Carmel-by-the-Sea police disclose AR-15s, less-lethal launcher and annual use under California’s AB 481

Commander Trayer, Carmel Police Department, told a community meeting on April 16, 2025, that the department holds six Colt/MR AR-15–style semi-automatic rifles and KelTec KSG shotguns converted for less-lethal use, and that it is reporting those items and annual use under Assembly Bill 481.

The disclosure was part of a required public overview under AB 481, the state law that requires local law enforcement to report military and specialized equipment acquisitions, funding and use to their governing bodies. "This is the community meeting portion of that," Trayer said, explaining the department’s aim to increase transparency and oversight.

Why it matters: AB 481 requires local reporting and public notice so city officials and residents can review specialized police equipment and its use. Trayer said the department also posts an internal 701 policy online and will bring purchasing and permission items to the Carmel city council in about a month. "We don't want to have any surprises for our community," he said, noting that disclosure is intended to reduce shock when officers may be armed with certain equipment during major incidents.

Key disclosures and figures: Trayer said the department purchased six AR-15–style rifles in 2017; those rifles were used only for qualification and training in 2024. The department reported one deployment of a KelTec KSG less-lethal launcher in October 2024, used "in an attempt to avoid lethal options" during an incident that became an officer-involved shooting. The department reported spending about $2,527.50 on rifle rounds in the past year and anticipates spending roughly $1,500 on less-lethal rounds for training and currency.

History and regional resources: Trayer said the department previously maintained a SWAT team and that, historically, some equipment was acquired through the federal 1033 program (the Law Enforcement Support Office program). He also said that in 2010 then-Chief Tomasi removed previously held military equipment. Carmel participates in the Monterey Peninsula Regional Special Response Unit (MPSRU) for large or specialized incidents and can request neighboring agencies’ equipment, including drones and specialized tactical resources; Trayer said the city does not own that regional equipment.

Policy and next steps: Trayer said an ordinance authorizing use and purchase (ordinance number not specified in the meeting) is already adopted and that the department’s 701 policy is posted on its website. He said the department will come to the city council next month to request continued permissions and purchasing approval for the currently reported items. He also said he is exploring additional less-lethal options but has not settled on any specific purchases.

Public contact: Trayer invited residents to submit questions after the meeting and provided his contact information: ttrayer@ci.carmel.ca.us.

The meeting included a brief question-and-answer period; no formal votes or ordinance changes occurred during the session.