Hayward renews military-equipment policy after annual AB 481 report; council approves new breaching gear amid mixed vote

Hayward City Council on June 24 reviewed the Hayward Police Department’s annual Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) military-equipment use report for April 2024–March 2025 and voted to renew the city ordinance and policy that govern use of covered equipment.

Police Chief Brian Matthews and staff presented the report and acquisition plans. The report showed 72 deployments of the department’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across 52 incidents, 27 uses of the armored personnel carrier, 10 recorded uses of chemical agents (listed as oleoresin capsicum, commonly called pepper spray) tied to two distinct incidents, and eight uses of specialty impact munitions. Matthews said the department maintains a public webpage with a UAS log listing each deployment and purpose.

Fiscal and acquisition notes: The department said acquisition costs for the reported period were about $85,000, training costs were just under $300,000 (roughly $270,000 of that reported as personnel costs), and maintenance about $2,600. Presenters said those costs represent approximately 0.39% of the police operating budget. For the coming 12 months the department listed replenishment and replacement needs, including two indoor-capable UAS (described as smaller units with protective cages for indoor flight), replacement carbines and specialty ammunition, a case of noise‑flash diversionary devices, and new energetic breaching tools intended to allow rapid entry into heavily fortified structures while reducing risk to officers.

On training and oversight: Chief Matthews said training accompanies equipment purchases; councilmember Roach asked whether breaching-tool training was included in the training total and was told it is included. The department described energetic breaching devices as equipment that uses a small explosive charge or detonation cord configured to create an entry point without exposing officers directly at the door.

Community engagement and policy: The chief noted the department held a public safety committee meeting in May to discuss the report and maintain a public information page that includes policy and training materials. Councilmember Seirup asked about public input; staff said the May session had limited public comment but materials and logs are publicly posted.

Council action and vote: Councilmember Goldstein moved to renew the ordinance and policy and authorize the department’s planned equipment purchases; Mayor Pro Tem Roach seconded. The council approved the report and renewals with five yes votes and one abstention (Councilmember Seyer abstained). The city attorney and police confirmed the ordinance and policy were not being broadened into new statutory categories; the addition under consideration is an item (energetic breaching) that fits within existing categories covered by AB 481.