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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROPOSED AB 481 Annual Report - 2025 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 1 of 6 2025 AB 481 Annual Report Chief Tim Mattos Director, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Submitted: May 11, 2026 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 2 of 6 Introduction The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is committed to maintaining public safety by providing the highest quality police and fire services to the communities we serve. We have an obligation to our communities never to let those who would engage in violent criminal behavior dictate the path of life for our city. We know violent crime does not thrive when our available resources and equipment, education, and enforcement are strong and do not allow for an environment where violent criminals are tempted and emboldened. The equipment items listed in this annual report are essential tools that may be required to de-escalate intense situations or bring volatile conditions and critical incidents to a safe resolution. The mere possession of this equipment does not warrant its use in every circumstance. However, having this equipment and adequate resources available makes our Department more capable to effectively address violence and threats to the safety to our Rohnert Park communities. Military Equipment Use Compliance Requirements: • Approval of the Military Equipment Use Policy (Since 2022, Policy 706) • Approval of the Military Equipment Use Ordinance (Ordinance No. 994, amending Policy 706 to include additional equipment) • Publishing the Policy (Since 2022) • Annual Report (see below) Annual Report AB 481 requires on an annual basis the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety (RPDPS) seek and obtain City Council approval for future acquisition and funding of new military equipment and provide City Council and the public a report outlining how the military equipment was used to ensure RPDPS is adhering to the policy (RPDPS Policy 706) and the city ordinance (Ordinance No. 964). Ordinance No. 964 – Military Equipment Use Policy As required by AB 481, the City Council adopted an ordinance to approve a military equipment use policy. Within a year of the initial approval, and at least annually thereafter, the City Council is required to review the ordinance and policy. The City Council may make amendments, modifications or revisions to the military equipment use policy adopted by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 3 of 6 Current Inventory 40MM Launchers and Rounds 40mm Launchers are utilized by department personnel as a less lethal tool to launch impact rounds. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY 40MM SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHER, #1325 Cost: $1000 each Quantity: 15 The 40mm Single Launcher is a tactical single shot launcher that features a fixed stock and an Integrated Front Grip (IFG). It will fire standard 40mm less lethal ammunition, up to 4.8 inches in cartridge length. It will launch a 40mm less lethal round up to 131 feet and is authorized to be used by officers trained in its use. COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS (CTS) 40MM SPONGE, #4557 Cost: $25.81 each Quantity: 400 A less lethal 40mm lightweight foam projectile fired from a single 40mm grenade launcher with a rifled barrel at 240-260 FPS. The 40mm Sponge Round provides accurate and effective performance when fired from the approved distance of not less than five (5) feet and as far as 131 feet from the target. Purpose To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. Authorized Use Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to: • Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals • Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents • Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained • Potentially vicious animals • Training exercises or approved demonstrations Field Use The Department had zero incidents where these launchers were used in 2025. Training Sworn members utilizing the 40mm launcher and the less lethal 40mm impact rounds shall be trained in the use of such items by attending a POST-certified course, (4180-30995-XX), by POST-certified less lethal instructors. Lifespan • Defense Technology #1325 – 25 years • Model 4557 Sponge – 5 years Fiscal Impact 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 4 of 6 Annual maintenance is approximately $50 for each launcher. Legal and Procedural Rules Use of the 40mm launcher and 40mm sponge rounds is subject to requirements of Policy 306 (Firearms), Policy 303.8 (Kinetic Energy Projectile Guidelines) and Policy 300 (Use of Force). It is the policy of the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety to utilize the 40mm only for official law enforcement purposes, in accordance with all requirements under State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force. Less Lethal Shotgun and Rounds Less Lethal Shotgun is used to deploy the less lethal 12-gauge Super-Sock Beanbag Round. Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost REMINGTON 870 LESS LETHAL SHOTGUN Cost: $946 each Quantity: 86 The Remington 870 Less Lethal Shotgun is used to deploy the less lethal 12-gauge Super-Sock Beanbag Round up to a distance of 75 feet. The range of the weapon system helps to maintain space between officers and a suspect reducing the immediacy of the threat which is a principle of de-escalation. 12-GAUGE SUPER-SOCK BEANBAG ROUND Cost: $5 each Quantity: 850 A less lethal 2.4-inch 12-gauge shotgun round firing a ballistic fiber bag filled with 40 grams of lead shot at a velocity of 270-290 feet per second (FPS). CTS Super-Sock rounds are discharged from a dedicated 12-gauge shotgun that is distinguishable by an orange butt stock and fore grip. This round provides accurate and effective performance when fired from the approved distance of not fewer than five (5) feet. The maximum effective range of this munition is up to 75 feet from the target. The Model 2581 Super-Sock is in its deployed state immediately upon exiting the barrel. It does not require a minimum range to "unfold" or "stabilize." The Super-Sock is an aerodynamic projectile. However, accuracy is relative to the shotgun, barrel length, environmental conditions, and the operator. The Super- Sock is very accurate. However, effectiveness depends on many variables, such as distance, clothing, stature, and the point where the projectile impacts. Purpose To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. Authorized Use Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to: • Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals • Riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents • Circumstances where a tactical advantage can be obtained • Potentially vicious animals • Training exercises or approved instructors. Lifespan • Remington 870 Less Lethal Shotgun – 25 years • Super Sock Round – No listed expiration date 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 5 of 6 Fiscal Impact Annual maintenance is approximately $50 per shotgun. Training Sworn members utilizing the 12 gauge less lethal shotgun and beanbag rounds shall be trained in the use of such items by attending a POST-certified course, (4180-30995-XX), by POST-certified less lethal instructors. Legal and Procedural Rules Use of the less lethal shotgun and beanbag rounds is subject to Policy 306 (Firearms), Policy 303.8 (Kinetic Energy Projectile Guidelines) and Policy 300 (Use of Force). It is the policy of the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety to utilize the less lethal shotgun only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law, including those regarding the use of force. Summary for 2025 40MM Launchers and Rounds • Equipment usage: None • Complaints or concerns received: None • Violations of RPDPS Policy 706: None o Internal audits: N/A o Actions taken: N/A Less Lethal Shotgun and Rounds • Equipment usage: None • Complaints or concerns received: None • Violations of RPDPS Policy 706: None o Internal audits: N/A o Actions taken: N/A Associated Less Lethal Training Hours • Total Training Hours: 184 4927-1193-2840 v4 Page 6 of 6 Approval Request for New Equipment In an effort to utilize increased de-escalation techniques, including the availability of equipment that will support de-escalation efforts, it is important that our personnel be properly equipped in the field when responding to incidents where that equipment may be used. As such, staff requests to acquire additional and new military equipment over the next year as described below. Staff is requesting Council approval to increase the total allotted number of DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY 40MM SINGLE SHOT LAUNCHERS, (#1325), to thirty by purchasing fifteen (15) additional launchers as money is available in upcoming budgets. Staff is also requesting seventy-five (75) additional munitions to be approved for the COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, 40MM SPONGE (#4557). Due to the increase in the number of launchers available, we are asking that the number of total munitions allocated to be on hand is increased from 400 rounds to 475 rounds. Additionally, staff is requesting approval to add seventy-five (75) rounds of new COMBINED TACTICAL SYSTEMS, 40MM FRANGIBLE IMPACT–OC POWDER (#4556)as an approved munition because we believe that it will support de-escalation efforts, especially those involving barricaded subjects. This equipment is a less lethal 40mm projectile fired from a single 40mm grenade launcher with a rifled barrel at 290-320 FPS. The projectile is designed for direct impact as well as dispersal of an irritant powder on and around the target. Lastly, staff is also requesting the approval to add three (3) new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). UAS are unmanned aircraft of any type that is capable of sustaining directed flight, whether pre- programmed or remotely controlled, and all of the supporting or attached systems designed for gathering information through imaging, recording or by any other means. These UAS systems will support both the Fire and Police Divisions by assisting with expanding incidents and provide crucial spatial awareness of the incident from overhead, or inside the structure of the involved incident allowing for the ability to gain knowledge of the situation while attempting to reduce the risk involved to the public and members of the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.