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Police chief presents annual AB 481 military-equipment report; public raises concerns about rifles, pepper-ball use and surveillance
Summary
Chief Griffin presented the city’s annual military-equipment report required under AB 481, noting limited operational use and one officer-involved shooting reviewed by outside agencies; public commenters raised concerns about rifles, pepper-ball rounds and potential surveillance tools.
Chief Griffin opened the public meeting required by AB 481 and said the department filed the annual report and an ordinance online. He emphasized the report is a transparency measure and that the city is not seeking heavy military weaponry.
"This is not a new policy to make everybody freaked out about us trying to gather a bunch of equipment," the chief said, explaining the report describes equipment categories defined by the state and that the city had one instance of equipment used outside of training — an officer-involved shooting that was reviewed by the California Highway Patrol, the Del Norte County District Attorney and an outside investigator, and was determined to be appropriate.
Council members asked for clarification about pepper-ball launchers and past use. The chief said the department has used pepper-ball devices mainly in training and recounted one deployment when he was a deputy in a barricade situation; he said their use is tightly regulated and that indiscriminate deployment against crowds is illegal.
Public commenters questioned whether the city needs rifles or SWAT capabilities and suggested the sheriff’s office could handle such incidents. Others warned that adoption of surveillance technologies would have privacy consequences; one resident called mass surveillance a foreseeable threat and urged caution.
Why it matters: The annual AB 481 review is intended to inform the public about what equipment law enforcement agencies classify as military equipment and how it is used. Residents’ questions focused on whether the city’s needs justify equipping its police department for certain tactical responses, and whether robust privacy protections are in place for any surveillance tools.
Outcome: The council received the report and no substantive policy changes or procurements were approved at this meeting. The department reminded the public the full policy and annual report are posted online for review.
