Title
Adopt an Ordinance to:
a. Introduce, waive first reading, and set May 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance approving a military equipment use policy for the Office of the Sheriff pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt an Ordinance to:
a. Introduce, waive first reading, and set May 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance approving a military equipment use policy for the Office of the Sheriff pursuant to Assembly Bill 481.
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 481. AB 481 addresses the funding, acquisition, and use of items lawmakers deemed to be considered "military equipment." This bill requires law enforcement agencies, including the Office of the Sheriff, "to obtain approval of the applicable governing body, by adoption of a military equipment use policy, as specified, by ordinance at a regular meeting held pursuant to specified open meeting laws, prior to taking certain actions relating to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment, as defined." The attached ordinance establishes a military equipment use policy by adding the attached "Military Equipment" policy to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Policy Manual.
DISCUSSION:
AB 481 requires each law enforcement agency's governing body to adopt a written military equipment use policy by ordinance in a public meeting, in order to continue the use of previously acquired military equipment. The Office of the Sheriff’s Draft Military Equipment Policy is attached here and is posted on the Sheriff’s website. The AB 481 defined list of military equipment currently in the Sheriff Department’s possession is included in the draft Military Equipment Policy, as well as each item’s purpose, authorized use, expected lifespan and fiscal impact. Also, in compliance with AB 481, and as a longstanding practice, the Sheriff’s Office has processes in place for the public to submit commendations, questions, concerns and complaints online or in person. Also, in compliance with AB 481, the Sheriff’s Office will prepare an Annual Report to include the use of military equipment, any complaints received, any internal audits or other information about violations of its policy, the cost of such use and other similar information.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
Not applicable
FINANCING:
The cost of any military equipment is allocated with the Sheriff’s budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Eric Bixler, EOB Chief, Ext. #3754
Reviewed by: Keith Boyd, Undersheriff, Ext. #3859
Approved by: Tina M. Nieto, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext. #3750
Attachments:
Board Report
Attachments:
CY2025 MCSO Annual Military Equipment Report
Ordinance