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Tustin council approves police military-equipment policy required by AB 481; officials highlight drone use and transparency
Summary
The council approved Ordinance No. 1570 adopting Tustin Police Department Policy 706 on military equipment use under AB 481. Captain Manny Arzadi said the department logged 496 drone flights (about 18 flight-hours) and 12 deployments of an armored response vehicle; he reported no complaints and full compliance with the policy. Vote: 5-0.
The Tustin City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1570 on Aug. 5, approving the Tustin Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy 706) required under state law (AB 481).
Captain Manny Arzadi, who oversees the department's support services bureau, summarized AB 481's transparency and oversight requirements, described annual reporting and community outreach (the department hosted a meeting on July 15) and reviewed equipment categories subject to the law. Arzadi listed equipment that includes an armored rescue/response vehicle, less-lethal launchers, gas munitions, pepper ball, and unmanned aerial systems (drones). He said the department recorded 12 deployments of the armored response vehicle for incidents including domestic violence, robbery and armed suspects.
On drone usage, Arzadi reported "496 drone flights" in the year but clarified that those entries reflect individual battery-powered flights (each flight is logged); he noted the total logged flight time was about 18 hours across the year. He told the council that all drone pilots are FAA certified and that the department has logging and restricted-airspace compliance because of proximity to John Wayne Airport. Arzadi also said internal audits found no policy violations and that the department had received no complaints.
Councilmembers asked operational questions (Councilmember Fink confirmed Arzadi would serve as the military equipment coordinator) and praised the department's transparency and the force-multiplier role of equipment such as drones during public gatherings and protests. The ordinance adopting Policy 706 passed by roll call vote, 5-0.
