Title
Report regarding a resolution approving the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report for the South San Francisco Police Department in compliance with Assembly Bill 481. (Adam Plank, Police Captain)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council review the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report and adopt the associated resolution for continued use of specific items defined as military equipment, in accordance with state law.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On September 30, 2021, California Assembly Bill 481 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, 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 utilizes equipment that provides officers with additional options when faced with potentially dangerous incidents and reduces the risk to community members and officers. The tools are vital resources that help safely resolve hazardous incidents while complying with the department’s use of force policy.
In 2025, there were 551 incidents involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones), and an additional seven incidents when other equipment from the Military Equipment Policy was associated to an incident in South San Francisco. The Police Department 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 2025 South San Francisco Police Department Military Equipment Annual Report is attached for review as Attachment 1.
On April 20, 2026, the Police Department presented the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report at the regular meeting of the Commission on Equity and Public Safety. The presentation was advertised in English and Spanish on the Police Department’s website and posted on the City’s webpage calendar of events.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no budget impact associated with the approval of the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
The report relates to the Major Focus Area Modern and Sustainable Organization, by rendering skilled police, communications and emergency services; and Major Focus Area Quality of Life, by providing resources to residents.
CONCLUSION
Approving the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report will allow the Police Department to continue using essential equipment that maintains safety for both community members and officers. It is recommended that City Council review and approve the 2025 Military Equipment Annual Report.