Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing - Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and Renewing Ordinance No. 2614.
End
publichearing
• Staff Report
• Mayor and City Council Questions for Staff
• Public Comments
• Mayor and Council Member Discussion
• Council Action
End
From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Scott Gump, Police Commander
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE 2024 MILITARY EQUIPMENT ANNUAL REPORT AND RENEWING ORDINANCE NO. 2614, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 481”; and
B. File and receive the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report.
end
BACKGROUND
On September 30, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 481 into law, which became effective on January 1, 2022. The legislation added Government Code Sections 7070-7075, establishing requirements for the funding, acquisition, and continued use of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies. Under AB 481, any law enforcement agency that seeks to acquire new military equipment, or continue using such equipment obtained prior to January 1, 2022, must adopt a Military Equipment Use Policy and obtain approval from its governing body through a formal ordinance. AB 481 was slightly updated effective January 1, 2025, to slightly amend the definition of “military equipment.”
AB 481 also mandates the submission of an annual report detailing the inventory, use, and public feedback concerning military equipment, as well as a public review and vote by the governing body to determine whether to renew the ordinance.
At its meeting on September 11, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2614, adopting Westminster Police Department Policy No. 706 - Military Equipment Policy, in compliance with AB 481. The City Council is now being asked to review the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report and consider a resolution to renew Ordinance No. 2614, in accordance with AB 481 requirements.
In compliance with AB 481, the Westminster Police Department has completed the 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report. The report includes a comprehensive inventory of all military equipment currently possessed by the Department, along with details on quantity, authorized uses, fiscal impact, training requirements, and anticipated acquisitions for the upcoming year.
The report also summarizes the usage of each equipment item during calendar year 2024, as well as any complaints received. A review of Department records confirmed that there were no policy violations or complaints regarding the use of military equipment in 2024. The report was published on the City’s website on July 29, 2025, as required by law.
Equipment classified as “military equipment” under AB 481 includes items such as patrol rifles, which are commonly used by law enforcement agencies nationwide to address high-risk threats with increased precision and from safer distances. These tools are critical to officer and public safety and are incorporated into the Westminster Police Department’s broader efforts to reduce risk, minimize the use of lethal force, and ensure successful resolution of volatile incidents.
The loss or restriction of such equipment would compromise the Department’s ability to effectively safeguard the community and uphold public safety.
The Westminster Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of tools necessary to protect the public and its officers. The military equipment identified in the report is essential to carrying out the Department’s mission while adhering to strict internal oversight and regulatory standards. Approval of the resolution to renew Ordinance No. 2614 will ensure continued compliance with AB 481 and support the Department’s operational readiness.
FISCAL IMPACT
No additional budget appropriation is requested at this time.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The military equipment identified in the report is essential to carrying out the Department’s mission while adhering to strict internal oversight and regulatory standards. Approval of the resolution to renew Ordinance No. 2614 will ensure continued compliance with AB 481 and support the Department’s operational readiness.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution - Renew Military Equipment Policy
2. Ordinance No. 2614
3. 2024 Military Equipment Annual Report
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager