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25-06 - Military Equipment Compliance & Use Reporting Requirements


25-07 - High-Risk Stop Tactics Chinaryan v. City of Los Angeles
25-05 - Encounters Involving Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Operations

 

                   

 

                    VOLUME 25 NUMBER 06                                                                        DATE: September 17, 2025

 

 

MILITARY EQUIPMENT

COMPLIANCE & USE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

 

PURPOSE

This Newsletter is to inform Department personnel of the definition of military equipment, its inventory tracking, use reporting procedures and the importance of compliance under Assembly Bill (AB) 481 enacted in 2021 and codified at Government Code sections 7070 through 7075.  In accordance with the code, the Department created a Military Equipment Policy which was approved by the Board of Supervisors via ordinance.  Manual of Policy and Procedures: 3-06/080.2; Los Angeles County Code 13.200 Division 14.    

 

BACKGROUND

The Government Code definition of "military equipment" is likely not what comes to mind when this term is used.  The revisions to the government code added many common law enforcement equipment items to the definition of military equipment.  These common items include, but are not limited to, drones and projectile launchers/projectiles such as pepper balls and foam baton rounds.  All Department members are encouraged to review the definition of "military equipment" in Government Code section 7070(c) and the Department’s identified list of items.  The understanding of this definition is essential for compliance with acquisition, tracking, and use reporting as required by state law.  The Weapons Training Unit has been designated as the Department’s Military Equipment Coordinator.

 

Overview of Government Code sections

  • Mandates law enforcement agencies to obtain governing body approval before acquiring, funding, or using military equipment.
  • Categorizes and defines “military equipment” within 16 categories, including unmanned vehicles, command and control vehicles, and specialized weapons.
  • Requires adoption of a Military Equipment Use Policy and annual reporting on equipment usage and associated costs.

 

Managing Military Equipment

  • The LASD Weapons Training Unit utilizes the Weapons Management Portal (WMP) to track and manage all military equipment and its usage as defined by AB 481.
  • WMP ensures transparency and accountability, and facilitates the generation of required annual public reports.
  • The system records inventory, usage history, and training requirements related to each item of military equipment.
  • Individual unit commanders shall utilize an inventory and tracking system of their choosing to manage military equipment under their control.  Often, the same system used to track the unit’s weapons armory will be sufficient.  This separation of inventory systems allows for checks and balances between the unit level tracking and the Department’s.
  • The Weapons Training Unit shall conduct a periodic inventory of a unit’s military equipment inventory to ensure compliance with state law and Department requirements per MPP Section 3-06/080.20, Military Equipment.

 

SUPERVISORS

Responsibility for documentation of force is shared by the immediate Supervisor (Sergeant) and the Watch Commander/Supervising Lieutenant per MPP section 4-09/032.00, Use Of Force.

 

Supervisor Responsibilities Include:

  • Military equipment use will be logged in WMP by supervisors.
  • Ensure timely and accurate entry of all relevant data into WMP.
  • Utilize the “In-Service” to verify that personnel are trained to use equipment categorized as military equipment procedures to ensure compliance with the statute.

 

When to Create a Field Usage Report:

  • When employment or use of military equipment in any field situation occurs, an entry will be made into WMP by the supervisor handling the force report or by the incident commander. 
  • This includes all uses of unmanned aerial systems (drones).
  • All reporting should be done as soon as possible, but no later than 21 days after the incident per MPP section 3-10/112.00, Use of Force Review.  This will provide the reporter with enough time to gather accurate information for entry into WMP.
  • A use report in WMP is NOT required when items are brought to or at on standby in the field. 

 

Compliance with California Penal Code section 13652.1:

  • In accordance with Government Code section 13652.1, all law enforcement agencies must report on their internet website the use of Kinetic Energy Projectiles or Chemical Agents within 60 days when they are utilized during civil unrest as defined in 13652 PC.  This is in addition to the use reporting requirements codified in Government Code sections 7070 to 7075 and is mandatory for compliance.
  • In these situations, a notification to Sheriff’s Information Bureau is required by MPP section 5-06/030.12, Use of Kinetic Energy Projectiles and Chemical Weapons to Disperse Assemblies, Protests, or Demonstrations.  This notification will be made by the Weapons Training Unit after a use report has been submitted and reviewed.

 

 

REFERENCES

Weapons Management Portal: http://wmp.lasd.sheriff.sdn/

MPP section 3-06/080.20 – Military Equipment

MPP section 5-06/030.12 - Use of Kinetic Energy Projectiles and Chemical Weapons to Disperse Assemblies, Protests, or Demonstrations

Lasd.org Transparency page – AB 481

Email: ab481inquiry@lasd.org