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Salinas council renews military-equipment policy after police report and public testimony
Summary
After a police presentation on authorized uses and costs, the council voted to renew Ordinance No. 2657 governing the use and acquisition of military-style equipment, following public testimony urging continued limited access and council discussion of training and transparency.
The Salinas City Council voted March 17 to approve a resolution renewing Ordinance No. 2657, the city's policy on acquisition and use of military-style equipment, after a staff presentation reviewing 2025 activity and public comment.
Commander Warner, who presented the department's annual report on Assembly Bill-related equipment policy, reviewed authorized uses and counts for 2025. He said the report cataloged activity by equipment category and recommended continued oversight: "Recomendamos la aprobación de una resolución para renovar la ordenanza número 2657 relativa a la política de Uso de Equipamiento Militar en cumplimiento con la AB 41." The presentation included itemized statistics such as 397 authorized drone uses and 18 authorized mRAP deployments in 2025, and listed costs associated with certain vehicles and equipment.
The recommendation drew multiple public speakers. A veteran and public commenters said seeing the equipment firsthand helped them understand the department's training and safety rationale. One attendee urged the council to "Haz una visita guiada, descubre cómo actúa realmente la gente" before judging equipment needs. Speakers who favored retention argued that some equipment can reduce risk in high-risk entries and rescues.
Council discussion emphasized community outreach, training, and transparency. Several councilmembers praised the department's low reported rates of unauthorized use and the outreach events that let residents see equipment demonstrations. Council members requested printed copies of the report for residents who do not have online access.
The council moved and approved the resolution renewing Ordinance No. 2657. Voting on the motion recorded affirmative responses from the participating members listed during the roll call. No recorded no votes or formal abstentions were presented in the meeting transcript.
What's next: Council directed staff to continue community demonstrations and to make the annual report readily available in print and online. The renewed resolution will be posted with the meeting materials.
(Reporting note: the presenter cited "AB 481" and "AB 41" at different points in the presentation; the transcript is inconsistent about the bill number referenced.)
