Assembly Bill 481 - Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition and Use Policy

On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed legislation aimed at funding, acquisition and use of military equipment by state and local government officials as well as a right to participate in any government agency’s decision to fund, acquire or use such equipment.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is committed to its ongoing partnership with the community based on communication, cooperation and trust. Pursuant to Government Code 7070, the Sheriff’s Office is providing a comprehensive list of items classified as “military” under this legislation. The equipment listed below is used in various circumstances to assist law enforcement personnel with the de-escalation of potentially violent incidents and in their response to emergency situations to deliver public safety services.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office has done the following to comply with the legislation:

• Drafted Lexipol Policy 707 (pg. 492) related to the funding, acquisition and use of “military” equipment.

• Establish a concern or complaint process. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office website has means for the public to submit commendations, questions and complaints. Additional information is available here.

• In an effort to maintain public transparency and comply with the requirements of AB 481, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is doing the following:

• It will prepare an Annual Report to include the use of military equipment, any complaints received, any internal audits or other information about violations of Lexipol Policy 707, the cost of such use and other similar information. This webpage will be utilized for distribution for the Annual Report. The first Annual Report will be distributed in or around October 2023.

Click here to read the entire Military Equipment List