To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
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RECEIVE AND FILE THE REDONDO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT, IN COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE 3, CHAPTER 16 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND ASSEMBLY BILL 481
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 30, 2021, the Governor of the State of California signed Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) into law, which requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval from the applicable governing body, via adoption of a “Military Equipment” use policy by ordinance, before acquiring or using certain equipment defined in the Bill, and to provide an annual report on the status and compliance of the equipment’s use. Per AB 481, this report, and the updated equipment list, are posted and available on the Redondo Beach Police Department’s website. During FY 2024-25, the Police Department purchased equipment to replenish diminished stockpiles of certain munitions. Currently, there are no planned additions to the equipment inventory for FY 2025-26. The Police Department has not received any complaints related to the equipment governed by AB 481.
BACKGROUND
On August 9, 2022, the City Council adopted an ordinance governing the use of Military Equipment by the Police Department and approved the Military Equipment Use Policy. The Police Department is committed to using the most up-to-date tools and equipment to safeguard community members. Many of the items deemed to be “Military Equipment” by AB 481 are utilized by the Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies across the country to reduce risks to community members. These items provide law enforcement with a spectrum of options to resolve tense situations that may otherwise escalate to a higher level of force. The items listed in this report, and the attached Military Equipment Use Policy, also provide members of the Police Department vital tools that facilitate compliance with the Police Department’s use of force policy. No equipment obtained or utilized by the Redondo Beach Police Department’s has been obtained from the military, nor is it solely designated for military use. The “Military Equipment” designation stems from the language utilized in AB 481.
Significant interest exists in ensuring that law enforcement has access to equipment that will provide peace officers as many options as reasonably possible to safeguard lives and property as well as protect the civil liberties of all people. The use of the tools identified in the equipment list are vital to the vision and mission of the Police Department and will continue to be strictly regulated through internal processes and oversight.
There are no reasonable alternatives to the listed equipment currently in use by the Police Department. Additionally, the Police Department has not discovered alternative items that can achieve the same safety objectives. Any use of the equipment identified by AB 481 must be reasonably necessary and conform to all applicable laws and Police Department policy sections. The facts and conditions surrounding any incident must be carefully weighed and considered in the totality of the circumstances before authorizing the use of the listed equipment.
The annual Military Equipment Report reaffirms the Police Department’s commitment to transparency by providing comprehensive information to ensure compliance with California state law. The equipment, resources, and training outlined in this report allow Redondo Beach Police Officers to better serve and protect the City of Redondo Beach, enhance the safety of officers and community, as well as bring critical incidents to safe resolutions.
The Police Department utilized military equipment in FY 2024-25 for pre-planned tactical training, Drone First Responder deployments, and eight search warrant services. The Police Department maintains documentation of all equipment use, and all use of the listed equipment in FY 2024-25 complied with the established Military Equipment Use Policy. There are no equipment purchases anticipated for FY 2025-26, but the Police Department reserves the right to replenish or replace equipment as needed. Unexpected expenditures for the replenishment of equipment would fall under the Police Department’s FY 2025-26 operating budget.
The Police Department has scheduled a virtual community meeting for September 15, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 PM, to discuss the annual report and to answer any questions. The link for the meeting is available on the Police Department’s website.
COORDINATION
The Police Department collaborated internally with the various users of the listed equipment to develop this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
Preparation of this report is part of the Police Department’s annual work plan and operating budget, as are any purchases of listed equipment to maintain acceptable inventory levels.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
- Report - RBPD AB 481 Compliance Inventory, FY 2025-26
- Report - RBPD AB 481 Compliance Inventory, FY 2024-25
- Redondo Beach Municipal Code - Title 3, Chapter 16.01 - Military Equipment Use Policy
- Redondo Beach Police Department Policy 705 - Military Equipment
- AB 481 Bill, Approved September 30, 2021