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Report regarding a resolution approving the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report for the South San Francisco Police Department in compliance with Assembly Bill 481. (Adam Plank, Police Captain)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council review the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and approve the associated resolution for continued use of specific tools defined as military equipment, in accordance with state law.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On September 30, 2021, California Assembly Bill 481 was signed into law, pertaining to law enforcement’s use of specific items defined as military equipment. The police department is required to submit an annual military equipment report for each type of military equipment approved by the governing body.
The South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD) utilizes equipment that provides officers with additional options when faced with dangerous incidents and reduces the risk to community members and officers. The tools are vital resources that help safely resolve potentially hazardous incidents while complying with the department’s use of force policy.
A part of the annual report requires SSFPD to hold a public meeting regarding the Military Equipment Policy and provide information from the previous year’s annual report. On March 17, 2025, at 6:00 pm, SSFPD presented the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report at the regular meeting of the Commission on Equity and Public Safety. The presentation was advertised in English/Spanish on SSFPD’s pages on the City’s website and via the “Update from the Mayor” email distribution list.
During the 2024 calendar year, there were 28 incidents when equipment from the Military Equipment Policy was associated to an incident in South San Francisco. SSFPD did not receive any complaints regarding the Military Equipment Policy and there were no violations of department policy regarding the deployment of approved items. Additionally, there were no exigent circumstances requiring the temporary use of any non-approved equipment. The 2024 South San Francisco Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report is available for review as Attachment 1 of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact associated with the approval of the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report meets Strategic Goal #3: Public Safety by rendering skilled police, fire, and emergency service management.
CONCLUSION
Approving the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report will allow SSFPD to continue using essential equipment that maintains safety for both community members and officers. It is recommended that City Council review the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and adopt the resolution approving the Report.