CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 13, 2025
AGENDA ITEM 16.1
ASSEMBLY BILL 481
MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE Assembly Bill 481 established the following requirements to ensure the responsible use of military equipment for the safety of our community and our police officers 1 Requires Stockton Police Department to create a Military Equipment Use Policy 2 City Council Approval of policy and the use, funding, acquisition and continued use of already approved equipment. 3 Annual Report including the purpose, complaints, annual costs, quantity possessed and intended acquisitions.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE 1 Requires Stockton Police Department to create a Military Equipment Use Policy (created February 2022)Stockton Police Department Policy 706: Military Equipment•Military equipment includes, but is not limited to:•Unmanned, remotely piloted vehicles•Command and control vehicles•Noise-flash diversionary devices•Kinetic energy weapons and munitions•All items in this policy are currently in use at the Stockton Police Department and have use policies in place.•This policy is available to the public through the Stockton Police Department website. 2 City Council Approval for the use, funding, acquisition and continued use of already approved equipment.The Stockton Police Department recognizes the public’s ongoing interest in how military equipment is used to protect our community and our officers. We are committed to maintaining our community’s trust in providing professional and responsive police services effectively and safely for all involved.The term “military equipment” as used in Assembly Bill 481, does not necessarily indicate the equipment is, or has been used, by the military. Many items defined as “military equipment” by the bill are often used by law enforcement to preserve life and enhance public and officer safety while remaining prepared to handle the various challenges facing our communities. The Stockton Police Department’s use of “military equipment” is consistent with overall best practices employed by the police departments throughout the country.Assembly Bill 481 establishes oversight for the responsible use, funding and acquisition of “military equipment”.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE The Stockton Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report is available to the public and can be found online through the Stockton Police Department website.This Annual Military Equipment Use Report outlines a summary of the equipment usage guidelines, inventory, fiscal impact, complaints, and reported community concerns for calendar year 2024 (January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024).
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE 3 Annual Report including the purpose, complaints, annual costs, quantity possessed and intended acquisitions. 2024 AB 481 Annual Report highlights
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Annual Report SummaryCATEGORY 1 – Unmanned aerial or ground vehiclesThe Stockton Police Department currently has twenty-one (21) UAS (drones) in service and two (2) EOD hazardous duty robots. These vehicles are used for search and rescue, tactical situations and bomb defusal.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Annual Report summaryCATEGORY 2 – Armored Personnel CarriersCATEGORY 3 – Vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attachedThe Stockton Police Department has two (2) armored vehicles (one with breaching capabilities). These vehicles are used for emergency operations and provide officers and the public with a level of ballistic protection during critical incidents and rescues.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Annual Report summaryCATEGORY 5 – Command and Control VehiclesThe Stockton Police Department has (4) command and control vehicles. Two (2) are dedicated as mobile command posts and crisis negotiation vehicles. One (1) as a tactical command post for emergency response and one (1) as a command vehicle for our Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Annual Report summaryCATEGORY 7 – Battering Rams, Slugs, and Breaching Apparatuses Explosive in NatureThe Stockton Police Department is currently equipped with Breaching Slugs, Explosive Breaching Apparatuses, and Battering Rams. Each of these tools is utilized for extremely dangerous situations where failure to gain entry is not an option. The breaching slugs and Battering Ram of explosive nature will be utilized by both patrol and the SWAT team.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Annual Report summary
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE CATEGORY 10 – Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than 50 caliberCATEGORY 12 – Flashbangs, explosive breaching, tear gas, pepper ballsCATEGORY 14 – Kinetic energy weapons and munitionsThe Stockton Police Department utilizes a variety of tools and equipment to safely respond to rapidly evolving critical incidents with the goal of a peaceful resolution and safety for all parties involved. These tools and equipment consist of, but are not limited to, less lethal munitions (bean bag rounds, 40 mm sponge rounds, tasers, etc.), patrol rifles, precision rifles, flashbangs, and chemical munitions. These tools are industry standard and commonly used by law enforcement across the nation. They provide capabilities and options while prioritizing the sanctity of life.
Anticipated Acquisitions
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USEThe Peraton Remotec EOD robot is used to provide Bomb Technicians with advanced technology to safely disarm explosives as well as tactical teams the ability to reduce the likelihood of a violent encounter.The LRAD is a specialized loudspeaker used for communicating at a distance, negotiations with barricaded suspects, mass notifications, and natural emergencies.
Anticipated Acquisitions
The Bearcat is utilized for preplanned operations, critical incidents, and rescues. We have had the original since 2012 and we are beginning to utilize it more on patrol. Recent example of armed suspect on Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd pointing a gun at passing vehicles.The armor provides protection for us, which affords the opportunity for De-escalation and communication.The “Rook” is an armored tracked vehicle. The protection and size of the vehicle allow for access to scenes not feasible by the Bearcat.
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE Anticipated Acquisitions
CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USEThe Stockton Police Department is anticipating acquiring a command-and-control vehicle to improve our ability to effectively respond to multiple negotiations and / or complex investigations occurring simultaneously. The initial cost is approximately $220,000 and the annual fiscal impact would be yearly maintenance.
Anticipated AcquisitionsCITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USEThe Stockton Police Department is committed to training our staff to be professional by advancing their expertise with de-escalation, firearms, less lethal devices, and technology with the goal of reducing the use of force and providing great service to our community.
APPROVAL NEEDED FROM COUNCIL•Approve a change in terminology in SPD Policy 706: Military Equipment. •Continue the use of the equipment currently used by the Stockton Police Department in accordance with the current policy•Approval for the acquisition of the MRAP (Rescue Vehicle), LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device), second Bearcat, and Rook (armored tracked vehicle), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), replacement of weapons and munitions / less lethal CITY OF STOCKTONASSEMBLY BILL 481MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE THANK YOUStockton Police Department