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Council accepts Police Department's 2024 military equipment use report; drone use noted
Summary
The council accepted the Desert Hot Springs Police Department's 2024 military equipment inventory and use report as required by AB 481; Chief Shaw reported no complaints in 2024, multiple items were unused, and the department deployed its drone 435 times during the year.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council accepted the Police Department's 2024 military equipment use report (AB 481) on May 6.
Police Chief Shaw said the annual report inventories equipment categorized under AB 481 and documents use, complaints, audits and costs. Chief Shaw told council there were no complaints in 2024 about military equipment use, several listed items (including less‑lethal launchers and bean‑bag rounds) were not deployed, and the department deployed its drone 435 times during the year for evidence capture and other functions. Chief Shaw reported a $13,583.50 expenditure for a drone purchased from the police supplies and maintenance account during fiscal year 2023–24.
Council voted unanimously to accept the report. Staff advised the department will continue regular reporting and will address any public concerns through the established oversight process.
