Assembly Bill 481

Assembly Bill 481

April 1, 2026 - Community Meeting: Santa Cruz Police Department’s Annual Assembly Bill (AB) 481 Report

In accordance with AB 481, the Santa Cruz Police Department will host an online community meeting to discuss and answer your questions about equipment used by the Department, defined as “military equipment.”
The virtual meeting will start with a brief presentation about AB 481 and a summary of the Police Department’s equipment and its use. At the end of the presentation, you will have an opportunity to speak with Santa Cruz Police staff and ask any questions you may have.
 
To submit questions ahead of time, please email cbrothers@santacruzca.gov by 5 p.m. on March 31st.
 
Date & Time
The meeting occurs via Zoom on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 4-5 p.m.
 
How to Join:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 831 7005 6629
Passcode: 306984
---
One tap mobile
+16694449171,,83170056629# US
+12532158782,,83170056629# US (Tacoma)

 

On September 30, 2021, Governor Newsom signed into law seven major peace officer reform bills, including Assembly Bill 481. AB 481 was authored by Assembly member David Chieu (D-San Francisco) to address the funding, acquisition, and use of items lawmakers deemed to be considered “military equipment.”

This bill requires law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Cruz Police Department, “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.” Read the full text of AB 481.

AB 481 Community Feedback Form

Requirements of AB 481

AB 481 requires each law enforcement agency's governing body to adopt a written military equipment use policy by ordinance in a public forum by April 30, 2022, in order to continue the use of this previously acquired military equipment effective May 1, 2022.

To help guide this process, SCPD has crafted a summary of AB 481 for our residents, as well as the following required materials:

  • The Santa Cruz Police Department’s Military Equipment Policy 705(PDF, 349KB) is available to view. The AB 481 defined list of military equipment currently in SCPD's possession is included in the Military Equipment Policy, as well as each item's purpose, authorized use, expected lifespan and fiscal impact.

    • The Santa Cruz Police Department has not obtained, nor does it utilize, any equipment procured from the military or the United States Department of Defense Law Enforcement Support Program (also known as the 1028 or 1033 program). 

  • Establish a concern or complaint process. For many years, SCPD has had a means for the public to submit commendations, questions, concerns and complaints online or in person. The public is encouraged to submit feedback.

  • Members of the public may also register complaints or concerns or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment by contacting Chief Bernie Escalante via email at bescalante@santacruzca.gov or phone at (831) 420-5810.

  • Prepare an Annual Report to include the use of military equipment, any complaints received, any internal audits or other information about violations of SCPD Policy 705, the cost of such use and other similar information. This webpage will be utilized for distribution of any updates to the above materials as well as for the Annual Report.

Public Input Regarding AB 481

As required for transparency, SCPD has uploaded written documents on this website 30-days prior to a public meeting to meet the requirements of AB 481. In addition, SCPD engages in multiple public forums to gather input and discussion on AB 481.

Public Forums

2022 AB 481 Resources
2023 AB 481 Resources
2024 AB 481 Resources
2025 AB 481 Resources

Upcoming

  • 2025 AB 481 Community Meeting – April 1, 2026
  • 2025 AB 481 Public Safety Meeting – April 22, 2026
  • 2025 AB 481 City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

Public forum discussions to include:

  • Purpose of the new legislation
  • Definition of military equipment
  • SCPD’s military equipment inventory
  • SCPD’s proposed equipment funding, acquisition and use policy
  • Pending annual report requirement
  • Community engagement and public access to materials

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department at (831) 420 -5810, or by contacting Chief Bernie Escalante via email at bescalante@santacruzca.gov with any questions or concerns regarding AB 481. Also, visit the City of Santa Cruz webpage for information on all upcoming council meetings.

Back to top