained in their proper use. ii. In hostage and barricaded subject situations.
iii. In high-risk warrant (search/arrest) services where there may be extreme hazards to officers.
iv. During other high-risk situations where their use would enhance officer safety.
v. During training exercises.
d. Lifespan
DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, model 8902 Distraction Device - 5 years.
LIBERTY DYNAMIC, Noise Flash Diversion Device – 5 years.
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, model 7290-9 Distraction Device – 5 years e. Fiscal Impact
No annual maintenance.
f. Training
Prior to use, officers must attend divisionary device training that is conducted by Post certified instructors.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize diversion devices only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 8
8. Rifles: Guns that are fired from shoulder level, having a long spirally grooved barrel intended to make bullets spin and thereby have greater accuracy over a long distance. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. Barrett .50 Caliber rifle, Model 82A1M, no cost, rifle was donated covering the entire estimated cost of $8500 each, quantity: 1. A semi-automatic rifle used by officers assigned to the SWAT team as snipers. The use of the rifle is reserved for disabling a vehicle in incidents where lethal force is justified, and no other reasonable means exist to stop the vehicle to protect innocent life.
ii. Barret .50 Caliber Ammunition, M33 661gr rifle round, cost $10 per round, quantity 70. A FMJ bullet designed to penetrate barriers. iii. Daniel Defense .308 caliber rifle, Model DD5, cost $4,500 each, quantity:
2. A highly accurate and durable semi-automatic rifle used by officers assigned to the SWAT team as snipers.
iv. Hornady .308 Caliber Ammunition, 168gr ELD TAP, cost $1.25 per round, quantity: 1800. A highly accurate round designed to penetrate common barriers but prevent overpenetration.
v. Heckler & Koch 9mm SMG, Model MP5, cost $2,500 each, quantity 6. A full-automatic submachine gun that fires a pistol cartridge. It has a barrel longer than a pistol, but shorter than a rifle, which provides a trained SWAT officer better control inside of structure with greater accuracy than a handgun.
vi. Hornady 9mm Ammunition, 135gr Critical Duty, cost $0.56 per round, quantity: 7000. This ammo features a specially designed hollow-point tip that reliably expand while passing through a variety of barriers. vii. Winchester 9mm Ammunition, 115g FMJ, cost $0.35 per round, quantity:
13000. This ammunition is designed for range practice and provides a reliable round at a cost-effective price.
viii. Colt 5.56 caliber rifle, Model M4, cost $1,900 each, quantity 9. A fullautomatic rifle that fires an intermediate-power cartridge (5.56) which is more powerful than a standard pistol but less powerful than a standard rifle. It is a short-barreled rifle which provides a trained SWAT officer better control inside of structures with greater accuracy than a handgun. ix. Colt 5.56 caliber rifle, Model AR-15, cost $1,800 each, quantity 55. A semi-automatic rifle that fires an intermediate-power cartridge (5.56) which is more powerful than a standard pistol but less powerful than a standard rifle. It is a short-barreled rifle which provides a trained officer better control inside of structures with greater accuracy than a handgun. x. Hornady 5.56 Ammunition, 75gr TAP SBR, cost $0.85 per round, quantity: 5200. This ammo features a specially designed bullet that
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 9
reliably expand while passing through a variety of barriers, without overpenetration. The powder is specially formulated to work in short, barreled rifles.
xi. Winchester .223 Ammunition, 55g FMJ, cost $0.20 per round, quantity:
9500. This ammunition is designed for range practice and provides a reliable round at a cost-effective price.
b. Purpose
To be used as precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater distances than a handgun, if present and feasible.
c. Authorized Use
Only members that are POST certified are authorized to use a rifle. d. Lifespan
Barrett .50 Caliber rifle, Model 82A1M - 15 years.
Barret .50 Caliber Ammunition, M33 661gr rifle round – 5 years.
Daniel Defense .308 caliber rifle, Model DD5 – 15 years.
Hornady .308 Caliber Ammunition, 168gr ELD TAP – 5 years.
Heckler & Koch 9mm SMG, Model MP5 – 15 years.
Hornady 9mm Ammunition, 135gr Critical Duty – 5 years.
Winchester 9mm Ammunition, 115g FMJ – 5 years.
Colt 5.56 caliber rifle, Model M4 – 15 years.
Colt 5.56 caliber rifle, Model AR-15 – 15 years.
Hornady 5.56 Ammunition, 75gr TAP SBR – 5 years.
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, model 7290-9 Distraction Device – 5 years.
Winchester .223 Ammunition, 55g FMJ – 5 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $20 for each firearm.
No annual maintenance for ammunition.
f. Training
Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle. Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification two times a year.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 10
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
9. Chemical Agent and Smoke Canisters: Canisters that contain chemical agents that are released when deployed.
a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, SMOKE CANISTER (5210 B), cost $38 each, quantity: 18. When deployed, the canister emits a cloud of smoke used to cover or conceal movement. The canister is baffled to reduce the risk of fire and is indoor safe.
ii. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Triple-PHASER CS CANISTER (5231), cost $44 each, quantity: 33. The canister consists of three separate canisters pressed together with separating charges between each. When deployed, the canisters separate and land approximately 20 feet apart allowing for an increased dispersal area of CS gas. The canister is designed for outdoor use in crowd control situations. iii. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Riot CS Canister (5230), cost $40 each, quantity: 34. When deployed the canister emits CS gas. The canister is designed for outdoor use or indoor use with a burn safe. iv. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Baffled Riot CS Canister (5230B), $40 each, quantity: 6. When deployed the canister emits CS gas. The canister is designed for outdoor use or indoor use. The canister is baffled to reduce the risk of fire and is indoor safe. This canister can be used with the COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS LC5 Launcher to deploy gas from a safe distance.
b. Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to:
i. Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals. ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained. iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
c. Authorized Use
Only officers who have received POST certification in the use chemical agents are authorized to use chemical agents.
d. Lifespan
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 11
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, SMOKE CANISTER (5210 B) - 5 years.
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Triple-PHASER CS CANISTER (5231) – 5 years.
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Riot CS Canister (5230) – 5 years.
COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, Baffled Riot CS Canister (5230B) – 5 years. e. Fiscal Impact
No annual maintenance
f. Training
Sworn members utilizing chemical agent canisters are certified by POST less lethal and chemical agents instructors.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize chemical agents only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
10. PepperBall Launcher: A device that discharges irritant projectiles. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. PEPPERBALL SX LAUNCHER, cost $950 each, quantity: 5. The SX is a compressed-air powered launcher designed to fire non-lethal PepperBall projectiles.
ii. PEPPERBALL LIVE PROJECTILE, cost $2.38 per round, quantity: 1200.
The LIVE projectile contains 2% PAVA pepper powder, and is designed for direct impact and area saturation, especially in confined, interior spaces. Discharged from a PepperBall Launcher, the projectile has a velocity of 280-350 FPS. The projectile has a direct impact of 60ft and an area of saturation of 150+ft. The projectile contains 0.5% PAVA Powder. iii. PEPPERBALL GLASS BREAKER PROJECTLE, cost $2.90 per round, quantity: 50. The GLASS BREAKER is designed to break glass in tactical situations. Discharged from a PepperBall Launcher it is loaded one at a time.
b. Purpose
To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include but are not limited to:
i. Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals. ii. Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents.
iii. Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 12
iv. Potentially vicious animals.
v. Training exercises or approved demonstrations.
c. Authorized Use
Only those officers who have been trained in the use of PepperBall launchers are authorized to use the PepperBall launchers.
d. Lifespan
PEPPERBALL SX LAUNCHER - 15 years.
PEPPERBALL LIVE PROJECTILE – 5 years.
PEPPERBALL GLASS BREAKER PROJECTLE – 5 years.
e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $25 for each launcher.
No annual maintenance for munitions.
f. Training
Sworn members utilizing PepperBall launchers and projectiles are trained in there use by POST certified less lethal and chemical agents instructors. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize PepperBall only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force.
11. Shotgun Breaching Tools: Tools that are used to conduct an explosive breach. a. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost. i. REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS BREACHING SHOTGUN, cost $800 each, quantity: 1. This weapon allows for breachers to safely utilize shotgun breaching rounds in order to destroy deadbolts, locks, and hinges. The stand-off that is attached to the end of the barrel allows for positive placement of the gun into the correct position and vents gases to prevent overpressure.
ii. BENELLI M4 BREACHING SHOTGUN, cost $1,900 each, quantity: 1.
This weapon allows for breachers to safely utilize shotgun breaching rounds in order to destroy deadbolts, locks, and hinges. The stand-off that is attached to the end of the barrel allows for positive placement of the gun into the correct position and vents gases to prevent overpressure. iii. ROYAL ARMS TESAR-2 BACK CAP 425 GRAIN COPPER FRANGILBE BREACHING ROUND, cost $4.50 per round, quantity: 94. The round is
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 13
fired from a breaching shotgun and is used to destroy deadbolts, locks and hinges.
b. Purpose
To safely gain entry into a structure.
c. Authorized Use
Shotgun breaching may only occur after authorization by the Incident Commander or SWAT Commander in the field, and during training exercises. d. Lifespan
REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS BREACHING SHOTGUN - 15 years.
BENELLI M4 BREACHING SHOTGUN – 15 years.
ROYAL ARMS TESAR-2 FRANGILBE BREACHING ROUND – 5 years. e. Fiscal Impact
Annual maintenance is approximately $10 for each shotgun.
No annual maintenance for munitions.
f. Training
All officers who use shotgun breaching tools shall be certified by POST instructors in the operation and use of shotgun breaching.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize breaching tools only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law.
12. Defense Logistics Disposition (DLA) Services (formerly DRMO) Equipment:
Reutilized equipment donated to state and local governments as well as law enforcement agencies. The following items were received from the military at no cost.
1. Detachable weapon magazines
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. COLT 30 round magazines chambered for .233/5.56 caliber rifles, quantity: 533.
b. Purpose
These magazines are for use with Department issued AR-15 rifles. c. Authorized Use
Only members that are POST certified are authorized to use an issued AR-15 rifle may be issued these magazines.
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 14
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military or disposed of.
f. Training
These magazines are used in conjunction with the issuing and training of officers in the AR-15 rifle.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize these magazines only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
2. Reflex rifle sights
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. AIM POINT Reflex Optics, quantity: 80. A reflector sight or reflex sight is an optical sight that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass viewer to identify where a weapon system is pointed. It is the primary aiming device for modern rifles. b. Purpose
A safer and more accurate sighting system for rifles.
c. Authorized Use
Only members that are POST certified are authorized to use a rifle equipped with a reflex sighting system.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10-15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military or disposed of.
f. Training
Officers are trained in the use of these optics in conjunction with being certified by a POST instructor in the operation of the rifle it is affixed to. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 15
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize these optics only for official law enforcement purposes.
3. Backup rifle iron sights
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. MAG-PULL flip-up rear sights, quantity: 60. Back-up sighting system.
b. Purpose
Foldable rear sight for aiming a rifle in the event the electronic optic fails. c. Authorized Use
Only members that are POST certified are authorized to use a rifle that is equipped with this rear sight.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10-15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military or disposed of.
f. Training
Officers are trained in the use of these sights in conjunction with being certified by a POST instructor in the operation of the rifle it is affixed to. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to only utilize these sights official law enforcement purposes.
4. Laser range finder
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. Laser range finder, quantity: 3. The range finder determines the distance between two points so calculations can be made to determine trajectory of rounds fired by a precision rifle team member.
b. Purpose
A laser range finder is a distance measuring tool.
c. Authorized Use
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 16
Only members that are POST certified in the use of a long-range rifle are authorized to use a laser range finder in conjunction with their assigned rifle system.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10-15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military, and we will source a replacement through the DLA.
f. Training
Officers are trained in the use of these laser range finders in conjunction with being certified by a POST instructor in the operation of the long-range rifle system.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize these laser range finders only for official law enforcement purposes.
5. Infrared transmitter
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. Infrared transmitters are small blinking infrared lights that attach to a 9-volt battery, quantity: 80. Infrared transmitters emit an infrared light that can be seen using night vision illuminators. b. Purpose
Infrared transmitters are used by tactical teams in conjunction with night vision equipment. The transmitters are used to identify objects and/or locations that can only be seen with the use of night vision equipment. c. Authorized Use
Only members that trained in the use of night vision equipment are authorized to use the infrared transmitters.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10-15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military, and we will source a replacement through the DLA.
f. Training
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 17
Use of infrared transmitters are deployed at the direction of the SWAT team commander for use during tactical operations. Officers deploying the Infrared transmitters receive periodic training in the proper deployment of the transmitters. g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize these infrared transmitters only for official law enforcement purposes.
6. Image intensifier, (Night vision)
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. Night vision goggles, quantity: 4. Night vision allows officers to see in low light conditions.
b. Purpose
Used by SWAT in low light conditions during critical incidents when traditional lighting tools such as flashlights would be unsafe to use. c. Authorized Use
Only members trained in the use of night vision equipment are authorized to use the equipment. These devices are assigned to SWAT and are used at the direction of the SWAT commander.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military, and we will source a replacement through the DLA.
f. Training
Prior to using night vision, officers receive POST approved training in the operation of night vision. Additionally, all members that deploy night vision equipment train with them several times each year.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize night vision only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
7. Toxicological Agents Protective Coveralls
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. Rubber coated coveralls, quantity: 20. Coveralls used to protect officers during an incident involving chemical/biological contaminants
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 18
b. Purpose
Toxicological Agents Protective Coveralls are used by officers to protect against chemical/biological contaminated environments.
c. Authorized Use
Members of the Department are authorized to use the protective equipment during their response to any situation where chemical/biological contaminants are suspected.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10 - 15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military, and we will source a replacement through the DLA.
f. Training
Officers are trained in the proper use of the protective coveralls on a five-year rotation.
g. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize this protective equipment for official law enforcement purposes.
8. Illuminator, Target Pointer, Aiming Laser
a. Description, quantity, and capabilities.
i. EOTECH laser aiming device, quantity: 18. This is a multifunction visible and infrared laser aiming device with laser illuminator.
b. Purpose
The laser aiming device is used by SWAT members who are deploying a rifle while using night vision goggles. When using night vision, it becomes the primary aiming device for a rifle.
c. Authorized Use
Only members of SWAT who have received training in the proper use of the aiming device are authorized to use a rifle equipped with a EOTECH laser aiming device.
d. Lifespan
Approximately 10-15 years
e. Fiscal Impact
Policy 709: Military Equipment
Attachment A
Attachment A - Page 19
None. Once they are not functional, they will be returned to the military, and we will source a replacement through the DLA.
d. Training
Prior to using the sights, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle the laser aiming device is affixed to. Additionally, all members that operate any rifle are required to pass a range qualification two times a year.
e. Legal and Procedural Rules
It is the policy of the SLOPD to utilize laser aiming devices only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: June 20, 2023
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Josh Erquiaga, Network Services Supervisor
VIA: Derek Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 6C – ADOPTION OF THE BROADBAND PLAN
City have staff noted a typographical error in the table listing the Estimated Construction Costs of the Conceptual Network Design. This is Table 2 in Attachment A – Broadband Plan Summary (page 10) and Table 17 in Attachment B – Broadband Plan (page 69). The table incorrectly lists the Phase 2 Total as $84,243. The corrected table below has the correct Phase 2 Total of $4,929,833. All other figures are accurate, including the total cost for all phases.
Length
(feet)
Price per
Foot
Estimated
Cost
Phase 1 – City Backbone Loop & Critical City Sites
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 57,739 $ 1.75 $ 101,044 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) 120,198 $ 0.20 $ 24,040 Fielding Survey -- -- $ 50,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 50,000
Phase 1 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 225,084
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades 120,198 $ 5.00 $ 600,990 New Backbone Construction 52,348 $ 110.00 $ 5,758,280
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) 5,391 $ 80.00 $ 431,280 Phase 1 Total 177,937 -- $ 7,015,634
Phase 1B – Residential Backbone Extension
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 13,801 $ 1.75 $ 24,152 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) -- $ 0.20 -- Fielding Survey -- -- $ 15,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 20,000
Phase 1 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 59,152
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades -- $ 5.00 --
New Backbone Construction 13,801 $ 110.00 $ 1,518,110
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) - $ 80.00 --
Phase 1B Total 13,801 $ 1,577,262
Item 6c. Adoption of the Broadband Plan Page 2
Phase 2 – Water Assets & Parks
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 48,139 $ 1.75 $ 84,243 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) -- $ 0.20 -- Fielding Survey -- -- $ 25,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 35,000
Phase 2 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 144,243
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades -- $ 5.00 --
New Backbone Construction 31,149 $ 110.00 $ 3,426,390
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) 16,990 $ 80.00 $ 1,359,200 Phase 2 Total 48,139 -- $ 4,929,833
TOTAL – ALL PHASES 239,877 $ 13,522,728
Item 6c
Department: Information Technology
Cost Center: 1101
For Agenda of: 6/20/2023
Placement: Public Hearing
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Josh Erquiaga, Network Services Supervisor SUBJECT: ADOPT THE BROADBAND PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive and adopt the Broadband Plan; and
2. Authorize staff to apply for any current and future grant opportunities that become available to support Broadband Plan implementation; and
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Improvement Project List to include a project titled “Broadband Plan Implementation” (project #2001063) utilizing funds (SLFRF/ARPA) previously allocated by Council for the broadband study; and
4. Authorize staff to advertise a Request for Proposals for the “Broadband Plan Implementation” project in a form approved by the City Engineer and City Attorney, with a scope of design and engineering for implementation of Phase 1 and Phase 1B of the conceptual network design; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to award the design and engineering contract if within the project budget.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
This staff report discusses the final Broadband Plan developed by City staff and their consultants, Magellan Broadband. In this report, staff will discuss additional work completed following the April 4, 2023, Study Session with the City Council and changes made to the plan based on the direction given by Council.
The final Broadband Plan aims to improve access and affordability of broadband internet for residents and businesses in the City. The plan aligns with the City's Major Goals of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Economic Recovery, Resiliency & Fiscal Sustainability. This report discusses the findings from stakeholder meetings and a community survey which highlight issues such as inconsistent broadband speeds and higher pricing compared to the national average. There is also discussion of changes to the conceptual network design, including proposed backbone extensions and construction costs, based on direction received from the City Council. Additionally, the report discusses various grant funding opportunities, such as the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which can support broadband infrastructure projects, digital equity initiatives, and broadband adoption programs.
Item 6c
POLICY CONTEXT
In April 2022, the Council formed an ad-hoc committee to explore ways the City could improve access and affordability of broadband internet for residents and businesses.
Based on the findings of that committee, in June 2022, Council allocated $600K of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to study the issue further and develop a broadband plan.
The 2021-2023 Major City Goals called out a specific task related to broadband. Economic Recovery, Resiliency, and Fiscal Sustainability task o 1.2b-5 - Review and establish policies as required to support broadband to the home to take advantage of the opportunities to work from home to support the Climate Action Plan and Quality of life.
The 2023-2025 Major City Goals call out specific tasks related to broadband. Economic Resiliency, Cultural Vitality & Fiscal Sustainability task o 1.2j – Represent the interests of the business community during the implementation of the broadband strategic plan.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion task
o 2.7a - Support the development and implementation of the Broadband Strategic Plan to ensure access is equitable and pursue funding to fill gaps.
DEFINITIONS
Attachment C offers definitions to ensure a common understanding of the terms being used in the following discussion.
DISCUSSION
City staff and Magellan Broadband have completed the City's Broadband Plan for consideration by Council. Much of the final plan was addressed in the Council Study Session on April 4, 2023. A summary of the final plan is provided as Attachment A, and the full plan is provided as Attachment B. This report will discuss the additional work completed following the Council Study Session and final recommendations.
Public Outreach
City Staff and Magellan completed the remaining focus groups, one with stakeholders from Education and Social Services organizations and one with stakeholders from the Transportation and Utilities sectors. Participants of all five focus groups are listed in Appendix A of Attachment B, the full Broadband Plan. In addition, the full list of organizations contacted is attached as Attachment D of this report.
Item 6c
Magellan and the City have also compiled the results of the broadband survey open to all community members that was published on the City's Broadband Plan website. A total of 283 responses were received. Of the 283 responses, 196 were complete, and 87 were partially completed. All of the partially completed surveys reached the speed test portion of the survey.
Completed findings from the stakeholder meetings and the survey results suggest that while most residents and businesses in the City can obtain broadband service, pricing and speed vary. Survey responses and embedded speed tests indicate that City residents and businesses only receive about half the speeds they pay for. Moreover, a price point of $0.32 per megabit (MB) is higher than the national average, particularly for urban/metro areas where competitive rates should be in the $0.15-0.25 per megabit range.
Importantly, customers subscribing to plans providing less than 100 Mbps pay, on average, $1.19 per Mbps, while customers subscribing to higher speed plans pay, on average, $0.23 per Mbps reinforcing the need for additional services to not only address access but also affordability.
Conceptual Network Design
City Council feedback following the April 4, 2023 Study Session and additional staff analysis identified four areas to consider backbone extensions to serve more residential neighborhoods and neighborhoods with a higher percentage of low-income residents.
These four areas included a section of Los Osos Valley Road, an area at South Higuera Street and Chumash Drive, a residential area south of Orcutt Road in the southeast of the City, and the area immediately adjacent and northeast of the airport.
The section of Los Osos Valley Road did have a backbone extension, but that particular section is largely commercial and has minimal residential homes. Similarly, the area adjacent to the airport is commercial and does not have residential neighborhoods.
However, the South Higuera/Chumash Drive and Orcutt Road areas have significant residential neighborhoods. Magellan thus added backbone extensions through these areas to maximize the number of households that could reasonably access the future network, resulting in 16,808 feet of new fiber and conduit backbone construction that adds approximately $1.5 million in construction costs.
An updated map of the conceptual network design can be found on page 62 of Attachment B. Detailed maps of Phase 1 (page 65), Phase 1B (page 67), and Phase 2 (page 68) are also available.
Grant Funding Opportunities
Staff and Magellan presented two grants during the Study Session, the California SB 156 – Last Mile Funding and U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants. The full plan provides more detail on each of the elements that feed the SB 156 – Last Mile Funding grants (ARPA and the Last Mile Federal Funding Account), as well as discussion of new grant opportunities available to the City. New grants identified include the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Item 6c
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
The California Advanced Services Fund was created in 2007 to bridge the "digital divide." CASF is administered by the CPUC and has been modified progressively over the past 15 years. The latest modification under SB 156 increased CASF funding, modified CASF programs, and created new CASF subaccounts.
City staff believes that there are funding opportunities within the Broadband Infrastructure Account under CASF to reach areas of the City currently classified as “unserved” (less than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload). Projects funded under CASF must provide speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, so the City will need to work with its chosen private partner for these projects. The CPUC recently updated its eligibility maps to include socio-economic data, which resulted in additional eligible areas within the City. The updated map is available in the full plan (Attachment B, page 95, Figure 48).
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
The most recent Federal broadband funding programs arise from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA will provide generational funding for broadband deployment and be available beginning this year and next from the IIJA.
The IIJA contains the Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment program (BEAD). The BEAD program provides grant funding for broadband planning and deployment, mapping, digital equity, and adoption projects and activities. A total of $42.45 billion is funded nationally for this program to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and allocated among the states in block grants. The allocation to each eligible state will be based on the proportion of unserved locations in each state, as determined by the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Broadband DATA maps. The current expectation is that the NTIA will announce state allocations of BEAD funds based on the FCC broadband mapping by June 30, 2023.
City staff are engaged in the BEAD planning process and attended our region’s BEAD planning workshop on June 1, 2023. Staff will continue to monitor the BEAD process for final eligibility but believes City broadband projects should be eligible for BEAD funding.
SB 156 Last Mile
The CPUC has provided some updated information on the SB156 Last Mile funding. The CPUC has updated its eligibility maps to closely align with the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband grant eligibility maps. The final report provides an updated map showing eligibility criteria for SB 156 Last Mile Funding (Broadband Plan, page 92, figure 46). Based on these updated criteria, there are areas throughout most of the City that would qualify for grant funding. The CPUC has also stated that middle-mile infrastructure (like the proposed backbone ring extension) must serve last-mile fiber for unserved or underserved locations. An updated map identifies several unserved or underserved locations within the City within 750’ of the proposed backbone expansion and could be candidates to include in Phase 1 and Phase 1B build (Broadband Plan, page 93, Figure 47).
Item 6c
City Staff's primary focus will be the SB 156 – Last Mile Funding grants, as those grants are expected to become available at the end of June 2023. Staff will continue to monitor the progress of IIJA grants and apply for those as they become available. The next opportunity to apply for CASF grants will open in April of 2024, and staff will look to apply for those as well, depending on the funding needs of the plan at that time.
Financial Analysis
Section 7.1 of Attachment B gives a detailed financial analysis of the costs to start up and operate a network to give the Council some background on what it would cost the City to provide retail broadband services. This information is for context only and is not part of staff and Magellan's proposed course of action for the City. Staff and Magellan still recommend the public-private partnership model, which would move these costs to an existing Internet Service Provider to partner with the City.
Section 7.2 of Attachment B shows a 20-Year Pro Forma projection. While the projection uses conservative assumptions, it shows the potential for significant revenue for a partner willing to work with the City in a long-term partnership and will be a useful tool for the City as it negotiates terms with a private partner.
Policy Direction
Based on the direction received from Council at the April 4th Study Session, staff and Magellan have completed the plan focused on a public-private partnership (P3) model.
Staff believes that this is the most feasible way to accomplish the City's goals of improved broadband affordability and access for the community. As part of the Council's direction at the April 4, 2023 Study Session, City staff worked with Magellan to develop and release an RFP to solicit a private partner. The RFP was released on June 12th and will close on July 10th. Staff will return to Council to discuss contract terms after selecting a private partner.
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)/American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
Council previously authorized the allocation of $600,000 in SLFRF/ARPA to fund the creation of a Broadband Plan and subsequent implementation of the plan. Staff used a portion of these funds, $37,500, to engage Magellan in developing an RFP to solicit a private partner, as well as the evaluation and selection of a partner and negotiation support for the final contract. Staff anticipates using the remaining funding to complete the design and engineering work required to make the project shovel-ready and pursue grant opportunities to fund the construction of the backbone fiber ring. There is sufficient time for the City to obligate those funds by the statutory deadline of Dec. 21, 2024 and expend those funds by the statutory deadline of Dec. 31, 2026.
Implementation Next Steps
Upon adoption of the Broadband Plan, staff will begin implementation by taking the following actions.
Item 6c
Private Partner Selection
The City’s RFP soliciting a private partner to operate, manage, and sell retail internet services over the publicly owned fiber optic network in exchange for rights to use the City’s current and future network is expected to open on June 9, and will close 30 days after. City IT staff will coordinate the selection process and complete the selection of a partner at the close of the RFP advertisement period. Staff will return to Council for further direction on negotiating parameters with respect to the selected partner’s proposed terms for operation, management, and sale of internet before completing the final contract.
Design and Engineering of Phase 1 and Phase 1B
Staff requests that the Council authorize staff to advertise an RFP for the design and engineering of Phase 1 and Phase 1B of the conceptual network design, using the SLFRF funds previously set aside by the Council. Staff also requests that Council authorize the City Manager to award the contract once a qualified response is selected. Engaging a consultant and starting design and engineering will significantly assist the City in competing for State and Federal Broadband grants. Based on estimates from Magellan and contingency for escalating costs, staff is budgeting $500K for this work using SLFRF/ARPA funding which is limited to select uses which includes broadband planning.
Update City Engineering Standards
City IT Staff is working with Public Works to update City Engineering standards to allow for new technologies like micro-trenching to allow broadband expansion to proceed more quickly and at a reduced cost. Public Works plans to bring changes to the City’s Engineering standards to the Council in the first half of 2024.
Development Review Team
City IT Staff has joined the existing Development Review Team and will help to review new development projects and look for ways to implement the Broadband Plan through new development projects. City IT Staff will also work with Community Development Staff to develop standard Conditions of Approval that can be applied to development projects, consistent with how the City currently conditions projects from other departments (e.g.
Utilities, Public Works, etc.).
Prepare SB156 Grant Application
Staff is already in the process of preparing the City’s SB156 grant application. Based on the latest information from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), staff expects that the application window for the SB156 grant will open on or around June 30, 2023. Staff has also learned that there is a high likelihood that the initial grant window will remain open for a period of 90 days, and there is no second grant window currently planned. Due to the tight timeline of this grant application, staff has engaged the City’s contract grant writer to assist with putting together the application.
Given the dynamic nature of the grants currently available for broadband work and the tight timelines staff expects to continue to see, staff is requesting that Council provide authorization to apply for any and all grants that could assist in the implementation of the Broadband Plan through the 2023-2025 Financial Plan. Staff would return to Council for approval to accept any awarded grants.
Item 6c
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
An ad-hoc committee of the City Council recommended $600,000 in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) be allocated toward a broadband study and subsequent implementation of recommended actions. Council authorized this allocation on June 7, 2022 (Resolution No. 11333 (2022 Series)). On September 6, 2022, Council authorized staff to apply for a Local Agency Technology Assistance (LATA) grant to fund the preparation of the Broadband Plan.
At the Council Study Session on April 4, 2023, Council authorized Staff to develop and release and RFP for a Public Private Partnership.
Implementation of the Broadband Plan is included as a task in the 2023-25 Financial Plan Major City Goals as previously discussed.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the June 20, 2023, City Council meeting and will follow all the required posting and notification. Public comment on the item can be provided to the City Council through written correspondence prior to the meeting and through public testimony at the meeting. Attachment B contains more detail on public engagement performed by City Staff and Magellan Broadband in the Needs Assessment sections, beginning on page 33.
CONCURRENCE
Staff have worked throughout the Broadband Plan development process with members of the Administration and IT Department, Public Works Department, Community Development Department, and Utilities Department. These departments concur with the findings and recommendations of the Broadband Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a "Project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes/No Budget Year: 2022-23, 2023-24
Funding Identified: Yes/No
Item 6c
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
Information
Technology
Replacement
Fund (Project
#2001063)
$600,0001 $ $562,650 $
State
Federal
Fees
Other: Grant $100,300 $16,622
Total $700,300 $ $579,272 $
The City was awarded a $100,300 LATA grant from the CPUC to complete a Broadband Strategic Plan. There is $16,622 remaining in the grant to complete the Strategic Plan.
There is $562,650 remaining of the SLFRF/ARPA funds Council allocated to the Broadband Plan and Implementation. Staff plans to expend these funds to complete design and engineering work. Staff will evaluate using those dollars incrementally (e.g. beginning with Phase 1) so that the City can reserve those dollars for other uses if a more beneficial use is identified (e.g. local match dollars for additional grant funding). If staff is able to secure design and engineering services for less than the expected budget, or a surplus of grant funding is received, Staff will evaluate returning SLFRF/ARPA for other City uses.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not approve the Broadband Plan and discontinue work efforts. This is not recommended as it would harm the City’s ability to apply for grant funds.
2. Give staff additional direction on changes to the plan. Staff would return to Council at a later date for adoption. This is not recommended as it would delay the adoption of the plan and could harm the City’s ability to apply for grant funds.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Broadband Plan Summary
B - Broadband Plan
C - Definitions
D - Focus Group Invitee List
1 This is the balance of SLFRF funding allocated by the Council for Broadband work with Resolution No. 11333 (2022 Series) at the June 7, 2022 Council Meeting.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 1
City of San Luis Obispo, California
Broadband Plan
SUMMARY REPORT
June 11, 2023
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 2
Summary Report
I. OVERVIEW
The transition to a digital world has accelerated, spurred by the shift to online learning, remote work, e-commerce, the increase in the automation of services, and advances in technology. The foundation enabling this transformation are fiber optic networks that can provide the high-speed, low latency connectivity required for advanced applications and uses. An engaged community with a shared technology vision and data driven mindset will enable the City of San Luis Obispo to drive innovation, economic benefits, and overall wellbeing for the City.
Magellan was contracted by the City to undertake a Broadband Plan to help improve access and affordability to high-speed internet service for community members, businesses, and efficient delivery of City services. Magellan’s scope of work included:
(1) an asset inventory of both public and private broadband infrastructure; (2) a market analysis that evaluated the incumbent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and their rates, services tiers and speeds;
(3) a needs assessment that analyzed data sets and indicators of broadband need, including conducting a community survey and stakeholder focus group interviews; (4) a review of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and opportunities for alignment with broadband expansion through utility and development coordination and broadband-friendly policies;
(5) developing a conceptual network design that ensured a redundant city-wide backbone fiber loop and maximized connectivity and reach into residential neighborhoods and business corridors;
(6) a financial analysis of the initial construction costs, start-up capital to serve retail subscribers, and ongoing operational expenses and revenue projections; (7) an evaluation of the different business and service models the City could consider, including public-private partnerships;
(8) identification of eligible grant funding opportunities and other financing mechanisms; and
(9) outlining key recommendations that would implement the Broadband Plan.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 3
II. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
A. Asset Inventory
Magellan identified significant public and private infrastructure within San Luis Obispo that can be leveraged to expand community broadband access – whether as locations in the public sphere or right-of-way to host distribution equipment, conduit and fiber pathways to connect facilities and neighborhoods, opportunities to deploy smart city devices and applications, or integration of public and private networks through innovative partnerships.
Figure 1 - Existing City Facilities & Broadband Assets
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 4
The City owns and manages a 35.5-mile communications network of conduit, fiber, and some copper cables, largely along major arterials and corridors (Figure 1), portions of which are jointly owned by the City and Cal Poly. This public network is augmented through a non-exclusive agreement with Digital West/Astound to utilize their privately-owned fiber network. However, this network does not provide full redundancy through a backbone loop architecture.
The City’s 2,742 street lights can provide the requisite vertical infrastructure to deploy wireless communication, particularly in residential neighborhoods. The City’s 10 water tanks can also be interconnected and could serve as a distribution point.
There are also significant private broadband assets within San Luis Obispo. The City has two internet service providers that cover 100% of the City – Spectrum and AT&T – that operate their networks from significant fiber backbones. However, neither has ubiquitous fiber-to-the-premises availability. Digital West has a substantial private fiber network that was historically targeted to commercial and business enterprises. However, with their acquisition by Astound in 2021, they are now undertaking significant expansions into the residential market. The City has significant metro and long-haul private fiber networks, as well as five neutral data centers that provide connectivity with the rest of the state. The City’s has ubiquitous 4G/LTE mobile coverage by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, provisioned through 119 towers and 280 antennas in the City.
B. Market Analysis
The City historically has been subject to the common telecom duopoly with limited competition: Charter/Spectrum is the legacy cable provider with near-ubiquitous gigabit offerings to residential addresses, and AT&T offering Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) service over their legacy copper (maximum speed of 70 Mbps, which is below the California minimum standard of 100 Mbps), and limited fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) gigabit services.
Astound (formerly Digital West) provides businesses fiber services, and with the Astound acquisition is now beginning to move into the residential market providing a third option.
All three ISPs offer gigabit services (if available) at $80 or $90 per month.
T-Mobile and Verizon offer fixed wireless services over their LTE and 5G networks, with maximum speeds between 180-300 Mbps at monthly rates of $50-60. Peak Wi-Fi offers a wireless service, but their speeds (50-100 Mbps) and pricing ($70-150) cannot compete with T-Mobile and Verizon.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 5
Table 1 - Facilities-Based Broadband Providers in San Luis Obispo ISP Network
Max
Download
Speed
Max
Upload
Speed
Contract
Term
Monthly
Rate
Charter /
Spectrum Cable
200 Mbps 10 Mbps
1 year
$ 40
500 Mbps 10 Mbps $ 70
1 Gbps 25 Mbps $ 90
AT&T
DSL 5 - 70
Mbps
250 - 500
Kbps None $ 45
Fiber
300 Mbps 300 Mbps
None
$ 55
500 Mbps 500 Mbps $ 65
1 Gbps 1 Gbps $ 80
2 Gbps 2 Gbps $ 110
5 Gbps 5 Gbps $ 180
Astound
(Digital West) Fiber
100 Mbps 100 Mbps
2 years
$ 25
500 Mbps 500 Mbps $ 45
940 Mbps 940 Mbps $ 65
1 Gbps 1 Gbps $ 80
T-Mobile Wireless 182 Mbps 35 Mbps None $ 50
Verizon Wireless 50 Mbps 10 Mbps None
$ 25
300 Mbps 50 Mbps $ 60
Peak Wi-Fi Wireless
50 Mbps 10 Mbps
None
$ 70
100 Mbps 20 Mbps $ 150
100 Mbps 100 Mbps $ 200
C. Needs Assessment
Databases utilized by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to identify households in the City that have no (or insufficient) broadband access shows a significant number of un-served locations1 across the City, with particularly high concentrations in the southwest along Tank Farm Road and South Higuera Street and the southeast along Orcutt Road and Tank Farm Road. There are also large swaths of the City that fall under the 50- 75% Most Disadvantaged category in environmental and socio-economic vulnerability 1 The CPUC defines “unserved” as locations where access to broadband services does not exceed 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 6
indices and low-income areas (below 80% of area median income), and more than 7,100 households qualify for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that subsidizes monthly internet (only 25% of eligible households are currently receiving the benefit).
The community survey received more than 280 partial or full responses, and included an embedded speed test to determine actual speeds of the survey respondent; nearly 45% of respondents failed to achieve the California minimum standard throughput (download + upload) of 125 Mbps. While respondents indicated reliability was the most important factor, they there was clear dissatisfaction with costs and ambivalence about customer service.
Figure 2 - Median Speeds & Pricing Based on Survey Results The median price per megabyte (MB) of data per month was $0.32 – an amount competitive with other urban areas within California. However, breaking down the price per MB between subscribers who purchase lower-bandwidth packages (<100 Mbps) and those customers who purchase higher-end packages (>100 Mbps) illustrates how conventional telecom duopolies and data packages reinforce the Digital Divide by providing sub-par speeds and higher pricing for households with lower discretionary income.
Magellan also conducted a series of community stakeholder focus groups to solicit input and first-hand experiences. Especially for social services and workforce development, more economical, flexible options are required to deliver services and support disadvantaged populations. However, downtown businesses, research activities, tech companies, and
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 7
tourism all reported limited connectivity options, low speeds, uneven coverage, and unreliable services.
While the survey suggests that connectivity is adequate throughout most of the City, stakeholder inputs indicate that “adequate” is not sufficient. The City needs multiple providers offering a wide range of technological solutions throughout the City and beyond.
The City itself needs the infrastructure to operate and maintain quality of life but also for making visitors feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed.
D. CIP Analysis
The City’s CIP Committee reviews projects for alignment with City infrastructure needs that align with community goals and objectives. Historically, this has not included consideration of opportunities for new broadband assets and where they might be deployed through joint trenching or coordination with other CIP projects. Similarly, utility coordination with the private sector is limited only to notification that a utility line (including broadband) must be relocated prior to a major City CIP project (e.g., a new bridge that requires moving an existing private fiber line), and IT has limited review and input.
Entitlement applications for large private projects through Community Development/Planning undergo a review by various City departments, but have no outside organizational input (e.g., PG&E, Charter, AT&T, Astound) nor from the City’s Administration and IT Department. Each of these processes – CIP projects, utility coordination, and private project development – is an opportunity to deploy public and private broadband infrastructure at a fraction of the cost through effective joint trench/dig once policies.
Moreover, the City’s Administration and IT Department does not currently have a long-term funding source from which to cover marginal expenses if a joint trench opportunity were to arise. The remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) could be used for this purpose, but is not a long-term solution.
A Broadband Infrastructure Fund, with recurring revenues contributed via street light licensing fees for privately-placed small cell antennas, other lease of land or towers to telecom, or dark fiber/conduit occupancy lease revenues could ensure a rolling fund that could be utilized if/when a joint trenching project outside of the biennial budget process is identified. The City’s existing revenues from these sources are already part of the General Fund, so the City should consider allocations toward the Broadband Infrastructure Fund from new or future leases and licensing fees.
An initial review of the City’s current 5-Year CIP Plan identified more than 50 projects with potential opportunities to expand broadband (see Appendix B), which should be further
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 8
reviewed for specific applicability for broadband expansion, especially as it relates to the proposed Conceptual Network Design and the Broadband Plan.
E. Conceptual Network Design
In order to create a redundant backbone loop that prevents service interruptions, connects all City facilities, buildings, parks and assets, and expands opportunities for greater community broadband access, the existing City communications network would require
18.4 miles of new backbone fiber and 5 miles of laterals, as well as upgrading 120,000+ feet of existing City network with new, higher-capacity fiber. The Conceptual Network Design (Figure 3) can be implemented in phases in order to prioritize immediate needs and provide flexibility relative to grant availability and resource constraints.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 9
Figure 3 - Conceptual Network Design
The upgrades to the existing City network and new construction of all phases of the Conceptual Design are estimated at $13.5 million, as shown in Table 2.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 10
Table 2 - Estimated Construction Costs of Conceptual Network Design Length
(feet)
Price per
Foot
Estimated
Cost
Phase 1 – City Backbone Loop & Critical City Sites
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 57,739 $ 1.75 $ 101,044 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) 120,198 $ 0.20 $ 24,040 Fielding Survey -- -- $ 50,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 50,000
Phase 1 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 225,084
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades 120,198 $ 5.00 $ 600,990 New Backbone Construction 52,348 $ 110.00 $ 5,758,280
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) 5,391 $ 80.00 $ 431,280 Phase 1 Total 177,937 -- $ 7,015,634
Phase 1B – Residential Backbone Extension
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 13,801 $ 1.75 $ 24,152 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) -- $ 0.20 -- Fielding Survey -- -- $ 15,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 20,000
Phase 1 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 59,152
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades -- $ 5.00 --
New Backbone Construction 13,801 $ 110.00 $ 1,518,110
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) - $ 80.00 --
Phase 1B Total 13,801 $ 1,577,262
Phase 2 – Water Assets & Parks
Design & Engineering
Design & Engineering (New Construction) 48,139 $ 1.75 $ 84,243 As-Builts (Existing City Network Upgrades) -- $ 0.20 -- Fielding Survey -- -- $ 25,000
Public Engineering Stamps -- -- $ 35,000
Phase 2 Design & Engineering Subtotal $ 144,243
Construction
Existing City Network Upgrades -- $ 5.00 --
New Backbone Construction 31,149 $ 110.00 $ 3,426,390
New Lateral Construction (City Assets) 16,990 $ 80.00 $ 1,359,200 Phase 2 Total 48,139 $ 1.75 $ 84,243
TOTAL – ALL PHASES 239,877 $ 13,522,728
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 11
Phase 1 would create the looped architecture and connect critical City facilities; Phase 1B would further extend the backbone into residential areas identified by the City; and Phase 2 would connect the remaining water assets and City parks while further penetrating residential areas for greater community access. Each of these can be further broken down into sub-phases, or built incrementally and opportunistically through effective CIP and utility coordination.
The City could reduce these estimated costs by $3 million if it were to continue and expand its use of third-party fiber (private and/or County of San Luis Obispo). Costs would be expected to be further reduced through the design engineering process, utility coordination, and alignment with other CIP projects through an effective joint trench/dig once process. See Table 18, Page 71 of the full plan document for estimated costs.
Placing a 750-foot buffer around the backbone network and cross-referencing the residential address database and the City’s current business license list provides the ability to quantify those potential subscribers that can be economically connected into the City’s network. The Conceptual Design would offer greater community access to broadband for more than 27,000 households, nearly 1,800 businesses, and 99 public and/or affordable housing sites.
F. Financial Analysis
Operating a public-facing fiber network – whether as a transport-only network or as a retail fiber-to-the-premises service provider – will necessarily entail significant start-up and operational costs that can be challenging for organizations without access to investment capital. In addition to core network equipment costs and customer premises equipment and service drop construction costs, a serviceable network carries significant administrative and staffing costs in order to operate effectively. Many municipalities solicit private ISP partners to assume the liability of start-up and operational costs, in exchange for the ability to charge retail rates and recoup a return on their investment.
Conservative projections that utilize industry-accepted take rates and pricing tiers suggest that the City’s Conceptual Network Design that passes 27,000 households and 1,800 businesses would require approximately $13-14 million in start-up capital, but could generate positive operational revenues by Year 8, and could achieve enough cash flow to provide an acceptable return to private investment over a 20-year period. This internal rate of return that private equity might seek in exchange for providing the start-up capital would be the subject of City-ISP partnership negotiations.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 12
Importantly, these projections exclude the $13.5 million construction costs under the assumption that the Conceptual Network Design would be constructed through state and federal broadband grants, City General Fund contributions, or a combination thereof – and not incur any additional debt or need for additional private investment.
G. Business & Service Models
The various business models involve different levels of investment and control that come with varying risks and rewards. The City of San Luis Obispo has numerous options – from a laissez-faire, public policy-only approach all the way across the spectrum to the City owning and operating a full retail internet business.
Figure 4 - Broadband Business Models Spectrum
Public-private partnerships (P3s) are an emerging business model that provides an innovative solution to broadband expansion. The key factors that define a public-private partnership, as opposed to simply a customer-vendor relationship, are that: (a) all parties contribute, (b) each party’s benefits are shared based on their contributions, and (c) one partner does not pay another; there are few or limited transactions between partners.
Generally, P3s create a cooperative platform for a local government and one or more private organizations to plan, fund, build, and maintain a broadband network within the municipality’s jurisdiction.
The City could consider a public-private partnership model to implement the Broadband Plan in which the City could publicly solicit and select a private ISP to operate, manage, and sell retail internet services over publicly-owned fiber in exchange for lease payments,
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 13
revenue share, new City network construction, or a combination thereof. Additionally, an experienced private ISP partner will be required if the City were to apply for SB 156 Last Mile grant funding, as the City cannot currently demonstrate experience and capacity to operate and maintain a retail internet service network.
H. Funding Options
There are several grant programs through the state and federal government that could fund broadband expansion.
However, two grant opportunities stand out that the City should aggressively pursue to assist with construction costs of building and implementing its expanded fiber network and Broadband Plan: 1) The Senate Bill 156 Last Mile Federal Funding Account (one-time county-wide allocation of $22.3 million) and 2) the California Advanced Service Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Account (statewide annual allocation of $150 million through 2032).
Figure 5 shows each of these five eligibility indicators within the City of San Luis Obispo, demonstrating areas throughout most of the City with some level of need and eligibility for Last Mile grant funding.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 14
Figure 5 - Last Mile Federal Funding Account Eligibility Map2 SB 156 Last Mile grant funding does allow for the funding and construction of backbone and middle-mile networks, provided that those are directly supporting last-mile distribution to eligible locations. The City should identify at least a few concentrations of unserved locations along the Conceptual Network Design and include fiber-to-the-premises service drops as part of any SB 156 Last Mile funding application to ensure grant eligibility.
The CPUC is still in process of rolling out the Last Mile grant process: an engineering, economic, and business case tool is expected to be released in June 2023, with the application window now anticipated to open in late June 2023.
The CASF Infrastructure Account largely uses the same CPUC map of “Mass Market Unserved Locations” shown in Figure 5 for grant eligibility. 2 Source: California Public Utilities Commission Last Mile Federal Funding Account, https://federalfundingaccountmap.vetro.io/map#5.65/37.393/-116.87
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 15
D. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
1) Expand the City’s Fiber Backbone Loop to Provide
Greater Access for the Community and Businesses.
The City can complete a backbone loop necessary for a qualified operator to provide competitive, reliable retail internet services to the community and business at an estimated cost of $13.5 million. The backbone loop design would also connect remaining City facilities and assets – including parks, water tanks, and lift stations. Construction costs can be further reduced to $10.4 million through lease or use of third-party fiber, or broken into more than two phases, depending on project funding availability. 2) Initiate Design & Engineering for Phase 1, 1B, & 2.
Ensuring the City can submit a competitive SB 156 Last Mile grant application and/or a CASF Infrastructure Account grant application will necessitate completing the full design engineering for Phases 1, 1B, & 2. Based on discussions with the City’s Public Works Department around staffing capacity, the City should plan to begin with Phases 1 and 1B.
This will allow the Cit to use its allocation of SLFRF funds before the statutory deadline for those funds expires.
Design engineering will include field surveying and verification, identifying additional usable assets that may not be recorded in City maps, value engineering to reduce the overall cost, confirming the final routing and design, and compiling a Bill of Materials. This work will demonstrate to the State and the CPUC that the City is “shovel-ready” to begin construction.
3) Solicit & Negotiate a Public Private Partnership.
The City is in a favorable position to leverage an expanded, looped backbone network through a public-private partnership, which could secure: (a) the qualified network operator needed for grant eligibility, (b) all or part of the required match funding for SB 156 Last Mile grant funds, (c) a partner willing to construct all or a portion of Phases 1, 1B, & 2 in exchange for rights to sell retail internet services utilizing City fiber, or a combination thereof. The City should publicly solicit ISPs for a partnership through an RFP process, select a qualified partner, and negotiate a partnership agreement in concert with a SB 156 Last Mile grant application. City IT staff should lead this effort, and consult with applicable City departments and Council per City purchasing policies.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 16
4) Pursue Competitive Grant Opportunities through SB
156 Last Mile Federal Funding Account and the CASF
Broadband Infrastructure Grants.
The State of California and the CPUC have designated more than $22 million in broadband construction grant funding for San Luis Obispo County through the SB 156 Last Mile grant process, and CASF allocates $150 million annually (through 2032) for broadband infrastructure grants, which both aim to connect unserved and disadvantaged households with high-speed fiber services. The City is eligible for both of these funding sources and should pursue these grants to cover the backbone loop design construction costs of $13.5 million and for the marginal costs to connect CPUC-designated unserved households and other at-need neighborhoods. The City should identify which concentrations of unserved locations will be included in the initial grant application based on the CPUC maps and the proximity to the proposed Conceptual Network Design. Other municipalities – and the County itself – will be competing for these grant funds, which will require the City to demonstrate commitment, completed planning, and construction readiness in order to secure a grant award.
5) Coordinate Joint Build for CIP and Utility Projects
Coordinating infrastructure expansion through joint utility work is the most cost-effective strategy to expand City broadband assets, particularly into under-served areas and new developments. Effective coordination on all projects that require excavation will ensure that all utilities—public and private—can economically expand their broadband footprint in San Luis Obispo. The City can incrementally and opportunistically build its own fiber network, connect key City facilities, and enable Smart City applications. The full CIP analysis can be found in the full plan document, starting on page 57. 6) Apply Development Conditions to new Projects to
Expand Public and Private Fiber Assets
The City should implement favorable development conditions through City Council action and ordinance that requires developers on new projects to place fiber/conduit to ensure faster, more efficient provision of fiber-optic based next generation broadband services.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Summary Report 17
7) Explore a Broadband Infrastructure Fund to finance
future smart city applications and network
expansion
Many cities create dedicated funds for revenues generated from leases of City assets by private telecommunications companies. A dedicated fund with ongoing revenues— separate from the General Fund—prioritizes new City/public technology deployment for future build opportunities (funding for fiber network expansions through incremental builds/joint trench coordination or for locating new smart city devices concurrent with expansion of private wireless connectivity).
Creating a fund helps plan strategically for the years to come when use of public assets/ROW will increase and could create significant new City revenues. The unscheduled nature of joint trench/dig once opportunities means cities need a dedicated funding source outside of the normal budgeting process to take advantage of open trenches.
The City should consider holding revenues generated by the City through lease or other agreements for use of City broadband infrastructure – including cellular antennas on street light poles, placement of cabinets or vaults in the ROW, leasing land or towers for cell tower installation, dark fiber or conduit occupancy leases, or other telecom-related/ROW revenue generating activities – in a separate account to offset maintenance and expansion costs. 8) Adopt broadband infrastructure and fiber-optic
standards.
The City should adopt standards and industry best practices to ensure City investments are future proof, adaptable, and support multi-vendor interoperability over the expected 30-50 year life cycle. Broadband infrastructure should include strategically placed access points, high-count (288+ strand) fiber optic cable, and installation standards for depth, separation from other utilities, and allowing new installation technologies (e.g., microtrenching) when appropriate to ensure future builds are simple, cost-effective, flexible, and durable.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 1
City of San Luis Obispo, California
Broadband Plan
June 11, 2023
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................... 5
2. BROADBAND ASSET INVENTORY........................................................... 7
2.1 Public Infrastructure ....................................................................................... 7
2.2 Private Fiber Assets ...................................................................................... 18
2.3 Mobile Communications ............................................................................... 27
3. MARKET ANALYSIS ...............................................................................29
3.1 Wireline Services ........................................................................................... 29
3.2 Wireless Broadband Providers ..................................................................... 31
4. NEEDS ASSESSMENT .............................................................................33
4.1 Indicators of Need ........................................................................................ 33
4.2 Community Survey ........................................................................................ 37
4.3 Stakeholder Engagement.............................................................................. 48
5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ANALYSIS ....................................55
5.1 CIP Committee .............................................................................................. 55
5.2 Project Review............................................................................................... 56
5.3 Utility & CIP Coordination............................................................................. 58
6. CONCEPTUAL NETWORK DESIGN .........................................................62
6.1 Conceptual Network Routes ......................................................................... 62
6.2 Phased Implementation Plan........................................................................ 64
6.3 Construction Costs Estimate......................................................................... 69
6.4 Network Passings Analysis ........................................................................... 71
7. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS ...........................................................................74
7.1 Start-up Capital & Operational Costs ........................................................... 74
7.2 Operating Revenue & Expense Projections .................................................. 82
8. BUSINESS & SERVICE MODELS ..............................................................85
8.1 Business Models ........................................................................................... 85
8.2 Governance ................................................................................................... 88
9. FUNDING OPTIONS ..............................................................................90
9.1 Grant Funding Opportunities ....................................................................... 90
9.2 Alternative Funding Mechanisms ................................................................. 98
10. RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................101 APPENDIX A: PARTICIPATING STAKEHOLDERS.........................................104 APPENDIX B: CIP PROJECTS WITH BROADBAND OPPORTUNITIES ...........105
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 3
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 - City Fiber Communications Network........................................................................8 Figure 2 - Traffic Signals & Interconnect Conduit & Cables ...................................................10 Figure 3 - City Street Light Grid ..............................................................................................11 Figure 4 - City Assets & Facilities ............................................................................................12 Figure 5 - City Parking Assets..................................................................................................14 Figure 6 - City Water Assets ....................................................................................................15 Figure 7 - County Fiber & Conduit Network ...........................................................................16 Figure 8 - California Golden State Net - Planned Middle-Mile Project...................................17 Figure 9 - Hybrid Fiber-Coax Network Architecture ...............................................................18 Figure 10 - Spectrum HFC Network & Coverage .....................................................................19 Figure 11 – Spectrum’s Advertised Fiber-to-the-Premises Coverage Map.............................20 Figure 12 - AT&T DSL Internet Services Coverage Map ..........................................................21 Figure 13 - AT&T’s Advertised Fiber-to-the-Premises Coverage Map ....................................22 Figure 14 - Astound's Advertised Fiber Coverage Map ..........................................................23 Figure 15 - Metro Fiber Networks in San Luis Obispo............................................................24 Figure 16 - Long Haul Fiber Networks in San Luis Obispo .....................................................25 Figure 17 - Data Centers in San Luis Obispo ..........................................................................26 Figure 18 - Mobile 4G/LTE Voice & Data Coverage .................................................................27 Figure 19 - Towers & Antennas in San Luis Obispo................................................................28 Figure 20 - Fixed Wireless Architecture ..................................................................................31 Figure 21 - Unserved Locations ..............................................................................................34 Figure 22 - Households with No Internet Access ...................................................................35 Figure 23 - California State Vulnerability Indices ...................................................................36 Figure 24 – Actual Tested Speeds (Mbps) of Throughput (n=190) .........................................39 Figure 25 - Aggregate Throughput (n=190).............................................................................39 Figure 26 - Monthly Recurring Cost (MRC) per Mbps (n=137) ................................................40 Figure 27 - Responses by Provider (n=207) ............................................................................40 Figure 28 - Locations of Responses by Provider (n=207) .......................................................41 Figure 29 - Frequency of Performance Issues (n=160)...........................................................43 Figure 30 - Median Speeds & Costs based on Survey Results................................................43 Figure 31 - Importance of Internet Service Characteristics (n=232) ......................................44 Figure 32 - Satisfaction with Internet Service Characteristics (n=163) ..................................45 Figure 33 - Willingness to Pay for Broadband Based on Service Level (n=215).....................45 Figure 34 - Frequency of Internet Use by Purpose (n=162) ...................................................46 Figure 35 – Households Viewing Streaming Video Only (n=164) ...........................................47 Figure 36 - General Activity With or Without Broadband.......................................................47 Figure 37 - City CIP Projects ....................................................................................................57 Figure 38 - Conceptual Network Design .................................................................................62 Figure 39 - Phase 1 – City Backbone Loop & Critical City Sites ..............................................65 Figure 40 - Phase 1B - Residential Backbone Extension ........................................................67
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 4
Figure 41 - Phase 2 - Water Assets & Parks ............................................................................68 Figure 42 - Serviceable Addresses within 750' Buffer of Conceptual Design ........................73 Figure 43 - Transport networks Architecture .........................................................................77 Figure 44 - Passive Optical Network (PON) Architecture .......................................................80 Figure 45 - Broadband Business Models Differing Levels of Control and Investment..........85 Figure 46 - Last Mile Federal Funding Account Eligibility Map...............................................92 Figure 47 - CPUC-Designated Unserved Locations within 750’ of City Backbone..................93 Figure 48 - CASF Infrastructure Account Eligibility.................................................................95
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1 - City Facility Connectivity ..........................................................................................13 Table 2 - Charter HFC Pricing & Service Tiers.........................................................................29 Table 3 - AT&T Pricing & Service Tiers ....................................................................................30 Table 4 - Astound Pricing & Service Tiers ...............................................................................31 Table 5 - T-Mobile Wireless Internet Packages.......................................................................32 Table 6 - Verizon Wireless Internet Packages.........................................................................32 Table 7 - Peak Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Packages ....................................................................32 Table 8 - Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Participation .............................................36 Table 9 - Survey Responses by Status and Type of Internet Service .....................................37 Table 10 – Respondent Households by Educational Achievement ........................................38 Table 11 - Respondent Households by Occupation ...............................................................38 Table 12 - Average Performance and Cost by Provider (n=207) ............................................42 Table 13 - Descriptive Statistics for Cost and Performance Data ..........................................42 Table 14 - New Sites Added to City Backbone ........................................................................63 Table 15 - City Facilities & Assets Connected with Redundant Services in Phase 1 ..............66 Table 16 - City Assets Connected in Phase 2 ..........................................................................68 Table 17 - Estimated Construction Costs of Conceptual Network Design .............................69 Table 18 - Estimated Construction Costs if Utilizing Third Party Fiber ..................................71 Table 19 - Residential and Businesses Addresses falling within 750-foot Service Buffer .....72 Table 20 - Fully-loaded Cost Estimates for Staffing a Broadband Enterprise........................75 Table 21 - One-time Capital Expenses for Transport Network equipment............................79 Table 22 - Phases 1, 1B, & 2: Projected Operational Revenues & Expenses..........................83 Table 23 - CPUC-Unserved Locations by Phase ......................................................................94
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 5
1. Executive Summary
The transition to a digital world has accelerated, spurred by the shift to online learning, remote work, e-commerce, the increase in the automation of services, and advances in technology. The foundation enabling this transformation are fiber optic networks that can provide the high-speed, low latency connectivity required for advanced applications and uses. An engaged community with a shared technology vision and data driven mindset will enable the City of San Luis Obispo to drive innovation, economic benefits, and overall wellbeing for the City.
Magellan was contracted by the City to undertake a Broadband Plan to help improve access and affordability to high-speed internet service for community members, businesses, and efficient delivery of City services. Magellan’s scope of work included:
• Asset inventory
• Market analysis
• Needs assessment
• Review of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • Conceptual network
• Financial analysis
• Business and service models
• Grant funding opportunities
San Luis Obispo is largely subject to the common telecom duopoly with limited competition (Charter and AT&T, though Astound is beginning to roll out residential services in limited areas). Prices for gigabit internet services are between $80 to $90 per month. However, there is a vast disparity in price between customers that subscribe to lower-bandwidth packages (<100 Mbps) – who pay $1.19 per Mbps – and those customers who purchase higher-end packages (>100 Mbps) who pay just $0.23 per Mbps. This disparity reinforces the Digital Divide by providing sub-par speeds and higher pricing for households with lower discretionary income.
The City’s existing 35.5-mile communications network provides the foundational infrastructure from which the City can build, expand, and enhance its broadband presence in the City to ensure greater community access. This network could be transformed into a city-wide backbone redundant loop, capable to ensuring uninterrupted services to both City facilities and the community at large, through a 3-phased approach that would add
23.5 miles of new conduit and fiber and upgrade 120,000 feet of the existing network with new fiber cables.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 6
The total cost for these City network upgrades and new construction is estimated at $13.5 million; however, this could be lowered to $10.4 million if the City were to continue and expand its lease of third-party fiber from private companies and the County of San Luis Obispo.
Network expansion costs could be further reduced through effective coordination of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project, public and private utility projects, and implementation of a joint trench or “dig once” ordinance. These broadband-friendly policies ensure that there is an opportunity to jointly deploy new broadband infrastructure – both public and private – at a fraction of the cost by coordinating multiple projects that require excavation within the public right-of-way.
There are also two major broadband grant opportunities forthcoming that the City should aggressively pursue that could help with a portion or all of the network construction costs:
Senate Bill 156 Last Mile Federal Funding Account (one-time county-wide allocation of $22.3 million)1, and the California Advanced Service Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Account (statewide annual allocation of $150 million through 2032).
If the City were to operate its public communications network as an Internet Service Provider (ISP), there are significant start-up, fixed, and operational costs to consider for requisite staffing, network transport equipment, maintenance, etc. A financial analysis of the expanded conceptual network design shows that more than 27,000 households and 1,800 businesses fall within a 750’ buffer of the proposed new fiber backbone. Using conservative industry-standard take rates and pricing tiers, the 20-year projections suggest this network could generate positive revenues, even after accounting for start-up capital required to connect retail subscribers (but excluding the $13.5 network construction costs).
Many cities solicit an experienced, private ISP through a public-private partnership, in which the ISP operates, manages, and sells retail internet services over publicly-owned fiber in exchange for lease payments, revenue share, new City network construction, or a combination thereof. Additionally, an experienced private ISP partner will be required if the City were to apply for SB 156 Last Mile grant funding, and the partner could also assist the City in contributing toward the local match requirement. 1 SB 156 Last Mile grant funding application scoring criteria includes up to 10 points for providing a local match. Based on existing federal infrastructure grant programs, the amount necessary to secure the full 10 points is estimated to be approximately 20% of the project costs.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 7
2. Broadband Asset Inventory
Magellan identified significant infrastructure within San Luis Obispo that can be leveraged for broadband – whether as locations in the public sphere or right-of-way to host equipment, conduit and fiber pathways to connect facilities and neighborhoods, opportunities to deploy smart city devices and applications, or integration of public and private networks in innovative partnerships.
2.1 PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Cities already own and manage significant public infrastructure in order to provide services to the community. Many municipal assets can benefit from being connected to network infrastructure. At the same time, municipal assets can be used for community connectivity.
Land, buildings, poles, and towers can support antenna. Conduit and poles can hold fiberoptic cable as it runs along streets and roads. The public easements or rights-of-way (RoW) along those roads may be the most valuable assets, along with other public property.
All of this can make widespread access to high-speed connectivity more feasible by accelerating the deployment of the requisite digital infrastructure and reducing costs.
City Conduit & Fiber Optic Cable
Use of existing conduit and fiber can greatly reduce the cost of fiber deployment. Even if fiber cables are old or limited in use, they can be replaced in conduit with higher-strand cables to exponentially increase capacity. The City can use conduit for its own purposes, and/or may lease it to network service providers to reduce barriers to entry and encourage competitive broadband services; however, conduit capacity is finite and can quickly be fully utilized with just a couple of carriers pulling in their own cables. A more preferred option is to lease fiber strands themselves to carriers (each of which can be 5-10 microns in diameter), and when combined with wave division multiplexing technology, high-strand cables (288) can provide virtually unlimited capacity.
In addition to identifying where conduit is located, each segment needs to be assessed for size (diameter), capacity (the number of cables already installed in a single conduit, and the number of fiber strands within each cable that are already in use), as well as condition (physical damage, bend radius, accessibility, etc.). Conduit does not always need be designated specifically for broadband/fiber networks; existing conduit structures, such as traffic signal control networks, street lighting, or even abandoned water/sewer lines can be rehabilitated and utilized to deploy fiber optic cable. The engineering and labor required to
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 8
deploy new underground conduit can represent 35-65% of the total cost of deployment, so utilizing existing assets can create significant cost savings.
Figure 1 - City Fiber Communications Network
The City owns and manages a substantial fiber communications network of 187,154 feet of conduit and/or fiber optic cable (see Figure 1). The network is delineated between exclusive City Communications (blue), traffic signal interconnect (purple), and a portion of the network where the City leases conduit space and/or fiber strands to third parties (green).
There are portions of the network identified as “null” (red) that have fiber/conduit, but it is not known whether these are shared or City-exclusive.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 9
The Shared Network includes sections where conduit and/or fiber is leased/shard with Astound (formerly Digital West). A portion of the backbone cable is jointly owned by Cal Poly and the City, with the City allocated a number of fiber strands through a 2002 agreement that is set to expire in 2052. The specific strand count of this Cal Poly-City cable fluctuates, as does the City’s strand allocation. The design engineering project will include field work and surveys would determine specific cable capacities and allocations.
The City’s 35.5 mile network creates several loops throughout the City, which creates a redundant backbone to support critical City services. The network includes 440 communication boxes, handholes, or vaults placed throughout the network, providing the ability to expand and grow the network by interconnecting new assets or fiber networks.
Data and information on the size of the conduit, the number of fiber strands, strand use and capacity, as well as conduit space capacity was, unfortunately, stored on an aged-out software program that is no longer supported, so details were not available.
An operational fiber network of this size has an estimated valuation of $12-15 million, providing the City with a substantial asset that can be leveraged and/or monetized through creative lease agreements or public-private partnerships.
The City augments its publicly-owned network to ensure communications and connectivity to City facilities, buildings, and assets through an agreement with a private fiber/internet services provider Astound (formerly Digital West). The City entered a non-exclusive license agreement with Digital West in 2011, which is now being re-negotiated, in which the City allowed Digital West to install its own fiber optic cable within the City’s communication network in exchange for rights to utilize Digital West fiber strands to connect existing City facilities for city services.
The City is able to connect nine (9) existing City buildings utilizing Digital West/Astound fiber located within City conduit, and will have the rights to utilize 12 strands of Digital West fiber wherever it exists in order to provide City services. As the City is under a non-disclosure agreement with Digital West, the location and details of those private assets cannot be publicly shared. These fibers licensed by Astound to the City are for governmental use only, and cannot be used or sub-leased to generate City revenue.
There are three segments of City communications conduit/fiber that are not interconnected into the rest of the network; two of these (the red portion in the southern area of the City along Tank Farm Road, and a small segment along Ramona/Benton in the northern end of the City) may be interconnected through leased fiber from Astound’s network. However, the third disconnected segment between Blue Rock Drive and the Edna Saddle Water Tank does not appear to be connected with either City or Astound fiber to the rest of the network.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 10
City Traffic Signals & Interconnect Network
Traffic signal poles and associated structures are typically located along major transportation arterials, which similarly correspond with major commercial corridors, and are interconnected with electrical and/or signal control conduit networks. Many signal interconnect networks were originally conduit with twisted copper cables, but these underground conduit networks can be rehabilitated and used to pull in fiber optic cable at a fraction of the cost of deploying new underground infrastructure. Alignment with road arterials makes signal control networks ideal assets for cost-effectively deploying new fiber backbones to critical economic development areas.
Figure 2 - Traffic Signals & Interconnect Conduit & Cables
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Approximately 8,074 feet of the 13.8 mile traffic signal interconnect network has been integrated into the City’s overall communications network, and may have already been rehabilitated to some degree in order to house fiber optic cable. The rest of the traffic control network coincides along the same corridors, but is physically separate from, the City’s communications network. Only six of the City’s 82 traffic signals are not connected through either the signal interconnect and/or the City’s communication network.
City Street Lights
Public streetlights offer a significant and valuable asset that can be leveraged for broadband and smart city deployment in urban areas. The City owns and operates 2,742 street lights throughout the City, which are connected to 872 points of service (POS), owned by either PG&E or the City.
Figure 3 - City Street Light Grid
The City’s fiber communication network is aligned along major transportation and commercial corridors. However, the City’s extensive inventory of street lights penetrates most residential neighborhoods. The typically dense nature and geographic reach of streetlights offers a significant opportunity, particularly for deployment of 5G small cell
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 12
technology through leasing poles to the major cellular carriers (AT&T, Verizon, & T-Mobile) that can cost-effectively provide high-speed broadband coverage into neighborhoods that lack adequate internet speeds. Streetlight poles and conduit can be leased to generate revenue, or leases can be offered as in-kind contributions for public-private partnerships, providing cost-effective infrastructure that can be used to deploy new fiber cables in existing conduit, and/or install smart city devices on poles (smart lighting management, cameras, traffic management, environmental monitoring, etc.).
City Buildings & Facilities
Opportunities for expansion to support broadband and smart city applications are not limited to conduit and poles; existing public buildings, parks, and other facilities can be utilized to build out a public network through deployment of antennas, radios, sensors, cameras, data servers, community Wi-Fi spots, and interconnection points for redundancy and disaster recovery.
Figure 4 - City Assets & Facilities
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 13
Often the type of public asset is specific to the area targeted for broadband deployment.
For example, public works maintenance yards typically allow for penetration into industrial areas; parks typically offer opportunities to reach residential neighborhoods; administrative buildings often are situated within downtowns or business districts.
The City has 19 City-owned facilities (government buildings, fire stations, parking structures, and corp yards) as well as 4 communications towers, as shown in Figure 4. However, five City-owned facilities are currently not redundantly connected to the City’s municipal IT network. The City’s parks also are not connected to the network at all but could function as base stations for wireless distribution if they had a fiber backhaul and connection point.
Table 1 - City Facility Connectivity
Fully-Connected Facilities on City Network
KVEC Tower Hwy 1 - Stenner Creek
Santa Rosa Cell Tower 150 Oak Street
Fire Station 1 Tower 2160 Santa Barbara St.
South Hills Tower South Hills Open Space
Data Center in Fire Station 2160 Santa Barbara St.
EOC 2160 Santa Barbara St.
Fire Station 2 126 North Chorro St.
Fire Station 1 2160 Santa Barbara St.
Fire Station 3 1280 Laurel Lane
City Hall 888 Morro Street
Public Works 919 Palm Street
City Corporation Yard 25 Prado Road
City Utility Offices 879 Morro Street
Police Department 1042 Walnut Street
City Bus Yard Prado Road
Parks and Rec 1341 Nipomo St.
Ludwick Comm Center 846 Santa Rosa St.
SLO Senior Center 1445 Santa Rosa St.
Facilities on City Network but which Lack Redundancy
Fire Station 4 1395 Madonna Rd.
Parking Structure 879 Morro Street
Parking Structure 871 Marsh Street
City Parking Offices 1260 Chorro Street
Water Treatment Plant 35 Prado Road
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 14
The City also has five parking lots (in addition to the three parking structures), as well as 49 parking pay stations, all within a 7-block area downtown between Marsh Street and Palm Street. These parking-related assets could be interconnected, through both fiber cable and remote/wireless connections, in order to deploy smart parking management applications within the City’s core.
Figure 5 - City Parking Assets
City Water Assets
Water assets can provide an asset that can be utilized for communications distribution, such as water tanks that typically have line-of-sight and elevation advantages for locating wireless antenna or towers. However, there are also benefits to water service operations that can be realized through interconnecting water assets, such as remote and real-time monitoring and testing points, remote valve control, and smart water management through conservation technology and applications.
The City has significant water assets distributed throughout the City, with the water treatment plant located outside of City limits near Stenner Creek, 10 water tanks throughout the City (including two outside of City limits), 15 water sampling points, 9 groundwater sampling points, and 66 irrigation control valves (see Figure 6).
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 15
Figure 6 - City Water Assets
The water plant at Stenner Creek is already connected on the City’s fiber communication backbone, but does not have a redundant path to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Many of the irrigation valves do not necessitate connectivity over a fiber cable; however, the 10 water tanks are critical infrastructure that can also serve as a distribution point, and should be interconnected on the City’s fiber network.
County Fiber & Conduit
The County of San Luis Obispo has several fiber routes, especially within the City limits, ranging from 12-strand fiber cables all the way up to 216-strand cables. These cables
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 16
connect the County’s sites and assets within the City to the County’s regional network.
There were no details on capacity of the County fiber (used vs. available strands); however, if there were capacity available, the City could lease strands from the County to provide redundancy for critical City sites, such as the water plant near Stenner Creek. The City IT team reported that these discussions with the County are already underway.
Figure 7 - County Fiber & Conduit Network
Golden State Net Middle-Mile Network
The State of California has been very active in designing and implementing broadband policies to expand broadband availability and digital literacy in the state. Governor
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 17
Newsom made significant findings in Executive Order N-73-202 issued on August 14, 2020, addressing the need for improved broadband services, closely followed by passage of Senate Bill 156, which addressed broadband through the 2021 budget package.
The state middle-mile network, known as Golden State Net, is well underway, with portions of the network being planned and designed within the City of San Luis Obispo along California State Route 1 and U.S. Highway 101.
Figure 8 - California Golden State Net - Planned Middle-Mile Project The anticipated routing of the Golden State Network in San Luis Obispo will provide a public-access fiber infrastructure that can provide the City long-haul data transport access to data centers and internet exchanges in Los Angeles, San Jose, and elsewhere.
Traditionally, these long-haul transport routes would need to be leased from private organizations. Additionally, the Golden State Network can be utilized to complete local 2 Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/14/38666/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 18
network loops to ensure City redundancy without having to construct and install new routes, creating significant cost savings. The construction of the Golden State Network will provide both cost savings and enhanced network reliability for the City’s fiber optic backbone.
2.2 PRIVATE FIBER ASSETS
Magellan analyzed the broadband landscape of the City of San Luis Obispo to determine the private broadband assets within the City. Emphasis was placed on “facilities-based” carriers, or those that own their own physical infrastructure including fiber, copper, and coaxial cables, as well as wireless infrastructure.
Spectrum/Charter
Spectrum is the second largest cable company in the US, with revenues near $50 billion per year. They have close to 30 million residential subscribers and over 2 million small and medium business customers nationwide.
Spectrum’s network is based on a Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) architecture, which includes a fiber backbone but coax cable for last mile distribution.
Figure 9 - Hybrid Fiber-Coax Network Architecture
These HFC broadband networks are designed to send large amounts of data from the network to the end point such as the home. Smart city applications based on remote devices sending small amounts of data can leverage the consumer-grade broadband from Spectrum. However, mission critical applications and those requiring higher bandwidth to the network (upstream) require an alternative solution.
As the legacy cable company, Spectrum has essentially 100% coverage of the residential market through their HFC network, as shown in Figure 10.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 19
Figure 10 - Spectrum HFC Network & Coverage3
While Spectrum’s HFC network is generally capable of delivering gigabit download speeds to its residential and small business market, these speeds, latencies, upload limitations, and service level agreements are not sufficient for enterprise-level businesses or institutional anchors.
However, Spectrum has limited fiber beyond their backbone that drives their HFC network, with few areas of the City eligible for direct fiber-to-the-premises services, as shown in Figure 11.
3 Source: https://broadbandnow.com/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 20
Figure 11 – Spectrum’s Advertised Fiber-to-the-Premises Coverage Map4 AT&T
AT&T is the incumbent local exchange company (ILEC) or the legacy telephone company in San Luis Obispo. Historically, the ILEC has nearly 100% coverage and this is true with AT&T in San Luis Obispo (see Figure 12). However, this coverage is primarily through their legacy investments in DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) technologies, which enable data services over their installed base of copper phone wires. DSL technology is obsolete with no new DSL plant being installed. The data rates supported by DSL depend on the length of the copper wire and the type of DSL deployed.
4 Source: https://broadbandnow.com/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 21
Figure 12 - AT&T DSL Internet Services Coverage Map5
Maximum “up to” download bandwidth speeds offered by AT&T over DSL technology typically don’t exceed 50-75 Mbps, and commonly average between 5-10 Mbps. These speeds do not meet the California minimum standards of 100 Mbps, and cannot meet the speeds or service levels required by most businesses. DSL data rates above 25 Mbps would imply that AT&T has deployed some fiber to neighborhood pedestals and cabinets.
AT&T does offer direct fiber-to-the-premises (home or business) in a portion of the City (see Figure 13), suggesting they have a significant fiber optic network within the City that could be expanded, and could reduce the cost and time for AT&T to upgrade more areas to gigabit Fiber-to-the-Premises networks.
5 Source: https://broadbandnow.com/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 22
Figure 13 - AT&T’s Advertised Fiber-to-the-Premises Coverage Map6 Astound/Digital West
Astound is a New Jersey-based telecommunications company, and prior to recent expansion into new markets across California, had served more than 300,000 residential and commercial customers in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2021, Astound acquired Digital West, a San Luis Obispo-based data services company.
Digital West has been offering data services within the City for more than 30 years, and built a substantial fiber network (see Figure 14). Their services were historically targeted almost exclusively to commercial and business enterprises. However, with their acquisition by Astound in 2021, they are now undertaking significant expansions into the residential market, and are building new fiber assets across the City. 6 Source: https://broadbandnow.com/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 23
Figure 14 - Astound's Advertised Fiber Coverage Map7
The City entered a non-exclusive license agreement with Digital West in 2011, subsequently amended in 2016, and which is now being re-negotiated, in which the City allowed Digital West to install its own fiber optic cable within the City’s communication network in exchange for a fee and the rights to utilize Digital West fiber strands to connect existing City facilities for city services.
With the acquisition of Digital West by Astound, the City is currently renegotiating a new long-term agreement which will provide additional benefits to the City, including City facility connectivity, dedicated City fiber strands, and joint build provisions for new fiber installations.
Combining Digital West (Astound’s) significant fiber backbone, which is protected under a non-disclosure agreement, with the City’s existing communication network is a unique and advantageous agreement for both sides: Astound is able to expand its fiber footprint within San Luis Obispo without having to incur significant capital cost for new construction, 7 Source: https://broadbandnow.com/
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 24
thereby gaining the ability to offer more broadband services to residents and businesses, while the City can enhance its connectivity for public facilities and services.
Metro Fiber
Metro networks, as the name implies, are designed to connect major sites in relatively dense metropolitan areas to each other and to other service providers, typically via colocation data centers or exchange facilities.
Smart city applications can leverage existing metro fiber networks to connect data centers and remote devices. Applications with the need for high bandwidth, such as high-resolution traffic and public safety cameras, can be served on metro fiber networks. Services are priced on an individual case basis, based on the service level, number of sites, distance, and bandwidth required. Some carriers will lease dark fiber strands, but these are generally lit, or active services. Many companies prefer to sell connectivity as part of a suite of managed services.
Figure 15 - Metro Fiber Networks in San Luis Obispo8
8 Source: Fiberlocator.com
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Long Haul Fiber
Long haul, or middle-mile, networks typically extend access to interconnection points in major cities and are of limited use for local smart city applications. However, more cities are moving their managed services and IT workloads to public cloud infrastructure, such as Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure. Certain IT and smart city applications will require highspeed access to the remote cloud data centers, and many require low-latency connections to the cloud to function effectively. Many of these public clouds reside in the same interconnect facilities in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Jose, and Phoenix.
Figure 16 - Long Haul Fiber Networks in San Luis Obispo9 There are several long-haul fiber routes through the City, providing good interconnectivity to regional data and peering centers. The planned construction of the Golden State Network middle mile routes will add an additional, publicly-accessible long haul route. 9 Source: Fiberlocator.com
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 26
Data Centers
City enterprise software applications and smart city applications of all types ultimately reside on a server. That server can be in an on-site city data center, in a co-location data center or “in the cloud” in a distant data center, or a combination of all three. A major trend in data and software applications is the migration of services to the cloud, which requires moving data resources closer to “the edge of the internet” or data/interconnect centers.
This allows end users to reduce latency and improve application performance. Thus, data centers and peering points are increasingly being established further from the major internet centers to enable better cloud services in areas further from major U.S. cities.
As more and more mission critical applications of enterprises, governments and consumers migrate to public and private clouds, the latency to and from the internet edges and centralized public cloud data centers can become a performance bottleneck. To address this, the edge is migrating from the internet exchanges and massive public cloud data centers to nearby large cities. We expect this migration to continue and even accelerate.
Figure 17 - Data Centers in San Luis Obispo10
10 Source: https://www.datacentermap.com/
Carrier-Neutral Data Center
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 27
Currently, there are five public or neutral data centers in San Luis Obispo; two are Lumen operated centers, one is Digital West, and 2 are other telecom locations. These are primarily where communication service providers interconnect their networks.
2.3 MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Wireless communications will be a critical component of a City-wide broadband expansion project, as well as a smart city architecture. Many smart city applications are based on remote devices that send data to a centralized server for analysis, and typically send data that can utilize wireless networks. In addition to cellular services, there is wirelesssupporting infrastructure, such as towers, where the city can lease space to deploy antennas to provision wireless internet access or to connect smart city devices. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), San Luis Obispo is well covered with 4G mobile offerings from the three major U.S. mobile operators: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
This is shown in Figure 18 where the color purple represents robust coverage with an overlap of all three carriers.
Figure 18 - Mobile 4G/LTE Voice & Data Coverage11
11 Source: https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps/mobile-map AT&T
T-Mobile
Verizon
All 3 Carriers
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The strong mobile coverage is largely provided by more than 119 towers and 280 antennas within a 3.0-mile radius of the center of San Luis Obispo as shown in Figure 19. This competitive wireless environment should put San Luis Obispo in the early waves of 5G upgrades.
Figure 19 - Towers & Antennas in San Luis Obispo12
12 Source: https://www.antennasearch.com/
Towers
Antennas
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3. Market Analysis
Magellan assessed the pricing, service tiers, and market environment within the City, considering both wireline (fiber, copper, or coaxial cable) services as well as fixed wireless providers.
3.1 WIRELINE SERVICES
Charter/Spectrum
Charter’s offerings in the City are based on the DOCSIS 3.1 standard from CableLabs, the research and development organization of the cable industry. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) can achieve downstream data speeds of over 1 Gbps. As a legacy cable company, Charter’s HFC network is shared among multiple subscribers, so the actual real-time performance will vary based on the number of actual users. Consumer rates are “best effort,” which is why ISPs often add the disclaimer of “up to” when specifying speeds (e.g., “up to 100 Mbps”).
Even though the network supports gigabit connections, Charter typically offered a number of bandwidths at different price points; however, over the last 12-18 months, they have reduced the number of packages to three.
Table 2 - Charter HFC Pricing & Service Tiers
Download
Speed13
Upload
Speed
Contract
Term
Monthly
Rate Extras
200 Mbps 10 Mbps 1 year $ 40 No data cap
500 Mbps 10 Mbps 1 year $ 70 No data cap
1 Gbps 25 Mbps 1 year $ 90 No data cap
The upstream rates on HFC networks are currently limited to approximately 35 Mbps due to legacy use for transmitting television channels from a central location to many end users (i.e., all “downstream” traffic”). The cable industry has realized the limited upstream has become a competitive disadvantage against fiber-based competition who offer symmetrical rates up to multiple gigabits per second. To address this, CableLabs is creating DOCSIS 4.0, which will support up to 10 Gbps downstream speeds and 6 Gbps upstream speeds.
However, DOCSIS 4.0 will require the cable-based ISPs to make upgrades to the coax 13 All speeds referenced in this section are advertised as “up to” maximum speeds, depending on network congestion, time of day, location, etc.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 30
portion of their outside cables, and will take longer to roll out over Charters’ entire footprint. Magellan expects Charter to announce initial deployments in late 2023 or early 2024 in select markets, and widespread deployment nationwide could take 3-5 years.
AT&T
AT&T is the incumbent telephone company via their acquisition of Pacific Bell. They serve 75% of the City with copper-based DSL, but have deployed fiber and offer fiber-to-thepremises (FTTP) services in 22% of the City utilizing the 10 Gbps XGS-PON standards.
However, the 10 Gbps is shared over 32 locations and thus the actual speeds will depend on the number of active users.
In the areas of the City where AT&T has fiber, their current offerings are less than Charter/Spectrum for comparable bitrates. AT&T’s rates are symmetrical with the upstream data rate matching the downstream rate.
Table 3 - AT&T Pricing & Service Tiers
Download
Speed
Upload
Speed
Monthly
Rate Extras
AT&T Fiber
300 Mbps 300 Mbps $ 55
1 year contract, No
data cap
500 Mbps 500 Mbps $ 65
1 Gbps 1 Gbps $ 80
2 Gbps 2 Gbps $ 110
5 Gbps 5 Gbps $ 180
AT&T DSL 5 to 70
Mbps
250 to 500
Kbps $ 45
1.5 TB data cap;
$10 per 50 GB of
excess
It is unknown when AT&T might overbuild their copper network in the City. With a limited fiber footprint, there is little competition and choice for residents seeking more than one gigabit option.
Astound (Digital West)
Astound acquired local ISP Digital West in 2019, who had been serving only commercial/business customers in San Luis Obispo. Astound is in process of rolling out residential FTTP services in the City, but has not publicly committed to specific neighborhoods or areas (nor to an entire city-wide buildout). Where FTTP services are available, Astound has a competitive fiber pricing model that offers symmetrical services.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 31
Table 4 - Astound Pricing & Service Tiers
Download
Speed
Upload
Speed
Contract
Term
Monthly
Rate
100 Mbps 100 Mbps 2 years $ 25
500 Mbps 500 Mbps 2 years $ 45
940 Mbps 940 Mbps 2 years $ 65
1 Gbps 1 Gbps 2 years $ 80
3.2 WIRELESS BROADBAND PROVIDERS
Fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions have been available for many years. These systems are based on proprietary equipment and use unlicensed spectrum to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals from a central antenna to antennas located at each location. These providers of FWA are referred to as wireless ISPs or WISPs. Although WISPs have served rural markets for decades, more recently they are beginning to serve dense urban markets, targeting multi-dwelling units (MDUs) with data speeds that can outperform legacy DSL services.
Figure 20 - Fixed Wireless Architecture
T-Mobile
T-Mobile provides 5G and 4G LTE fixed wireless services to households across all 50 states in the US. Its residential plans' main features include contract-free services and unlimited data access. The typical download speeds it offers are between 33-182 Mbps and may vary according to location, time of the day, weather, and other factors.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 32
Table 5 - T-Mobile Wireless Internet Packages
Package
Max
Download
Speed
Monthly
Rate
Cost Per
MB Notes
5G Home Internet 182 Mbps $ 50 $ 0.27 Unlimited data
No annual contract
Verizon
Verizon’s 5G Home internet services are an affordable solution with faster speeds than satellite and DSL types of connections. Verizon offers unlimited data and contract-free plans, but speeds may vary based on a location’s distance to its network towers and realtime network traffic.
Table 6 - Verizon Wireless Internet Packages
Package
Max
Download
Speed
Monthly
Rate
Cost Per
MB Notes
LTE Home Internet 50 Mbps $ 25 $ 0.50 Unlimited data
No annual contract
5G Home Internet 300 Mbps $ 60 $ 0.20
Unlimited data
10-year price
guarantee
Peak Wi-Fi
The City has a third WISP, Peak Wi-Fi, that offers a wireless connection over a 6 Ghz frequency. They offer plans starting at $70 per month, and are upgrading equipment and will soon have 200 and 300 Mbps plans available as higher-tier options. There are no contracts, no data caps, and all plans require a $99 installation fee.
Table 7 - Peak Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Packages
Package
Max
Download
Speed
Max
Upload
Speed
Monthly
Rate
Cost Per
MB
Standard 50 Mbps 10 Mbps $ 70 $ 1.16
Premium 100 Mbps 20 Mbps $ 150 $ 1.25
Custom 100 Mbps 100 Mbps $ 200 $ 1.00
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 33
4. Needs Assessment
Magellan examined the needs of the City through several lenses to understand the technological and socioeconomic challenges to high-speed broadband access within San Luis Obispo for the present and future – both from the community and business perspective, as well as considering the City’s organizational needs in order to provide superior public services to its constituents.
Data and maps from the American Community Survey (ACS), U.S. Census, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other federal databases was used to evaluate residents’ access, adoption, barriers, and resources related to broadband. An online survey was developed and promoted by the City to gather community perceptions, needs, priorities, and test actual broadband speeds. Magellan also conducted community stakeholder meetings and focus groups to acquire first-hand accounts, and met with several key City departments to consider the impact of broadband on City services delivery.
4.1 INDICATORS OF NEED
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) identifies a location as “unserved” if it cannot secure fixed (wired) broadband services from any carrier, and qualifies a location as “under-served” if it cannot access broadband download speeds above 25 Mbps. However, the State of California and the CPUC uses a higher standard: locations receiving less than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, or if the only option for internet access is a legacy DSL copper connection, are essentially “unserved” – and anything less than 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload are “under-served.”
The City has many addresses that qualify under California’s minimum standard as unserved (lacking access to wireline 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream, which include locations with legacy Digital Subscriber Line and Cable DOCSIS 2.0 or older), as identified in Figure 21.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 34
Figure 21 - Unserved Locations14
However, this CPUC map shows unserved addresses based solely on whether any ISP carrier is physically capable of providing service – it does not take into account individual household constraints or barriers if/when service is able to be provided.
Many households lack an internet service or connection not due to any technical limitations of the ISP, but as a result of income or other socio-economic factors (language barriers, 14 Source: CPU SB 156 Last Mile Federal Funding Account Public Map, April 7, 2023: Unserved locations lacking access to wireline 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream excluding legacy technology (e.g. Digital Subscriber Line and Cable DOCSIS 2.0 or older)
https://federalfundingaccountmap.vetro.io/map#11.31/38.6185/-121.4896
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 35
digital literacy, etc.). ACS data and maps (Figure 22) identify areas with a high number of households without any internet access that could be caused by any number of these factors.
Figure 22 - Households with No Internet Access15
In late 2021, the federal government launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that helps households secure affordable broadband by subsidizing up to $30 per month for an internet subscription. Households with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the subsidy. However, participation in the program requires households apply through a government website, which is not often readily apparent or accessible from the carriers’ sales websites, which contributes to a low participation rate. 15 Source: ACS Internet Connectivity Variables 12/12/22
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 36
Table 8 - Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Participation16 Eligible
Households
Participating
Households
%
Participation
United States 51.6 million 17.1 million 31%
California 5.8 million 1.8 million 33%
San Luis Obispo 7,106 1,792 25%
The City’s rate lags behind the state and national average, and identifies more than 7,100 eligible households within the City that could utilize the program to significantly reduce their monthly costs for internet services.
The City demonstrates other areas of need related to socio-economic factors – lower income areas, vulnerability indices, or other disadvantaged indicators (see Figure 23).
Figure 23 - California State Vulnerability Indices17
16 Source: https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-offline/acp-data/#dashboard 17 Source: Source: CPU SB 156 Last Mile Federal Funding Account Public Map, April 7, 2023:
https://federalfundingaccountmap.vetro.io/map#11.31/38.6185/-121.4896
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 37
4.2 COMMUNITY SURVEY
As part of the planning process, Magellan surveyed community members to determine what types of internet services community members have, including the service costs, performance, and providers, and customer satisfaction, willingness to pay, and underserved status.
As detailed in Table 9, there were a total of 283 unique, usable survey responses, about two-thirds of which were complete, meaning the respondent went through the entire survey and clicked “Submit” at the end. Since total responses were less than the 300 generally required for statistical reliability, we can only say the results represent the experience and sentiments of respondents and may not be representative of the community as a whole.
Table 9 - Survey Responses by Status and Type of Internet Service Responses
Internet service
Broadband Low Speed None
All/Total 283 94.0% 4.9% 1.1%
Complete 196 (69.3%) 94.9% 4.1% 1.0%
Partial 87 (30.7%) 92.0% 6.9% 1.1%
One of the key questions asked of respondents was the type of internet service at the location for which they were completing the survey. Over 90% had broadband, although the percentage was somewhat lower for partial responses. In total, only three responses indicated having no internet services, all of which were in the City of San Luis Obispo. There were ten responses from outside the City, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Los Osos, Nipomo, Pismo Beach, and Santa Maria, all of which reported having broadband except the one response from Atascadero, which had low speed internet.
Respondent Demographics
We asked about a few basic demographic characteristics to understand how respondents compared to the overall population. Specifically, respondents seem to be older (median age of 38 years verses 26 for the population) and in smaller households than the population (median size of 2 persons compared to 2.4). Generally, respondents were more educated than the population. Part of this is because the survey was of households rather than individuals, i.e., the overall population. Therefore, educational achievement would naturally skew higher. Also, persons with more education tend to be more willing to complete surveys. Regardless, as shown in Table 10, the survey had low levels of
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 38
participation by persons with lower levels of educational achievement and relatively strong participation by more educated persons.
Table 10 – Respondent Households by Educational Achievement18 Educational Achievement Responses
Population 18
Years Older
Less than high school 0.0% 3.5%
High school or equivalent 0.0% 15.0%
Some College or Associate Degree 12.3% 44.1%
Bachelor's degree 38.9% 24.3%
Graduate or professional degree 48.8% 13.1%
We also asked about occupation, for which respondents more closely matched the population, as shown in Table 11. Respondents were more likely to be in arts, business, management, or science occupations and service occupations than would be expected based on population statistics. Respondents were less likely to be in construction, maintenance, or natural resources occupations or out of the workforce. There were similar levels of office or sales occupations and production or transportation occupations for the survey responses and in the population.
Table 11 - Respondent Households by Occupation
Occupation Responses Population
Arts, business, management, or science 40.4% 32.1%
Construction, maintenance, or natural resources 5.6% 14.8% Office or sales 13.0% 14.5%
Production or transportation 3.1% 3.4%
Service 11.8% 5.2%
Retired or otherwise out of the workforce19 26.1% 29.9% Internet Services and Providers
More than half of respondents (56%) had internet services that met or exceeded the state’s standard of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. As shown in Figure 24, about a third of respondents had service that exceeded federal broadband standards but did not meet state standards. Effectively 10% had services that did not meet the federal standard. The 18 Unless otherwise noted all statistics come from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2021 5-Year Estimates, accessed via https://data.census.gov/. 19 The Census Bureau does not identify retired persons. Instead, we use households with Social Security income as a proxy for retired persons.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 39
geographic distribution of responses, shown in Figure 25, suggests that southern portions of the City have older infrastructure and technologies. Responses in the center of the City are more varied and include relatively high speeds, suggesting the issues there are more about affordability/costs.
Figure 24 – Actual Tested Speeds (Mbps) of Throughput20 (n=190) No Internet
Less than 28
Mbps
Greater than 28
Mbps but Less
than 125 Mbps
Greater than
125 Mbps but
Less than 500
Mbps
Greater than
500 Mbps
Figure 25 - Aggregate Throughput (n=190)
20 Throughput is a measure of download + upload speeds. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Less than 3
3 to less than 11
11 to less than 28
28 to less than 120
120 to less than 300
300 to less than 500
500 to less than 1000
1000 or more
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 40
Figure 26 - Monthly Recurring Cost (MRC) per Mbps (n=137) Just over a third of respondents paid a nationally competitive rate for internet capacity, less than $0.30 per month per Mbps. See Figure 26. A slightly larger portion paid less than $1.00 per Mbps per month. Under 10% were paying uncompetitive costs of more than $3.00.
Generally, the higher monthly costs per Mbps are associated with slower services, particularly twisted pair copper wire based digital subscriber line.
Figure 27 - Responses by Provider (n=207)
The dominant provider among respondents was clearly Charter Communications, under the Spectrum brand name. As seen in Figure 27, over three quarters of respondents indicated they have internet services from Spectrum, far exceeding the closest next most 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Less than $0.30
$0.30 to less than $1.00
$1.00 to less than $2.00
$2.00 to less than $3.00
$3.00 to less than $4.00
$4.00 to less than $5.00
$5.00 to less than $6.00
$6.00 to less than $7.00
More than $7.00
75.8%
14.5%
4.8%
2.4% 1.4% 1.0%
Charter/Spectrum
AT&T
Other
TMobile
Astound/Digital West
Peak Wi-Fi
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 41
common provider, AT&T, which was used by just less than 15% of respondents. Other providers, including those selecting no specific provider, had less than 5% of responses.
Astound
AT&T
Charter
NA
Other
Peak Wi-Fi
T-Mobile
Figure 28 - Locations of Responses by Provider (n=207)
See Figure 28 for the geographic distribution of responses by provider. Charter services appear to be particularly prevalent among respondents in the southern portion of the city, with AT&T subscribers more common in the heart of San Luis Obispo. Astound respondents were centralized, Peak Wi-Fi were along Southwood Dr, and T-Mobile were along major thoroughfares. Respondents indicating broadband was not available were adjacent to State Route 1—one in an apartment complex and the other possibly an accessory dwelling unit—and on the edge of Laguna Lake, as well as outside the city boundaries in Osos Valley.
Astound customers had the fastest speeds, followed by AT&T then Charter, as detailed in Table 12, although the actual, tested speeds were far short of what respondents said were the nominal, contracted speeds. Astound’s cost per Mbps was also lowest overall, averaging $0.50, while their cost for service was the highest. “Other” and Peak Wi-Fi were the least expensive services among survey respondents, followed by AT&T then Charter.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 42
Peak Wi-Fi and T-Mobile (for which costs were not reported) test results showed the greatest latency or delay. Astound had the lowest latency, followed by AT&T. Essentially, respondents who paid less were getting much less than those who paid more.
Table 12 - Average Performance and Cost by Provider (n=207)21 Provider Throughput Latency MRC MRC/Mbps
Charter 204.3 20.49 $80.11 $0.75
AT&T 442.2 16.83 $71.91 $2.30
Other 179.0 20.44 $45.00 $1.01
T-Mobile 170.8 35.50 NA NA
Astound 1,084.9 13.00 $384.67 $0.50
Peak Wi-Fi 128.8 37.50 $60.00 $3.88
All 245.6 20.4 $83.35 $1.01
Descriptive statistical analysis of responses, presented in Table 13, shows that costs and performance varied greatly among respondents. While a few respondents paid very little for broadband, most responses were over $80 per month. The mean (average) responses being higher than the median (midpoint) and mode shows that most respondents paid less than average for lower than average speeds. The one respondent that paid substantially above average was an organization with a static IP address, which indicates it had a service level agreement with its provider. It is also one of the four respondents that had over 1 Gbps aggregate throughput.
Table 13 - Descriptive Statistics for Cost and Performance Data22 Statistic MRC Download Upload MRC/Mbps
Responses 146 190 190 137
Max $999.00 932.8 875.9 $10.46
Mean $83.35 197.5 48.1 $1.01
Median $80.00 123.2 10.8 $0.42
Mode $80.00 N/A 10.6 N/A
Min $25.00 3.8 0.09 $0.05
Figure 29 provides a sense of internet service reliability in San Luis Obispo. Nearly a quarter of respondents indicated have hour-long outages at least once a month, while just over a tenth said they never had such outages. Day-long outages were experienced at least once a month by less than 4% of respondents. Over 70% said they never experienced day-long 21 Throughput statistics are megabits per second (Mbps), latency is milliseconds (MS), and MRC is “monthly recurring costs.”
22 Download and upload speeds are in Mbps.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 43
outages. Reduced speeds were reported to occur at least once a week by nearly 43%. Just under 96% experienced brief outages.
Figure 29 - Frequency of Performance Issues (n=160)
The data suggests that City residents and businesses are receiving less than half the download speeds that they pay for, and that that there are disparities between the price per megabyte paid by consumers depending on what plan they purchase (see Figure 30).
Figure 30 - Median Speeds & Costs based on Survey Results Subscribers who purchase lower-bandwidth packages with advertised speeds at or below 100 Mbps pay five times more per MB than those customers who purchase higher-end packages of 300-500 Mbps or 1+ Gbps tiers.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Slows Down
Out Briefly
Out an Hour
Out 2 Hours
Out Several Hours
Out for Day
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly Yearly Never
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 44
This disparity in the rate per MB between minimum-speed and higher-tier broadband packages further exacerbates the Digital Divide by not only providing sub-par speeds to households with lower discretionary income, but then charging them more for those services.
Consumer Sentiment and Willingness to Pay
Internet service was rated as critical overall by 60% of respondents. Only 1.3% felt it was not important or had no opinion. See Figure 31. Reliability was the most important service characteristic for respondents. None indicated it was unimportant or had no opinion and over half said it was critical. Speed was somewhat less important, with over half rating it as “very important.” As shown in Figure 32, respondents were generally satisfied with internet overall, reliability, and speed.
Figure 31 - Importance of Internet Service Characteristics (n=232) Price and support did not seem to be key factors. A larger percentage of respondents were ambivalent about support than rated it as “critical.” But these were also the greatest sources of dissatisfaction among respondents. Effectively three-quarters of respondents were less than satisfied with the price of their broadband service. Support had the largest percentage of respondents—over a third—that were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied or unsure.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Overall
Speed
Price
Reliability
Support
Critical Very important Somewhat important
Not important No opinion/Don't care
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 45
Figure 32 - Satisfaction with Internet Service Characteristics (n=163) The value of customer and technical support was greatest among respondents for lower speed broadband, as shown in Figure 33. Overall, respondents were willing to pay an average of $0.38 per month per Mbps.
Figure 33 - Willingness to Pay23 for Broadband Based on Service Level (n=215) 23 Note that the vertical y-axis of this chart is a logarithmic scale with larger numbers occupying less space than smaller ones.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Overall
Speed
Price
Reliability
Support
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied
Neither/Not sure Somewhat dissatisfied
$150.00 $150.00 $166.90
$985.00
$499.00
$1.00
$7.50 $5.00
$10.00
$15.00
$34.90 $47.65 $60.57 $78.07 $62.03
$9.58
$16.58 $22.89 $29.48 $36.47
$1
$10
$100
$1,000
25/3 Mbps 100/20 Mbps300/50 Mbps 1,000/200
Mbps
1/1 Gbps
Average Willingness to Pay with Excellent Service
Average Willingness to Pay with Terrible Service
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 46
Regardless of an anomalously high cost for asymmetrical gigabit service, on average respondents were willing to pay between $55 and $60 per month for broadband.
Responses indicated clearest willingness to pay more for 100/20 Mbps service: while the average MRC indicated by respondents was $47.65, the median was $50. While respondents rated support as relatively less important than other factors, the average difference between their stated willingness to pay for excellent and terrible customer service and technical support was $34 per month.
Broadband Uses
The most frequent uses of broadband by respondents were, not surprisingly, communication with family and friends and entertainment, followed by general interests.
See Figure 34. Buying and special interests were common uses, albeit less frequent than communication and entertainment. Online buying, gaming, and learning seem to be relatively low until one remembers respondents were generally older and more highly educated than the population. Online selling was somewhat common but relatively infrequently used. Well over half of respondents never use the internet for home-based business.
Figure 34 - Frequency of Internet Use by Purpose (n=162) - 50 100 150
Buying
Selling
Learning
Gaming
General interest
Home business
Special interest
Remote work
Entertainment
Communication
At least once a day At least once a week A few times a month Less than once a month None or Never
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 47
Figure 35 provides deeper insight into respondents’ use of the internet for entertainment.
Generally, they have “cut the cord.” Over 60% of respondents said their households do not view any traditional broadcast television. Less than 20% get the majority of their video entertainment from traditional television. Only 3% do not consume any online video content or streaming services.
Figure 35 – Households Viewing Streaming Video Only (n=164) More general demand drivers, comparing broadband and non-broadband respondents, are shown in Figure 34.
Figure 36 - General Activity With or Without Broadband
Note that respondents without broadband tended to work remotely relatively more often than those with broadband but not on a daily basis. Households without broadband were more likely to occasionally consult a healthcare provider and do studying or training than
3.0% 6.1%
7.3%
4.9%
60.4% 18.3%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
With Broadband
Without Broadband
With Broadband
Without Broadband
With Broadband
Without Broadband
With Broadband
Without Broadband
Study or
Train
Health
Consult
Home
Business
Remote
Work
Daily Weekly Monthly Every Few Months About Once a Year
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 48
households with broadband. Over three-quarters of respondents worked from home at least once a week. Half of the households without broadband were operating a homebased business every day.
4.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Business and Industry
The City of San Luis Obispo is booming with businesses, many of which are small downtown businesses that want the most economical and reliable provider. Most of these businesses have few options, spotty coverage, and slow connections. PG&E has outages, which has created a lot of problems for small city businesses. Tourism is an important sector for the City that has a lot of meetings, conferences, and hotel stays. Solid Wi-Fi connections are imperative for everyone participating in business and leisure travel. Most businesses that provide services to visitors have voiced concern about broadband for operations and customers.
The SLO Chamber wants a fiber highway through downtown for business development and productivity as well as tourism. A lot of new business is attracted to the downtown area.
The city wants to ensure these businesses move in and stay. The tech industry is the main type of business moving into the downtown area. These companies require a huge amount of bandwidth. There should be plans to increase connectivity options to the north and around the city so that new businesses can expand and move into these areas.
The Cal Poly campus has great connectivity overall, but sometimes has trouble with projects that are outside of the campus core, even a 1/2 mile away. They do not have a lot of bandwidth for their tech park project, which interferes with their work. Many of the campus faculty live and teach from all over the county. Not a day goes by without calls dropping and frequent slowdowns, interfering with learning and projects. The Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is running an operation downtown that sees interference from a lack of bandwidth, and a large number of users in their spaces. In many cases, staff have left the offices at midday to work from home due to poor connection and an inability to conduct business.
All participants emphasized that business is directly related to housing, as the work-fromhome culture is not going away anytime soon. Employees of all industries need good home internet connections for work as well as personal purposes. Homes will command higher prices if they have broadband access.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 49
Community-Based Non-Profit Organizations
Participants in this focus group emphasized how their work relies on robust, widely available internet access due to quantity of data used in the office and need for fieldwork to reach clients. The SLO Noor Foundation, Child Development Resource Center, Housing Authority of SLO, and Lumina Alliance all voiced concerns about a lack of bandwidth as they expand their operations and deploy mobile services. SLO Noor offers medical advice via online meetings as well as in-person visits. Clinicians must be able to easily access their patients’ records in the course of these consultations. Therefore, any interruption is unacceptable as it interferes with providing critical services. They are concerned about their connection’s capacity and reliability to properly care for clients. The Child Development Research Center has experienced internet slow downs and outages due to heavy use of their system. The Housing Authority of SLO voiced similar concerns with the growing numbers of homeless persons and senior citizens getting connected.
Organizations that provide housing and shelter facilities for sexual assault survivors, homeless persons, and the elderly, are over capacity and seeing increasing demand. These stakeholders plan to expand to serve more patients, which will require even more bandwidth, better connections between offices, and access at more locations. CASA, located on Madonna Road and Higuera, uses Digital West as their provider and has broadband throughout their complex. However, the majority of those they serve live outside of the city. At the Community Action Partnership of SLO, child services consume a large amount of bandwidth due to the number of online conversations and online meetings. All participants expressed concern that their clients are not very tech-savvy and that, even with the proper tools, they would not be able to successfully navigate the internet to get the resources they need.
The focus group participants agreed that lack of connectivity options and service provider competition is a problem. Spectrum seems to dominate the region, leaving very few choices. Many families and patients/clients are low-income and cannot afford the available services. Many of the focus group participants are rolling out new mobile services that are going to require a solid connection to serve those in need. There is quite a bit of concern with being able to connect with patients properly and access the information they need to support them. With rising housing prices, much of SLO’s working population lives outside of the City, and have transitioned to, or remain in, a work-from-home situation. This is causing concern about their ability to perform their jobs from home without economical, fast broadband.
City of San Luis Obispo Broadband Plan 50
Education and Social Services
Education and Social Services are vital components of any successful and forward-thinking city. The City of San Luis Obispo is no exception according to representatives of these services that Magellan spoke with during an enlightening focus group meeting. The representation ranged from the SLO County Public Health Department to Information Technology for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, with the consensus being that the city aims to serve its citizens by serving the whole county. Participants note disparities across the city and county that have caused a divide, resulting in a range of well-connected and disadvantaged, or unconnected areas.
The SLO County Public Health Department views speed as the imperative to crisis response. Connectivity issues are unacceptable when it comes to serving the people, especially when it relates to public health and safety. Telehealth is a focal point for the City’s future, which cannot be achieved without providing the public with a reliable and fast internet connection. Participants noted concerns such as some health facilities lacking upto-date technology and infrastructure, and a large number of staff working remotely with unreliable connections. Another important note is that a number of the community members served by these organizations still visit public spaces to utilize free Wi-Fi for work, homework, and personal use.
In addition to these concerns, participants noted the need to push the public to health websites for online interfacing and health services, which will require reliable connections for all customers. The County Public Health Department is concerned for the disadvantaged and unconnected, living in mobile home communities, areas of higher poverty levels, and some more rural Spanish-speaking, and Indigenous areas. Most of the public in these areas lack both the tools and the knowledge to stay connected. The County plans for more in-person interactions with clients and hopes for a solution to spotty service while working in the field.
The San Luis Coastal Unified School District reports having a solid private network already established from Del Mar Elementary to Los Ranchos. The County and School District partner to operate infrastructure and interconnect sites. The schools are currently connected at 10 Gbps but the network lacks redundancy and the infrastructure, which is over 20 years old, will need to be replaced in the not too distant future. During the pandemic, the District distributed about 900 hotspots and identified many dead spots in areas of low-income housing. These low-income areas seem to come from primarily mobile park dead zones. The district aims to provide equal opportunity and services to those who are lacking and notes that the rising cost of living in the city is causing strain on the digital,