Assembly Bill 481 - Military Equipment
Funding, Acquisition, and Use
Captain Adam Plank
Sergeant Matt O’Connor
What is Assembly Bill 481?
September 30, 2021 – Gov. Newsom signed several police reform bills, including AB 481 Increase transparency, accountability, oversight for acquisition and use of defined equipment Provide safeguards to protect public’s welfare, safety, civil rights and liberties
Requirements of Assembly Bill 481:
Draft a department policy
Adopt a written policy by ordinance in a public forum
Establish a public concern, question, or complaint process Create public forum for input and engagement
Prepare an annual report
Definitions of Equipment Used in South San Francisco:
Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. 2) Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. 5) Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units. 10) Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons 12) “Flashbang” grenades and explosive breaching tools, “tear gas,” and “pepperballs” 14) The following projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: 40mm projectile launchers, “bean bag,” rubber bullet, and specialty impact munition (SIM) weapons.
South San Francisco Police DepartmentEquipment Inventory/Source Category
Item
Funding Source
Used by SSFPD since:
1 Unmanned Robot
Federal Law Enforcement Support Office
2017
2 Armored Rescue Vehicle
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant
2021
5 Command Center Trailer
Office of Traffic and Safety (OTS) Grant
2010
10 Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Federal Law Enforcement Support Office and Department Budget 2005
12 Less Lethal Pepperball Launcher
Department Budget
2021
12 Flashbang Distraction Device
Department Budget
1996
14 Less Lethal Sponge Launcher
Department Budget
2011
Benefits of Listed Equipment
Increase safety measures for public and officers
Increase de-escalation options
Provide alternative responses to changing situations
Organize large scale incidents/investigations
Outside Coordination/Exigent Circumstances
North Central Regional SWAT
active shooter, hostage, high-risk arrest or search warrants Exigent Circumstances
emergency involving danger or imminent threat of death/serious injury non-approved equipment determined to be necessary
approval only by Police Chief or designee
Department Response
Drafted policy regarding AB 481
Enhanced our existing concern and complaint process specific to equipment listed in policy Updated PD website with draft policy, equipment list, concern/complaint process, link to council meeting, link to AB 481 Created Transparency Portal on PD website for easy access Inventoried and evaluated need for current equipment
Will prepare an annual report in June of 2023 for City Council and public
Summary
Approval of Policy 709 means:
Police Department will have continued access to resources listed in policy Annual review of policy and use to determine continued need/approval Community engagement to evaluate questions, comments, and concerns Non-approval of Policy 709 means:
Police Department will discontinue use of resources in SSF Change structure of current policies, procedures, and operational response to critical incidents Limit ability to provide or receive mutual aid in emergency situations
Questions, Concerns, and Comments
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (650) 877-8900
In-Person: 1 Chestnut Avenue, South San Francisco