Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chino council unanimously adopts updated police military‑equipment use policy under AB 481
Summary
After a staff presentation describing non‑surplus purchases and less‑lethal tools, the Chino City Council voted unanimously to adopt an updated Chino Police Department military equipment use policy required under California Assembly Bill 481, reading ordinance No. 2026‑003 by title.
The Chino City Council on April 7 adopted an updated military equipment use policy for the Chino Police Department required by California Assembly Bill 481, voting unanimously after a staff presentation.
Corporal Matthew Navarro told the council the presentation was intended to explain the department's equipment and compliance with AB 481. "We don't participate in the military surplus program," Navarro said, adding that much of the equipment is purchased commercially and is intended to allow officers to de‑escalate incidents and protect life. Navarro listed items covered in the policy including a mobile command center, an armored rescue vehicle (BearCat), unmanned aircraft systems (drones), a robot for door entry, less‑lethal 40mm impact rounds and pepper‑ball launchers, and two additional rifles assigned to new SWAT positions.
The public hearing drew no speakers. City Attorney read ordinance number 2026‑003 by title before the vote. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Burton moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The council recorded no public objections during the hearing and no council members asked for further changes to the policy.
City staff said the policy and required community‑engagement materials will remain posted on the police department website as required by the statute. The adoption allows the department to continue use of the listed equipment under the transparency, reporting and procurement standards set by AB 481.
The council's approval follows a March 27 community engagement meeting Navarro said had roughly six attendees who viewed examples of the equipment. Navarro noted the department’s stated purpose is preservation of life and distance‑based de‑escalation rather than acquisition from federal surplus programs.
The ordinance is in effect following the council's vote; staff said copies of the policy and the city's public materials on military equipment will remain available online.
