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Tulare council adopts police military-equipment policy to comply with AB 481
Summary
The council approved an ordinance adopting the Tulare Police Departmentpolicy on use and inventory of military equipment to comply with Assembly Bill 481, including listed equipment, two additional drones and less-lethal munitions; ordinance requires a three-fifths vote and will take effect 30 days after approval.
The Tulare City Council on Jan. 7 adopted an ordinance updating the Tulare Police Departmentpolicy on use and inventory of military equipment to comply with Assembly Bill 481 (item 7.1).
Staff explained AB 481 requires local agencies to adopt a public policy and inventory describing the description, quantities, training and use of military equipment and to seek council approval for continued use of equipment acquired prior to Jan. 1, 2022, with an annual review thereafter. The staff report listed equipment currently in the departments possession and noted additions since the previous annual review: two additional drones and certain munitions (gas and less-lethal munitions used in SWAT/standoff situations). Staff also said additional ammunition purchases were for training purposes only.
Council opened and closed the public hearing with no public speakers. Councilmembers asked for clarification on the departments drone policy; staff said a drone policy was already in place and provided by the departments policy vendor (Lexipol). After a brief discussion the council voted to adopt the ordinance as recommended by staff.
Under state law staff noted the ordinance requires a three-fifths vote for approval and, if adopted, it takes effect 30 days after approval. The council approved the ordinance by roll call.
