MPD updates SOPs on masks, drones and federally controlled equipment; FPC hears departmental summary

Assistant Chief Sarno presented a departmental communication to the Fire and Police Commission summarizing recent administrative updates to several MPD standard operating policies and instructions.

Sarno said changes to SOP 3‑40 (uniforms, equipment and appearance) clarify when facial coverings or masks are allowed — for extreme weather protection, infectious disease response or hazardous‑materials protection — and add an explicit prohibition against covering an identity to evade recognition.

An updated standard operating instruction for federally controlled equipment adds a definition for unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and requires departments seeking to use federally funded controlled equipment to provide certifications and receive approval from federal grant administrators (Bureau of Justice Assistance/Office of Justice Programs) before deploying such items. The department also revised policy language to say it will not transfer or sell controlled equipment to non‑law enforcement agencies.

Assistant Chief Sarno said some procurement items tied to federal funds will require common council approval and that the department will present related asset‑forfeiture and procurement requests to the finance and personnel committee as required. Commissioners asked about posting SOIs online and auditing requirements for federally controlled equipment; Sarno said the department would follow up with details and the department will present more data on equipment audits when available.