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Bell Gardens police list drones, armored rescue vehicle and specialty munitions in AB 481 report; council introduces military‑equipment policy
Summary
Police presented the department’s AB 481 (military equipment) annual report, naming 15 equipment categories used for public‑safety operations and listing 21 deployments in fiscal 2025–26 (drones 9, armored vehicle 8). Staff reported no complaints and posted the report online. Council moved to waive full reading and introduce the required military equipment use policy (ordinance 969).
Bell Gardens Police Department briefed the City Council June 8 on its Assembly Bill 481 annual military‑equipment report and the city’s proposed military‑equipment use policy.
Chief Paul Kamachu (reporting staff) and Lieutenant Frank Garcia summarized equipment categories the department has authorized under AB 481, noting 15 categories that range from remotely piloted aircraft to specialized firearms, chemical munitions and 40 mm projectile launcher platforms. Lt. Garcia listed the department’s inventory and recent uses: eight armored‑vehicle deployments, nine drone deployments (primarily for collision reconstruction, pre‑tactical deployments and searches), two uses of diversionary devices and two uses of 40 mm launchers for the fiscal year. Staff reported they received no public complaints related to those deployments during the reporting period and that the AB 481 materials and the department’s military‑equipment policy are posted on the police department website for public review.
During council Q&A, members asked whether particular uses were independent or associated (for example, whether 40 mm uses were part of diversionary device deployments); staff clarified they were counted independently. A Zoom caller asked about police‑grade drone costs and funding (he inquired about CDBG eligibility), and the chief and staff answered that procurement and funding considerations are subject to policy and grant rules.
Council then voted to waive full reading and introduce the ordinance establishing or re‑adopting the city’s military‑equipment use policy, a required step under AB 481.
