Stockton council approves continued use and acquisition of police 'military equipment' after annual report

The Stockton City Council on May 13 approved the Stockton Police Department's 2024 military‑equipment annual report and authorized continued use and potential acquisitions under Assembly Bill 41.

Lieutenant Ryan Terrell, the department's training manager and SWAT commander, summarized the report and the department's request at a public hearing. Terrell listed existing equipment and use-cases — “21 UAS or drones,” explosive-ordnance‑disposal robots, an armored Bearcat vehicle, command-and-control vehicles, and a range of less‑lethal and breaching tools — and described training and the department's policy on oversight and public transparency. He told the council the department deployed UAS 1,051 times in 2024 and that some deployments “often led to the apprehension of fleeing suspects” and provided alternatives to riskier tactics.

Terrell identified anticipated acquisitions including another EOD robot, a long‑range acoustic device (a specialized loudspeaker for distant communication), three additional UAS, and a tracked armored vehicle commonly called a “Rook.” Staff said training, maintenance and specialty munitions funding needs were expected to continue and noted the department would seek grant funding where possible.

Vice Mayor Lee and other council members pressed for clarity on budget implications and timing. Lee asked whether the listed costs were part of last year’s budget or proposed for the coming year; staff and fiscal officials responded that baseline maintenance and replacement funding were built into existing budgets and that larger prospective purchases would rely on grants or future budget requests. Terrell said some items were included in prior budgets for maintenance and that grant writing capacity had been added to the department.

Public commenters were split. Supporters said specialized equipment can protect officers and the public in serious incidents; others cautioned against further militarization and urged stronger civilian oversight. Michelle Sherman, who completed the Stockton Community Academy, said the training she observed made her more comfortable with limited uses of equipment for rare, high‑risk incidents.

Councilmember Enriquez moved to approve the report and authorization for continued use and potential acquisitions; Councilmember Padilla seconded. The motion passed 6–0 with Councilmember Ponce absent.

What the council approved and next steps - The council adopted the department’s 2024 military‑equipment annual report, consistent with AB 41 requirements, and authorized continued use of currently deployed items. It also granted staff permission to pursue acquisitions as funding becomes available. - Staff said the department will continue to post the policy and annual report on the Police Department website and pursue grants for larger equipment purchases.

Why it matters The vote formalizes Stockton’s annual oversight for equipment classified under state law as “military equipment,” while leaving future purchases subject to available funding and continued public reporting. The discussion highlighted the tension many California cities face between investing in tactical tools and answering public concerns about civil liberties and oversight.