Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
La Palma renews military‑equipment ordinance after police report says only drones were used in 2025
Summary
Following a staff presentation required by AB 481, the council approved the annual military equipment report and renewed Ordinance 2022‑03; staff said La Palma police deployed UAS devices operationally in 2025 and reported no complaints or policy violations.
The La Palma City Council on June 2 approved the police department’s annual military equipment report and voted to renew Ordinance 2022‑03 to remain in compliance with Assembly Bill 481.
Police Captain Amend presented the report. He said the department currently lists equipment in three AB‑defined categories—rifles, less‑lethal shotguns and UAS (commonly referred to as drones)—and that only trained, certified personnel are authorized to deploy that equipment. "The only equipment deployed for operational purposes last year was our UAS devices in support of different public safety efforts," Captain Amend said, and he added that the report lists no complaints, concerns or policy violations for the calendar year 2025.
Captain Amend also told the council the city’s policy includes transparency, oversight and accountability measures and that staff had not identified reasonable alternatives that would meet the department’s stated safety objectives. Staff recommended approval of the report and renewal of the ordinance to allow continued use of equipment in the department’s inventory.
Councilmember Mark Waldman moved to approve the annual report and adopt the renewal; Councilmember Vikesh Patel seconded. The motion passed by roll call (4 yes, 1 absent).
Why it matters: AB 481 requires annual reporting and local legislative approval for continued use of equipment defined as "military equipment." The renewal preserves the department’s ability to use listed equipment subject to the city’s adopted policy and oversight provisions.
What’s next: The police department will publish the annual report and hold its required community engagement meeting within 30 days of the report’s public release to answer questions about funding, acquisition and use of the listed equipment.
