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Board adopts sheriff and DA military-equipment policies amid public concern over drones and munitions (4–1)
Summary
Following a public hearing, the board approved policies governing sheriff and district attorney use of military-style equipment, carrying the item 4–1 after residents raised alarm about drones, assault weapons and certain crowd-control munitions.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on June 25 approved new military-equipment use policies for the sheriff and district attorney after a public hearing that included forceful opposition from a resident who urged the board to reject further purchases of drones, assault rifles and other militarized gear.
A public commenter said the sheriff’s proposed inventory would add drones, additional rifles and less-lethal munitions that she described as indiscriminate and harmful; she urged the board to vote no. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento registered dissent in part because the drones proposed for purchase are made by a manufacturer that has been flagged in federal discussions; he said he did not want county taxpayer dollars spent on systems that might soon be restricted by federal action. A sheriff’s representative said state and federal exemptions and FAA tracking reduce the legal risk and that the department is following legal guidance.
County counsel explained the board was approving policies that define authorized use; any future changes to equipment in light of federal legislation would require the sheriff or district attorney to return with an amended policy for board approval. The motion passed 4–1.
What’s next: The sheriff and district attorney will implement the approved policies and update the board if federal restrictions or procurement changes affect equipment choices.
