A pepper ball exits the barrel of a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer’s Tippmann FT-12 paintball gun while firing pepper balls toward counter-protesters as they stand against demonstrators holding a “Patriot March” demonstration in support of US President Donald Trump on January 9, 2021, in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego.
As required by a new state law, the San Diego Police Department on Thursday released a draft procedure for its funding, acquisition and use of military-style equipment, including drones, battering rams, concussion grenades, large-caliber firearms and armored or weaponized vehicles.
The proposals, available for community review on the SDPD's website, will be the subject of several municipal public meetings in the coming weeks ahead of the review, input and approval of the city council.
Along with publishing their intentions on acquiring and deploying such specialized equipment, SDPD officials must compile an annual report summarizing each type of involved apparatus, as well as its use, costs, quantity and any complaints or internal audits related to violations of the procedures.
In announcing the program, Mayor Todd Gloria said he was "proud San Diego is one of the first cities in California to develop [procedures] to comply with this new state law."
NBC 7's Audra Stafford shares how peaceful protests turned violent in downtown San Diego.
Gov. Gavin Newsom approved the bill Sept. 30, requiring California law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of their governing bodies — mayors and city councils — for the use of military-style gear. The law mandates that police agencies seek approval of such equipment at open community meetings prior to taking certain specified actions relating to its funding, acquisition and use.
"The San Diego Police Department understands the desire for greater transparency when it comes to the equipment officers use to keep the community safe," Police Chief David Nisleit said. "Meeting the requirements laid out in Assembly Bill 481 has been a massive undertaking by SDPD personnel. We look forward to showing how these tools are used to de-escalate dangerous situations in our neighborhoods and how they are crucial to our public safety efforts."
AB 481 also governs civilian law enforcement agencies' participation in the federal 1033 Program, which enables local law enforcement agencies to acquire and maintain surplus military items through the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, but the SDPD does not participate in that system, according to city officials.
"Assembly Bill 481 mandates transparency and oversight of the costs associated with and use of military-grade equipment," Gloria stated. "I championed legislation like this during my time in the Assembly, and I'm pleased to see it implemented here."
Erika Cervantes/NBC 7
A motorcycle unity ride traveled from Oak Park to the La Mesa Police headquarters on June 14, 2020.
Erika Cervantes/NBC 7
A motorcycle unity ride traveled from Oak Park to the La Mesa Police headquarters on June 14, 2020.
Erika Cervantes/NBC 7
A motorcycle unity ride traveled from Oak Park to the La Mesa Police headquarters on June 14, 2020.
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Law enforcement trails a Santee protest on June 7, 2020.
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Law enforcement outside a Santee Target after witnesses say self-described “defenders” confronted protesters returning to their cars on June 7, 2020.
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Law enforcement outside a Santee Target after witnesses say self-described “defenders” confronted protesters returning to their cars on June 7, 2020.
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Law enforcement outside a Santee Target after witnesses say self-described “defenders” confronted protesters returning to their cars on June 7, 2020.
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Santee protest on June 7, 2020.
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Preparing for a paddle-out in Encinitas on June 7, 2020.
Niala Charles/NBC 7
A moment of silence for George Floyd in Santee on June 7, 2020.
Niala Charles/NBC 7
Protesters in Santee on June 7, 2020.
Niala Charles/NBC 7
Protesters outside of a Sheriff's Department station in Santee on June 7, 2020
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Protesters in Chula Vista on June 7, 2020.
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Protesters march on Eastlake Parkway in Chula Vista on June 7, 2020.
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A protester in Encinitas on June 7, 2020.
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Protesters gathered near the intersection of West Hills Parkway and Mast Boulevard in Santee on June 7, 2020.
Liz Morrison
This art in the sand was seen in Coronado on June 5, 2020.
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Protesters hug members of the National Guard in front of the County Administration Building on June 6, 2020.
Peyton Vincent/https://CEGinteractive.com
A paddle-out in honor of George Floyd in Pacific Beach on June 6, 2020.
Peyton Vincent/https://CEGinteractive.com
A paddle-out in honor of George Floyd in Pacific Beach on June 6, 2020.
Leslie Walsh
A caravan demonstration through Torrey Pines on June 6, 2020.
Ellie Bostron
A protest in downtown San Diego on June 6, 2020.
Anna Cornelson
A peaceful march in downtown Oceanside on June 6, 2020.
Ramon Galindo/NBC 7
Protesters are seen in Hillcrest on June 6 as part of others across San Diego County demanding justice for Floyd, reform on policing, and against racial inequality in the U.S.
Ramon Galindo/NBC 7
Protesters are seen in Hillcrest on June 6 as part of others across San Diego County demanding justice for Floyd, reform on policing, and against racial inequality in the U.S.
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This was a group of protesters on Saturday, June 6 as they marched to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Headquarters to raise awareness about police brutality.
NBC 7
Erika Cervantes/NBC 7
Hundreds of surfers gathered at Tourmaline Surf Park in Pacific Beach on June 6 to paddle out in honor of George Floyd.
Erika Cervantes/NBC 7
Saman Dadafshar
Protesters lying down on near Escondido City Hall on June 5, 2020.
Protesters are seen in Hillcrest on June 6 as part of others across San Diego County demanding justice for Floyd, reform on policing, and against racial inequality in the U.S.
Protesters are seen in Hillcrest on June 6 as part of others across San Diego County demanding justice for Floyd, reform on policing, and against racial inequality in the U.S.
Protesters are seen in Hillcrest on June 6 as part of others across San Diego County demanding justice for Floyd, reform on policing, and against racial inequality in the U.S.
NBC 7
Protesters in Carmel Valley on June 6, 2020.
Protest on June 5 in Carlsbad at Cannon Park where they observed 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence in a solemn representation of the final moments of George Floyd’s life.
NBC 7/Scott Baird
Demonstrators gathered outside Escondido City Hall on June 5, 2020.
NBC 7/Scott Baird
Demonstrators gathered outside Escondido City Hall on June 5, 2020.
NBC 7 San Diego
Demonstrators gathered at Escondido City Hall on June 5, 2020.
NBC 7/Melissa Adan
Protestors gathered peacefully in Carlsbad on June 5, 2020.
San Diegans gathered for a peaceful march through Uptown communities like Hillcrest, Bankers Hill and North Park on June 4, 2020.
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
Aishee Das
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
Israel Castillo
Protesters march under the Georgia Street Historical Bridge on June 4, 2020.
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Demonstrators marched peacefully through the streets of uptown San Diego, including North Park, on June 4, 2020.
Nanitzia Comparán
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
Nanitzia Comparán
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
Nanitzia Comparán
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
Nanitzia Comparán
Demonstrators marched peacefully through San Diego's uptown communities on June 4, 2020, including the heart of North Park.
NBC 7
A protest on June 4, 2020, moves along University Avenue in North Park toward the Historic Georgia Street Bridge.
NBC 7
The end of the route for demonstrators in downtown San Diego on June 4, 2020.
San Diegans gathered for a peaceful march through Uptown communities like Hillcrest, Bankers Hill and North Park on June 4, 2020.
NBC 7
The frontline of a crowd of around 2,000 people marched through San Diego's North Park community on June 4, 2020.
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals hold up signs in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement
during a paddle out and protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or to momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
From left: Danielle Black Lyons, Olga Diaz and Shelby Tucker get emotional during an eight minute and 46 second moment of silence, the amount of time George Floyd was pinned by a white police officer, during a protest and paddle out t in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Getty Images
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals hold up signs in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement
during a paddle out and protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or to momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals hold up signs in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement
during a paddle out and protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or to momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals take a knee during an eight minute and 46 second moment of silence, the amount of time George Floyd was pinned down by a white police officer, at a protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals take a knee during an eight minute and 46 second moment of silence, the amount of time George Floyd was pinned down by a white police officer, at a protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
ENCINITAS, CA – JUNE 03:
Thousands of surfers and locals take a knee during an eight minute and 46 second moment of silence, the amount of time George Floyd was pinned down by a white police officer, at a protest in solidarity with other national demonstrations showing outrage over the death of George Floyd in Moonlight State Beach on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Encinitas, CA. In surfing culture, paddle outs are held as a way to memorialize those who have lost their lives, or momentarily reflect on a time or issue.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
NBC 7
A prayer vigil hosted by Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa on June 4, 2020, in hopes of healing the community torn by recent unrest.
Demonstrators put their hands behind their heads as they stand in front of San Diego Police in San Diego, California on May 31, 2020, to protest against the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd. – Numerous cities across the US saw another day of violent protests after Floyd, an African-American, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and as a white police officer, who has since been charged with murder, knelt on his neck. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators gather in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020 as they protest the death of George Floyd. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators (C) embrace in front of San Diego Police in San Diego, California on May 31, 2020, to protest against the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd. – Numerous cities across the US saw another day of violent protests after Floyd, an African-American, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and as a white police officer, who has since been charged with murder, knelt on his neck. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators gather in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020 as they protest the death of George Floyd. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators gather in front of the San Diego Police in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020 as they protest the death of George Floyd. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Demonstrators gather in front of the San Diego Police in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020 as they protest the death of George Floyd. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
San Diego Police line up blocking the street in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020, as demonstrators gather to protest against the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd. – Numerous cities across the US saw another day of violent protests after Floyd, an African-American, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and as a white police officer, who has since been charged with murder, knelt on his neck. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Ariana Drehsler/Getty Images
San Diego Police officers (L) in riot gear and a special tactics group (R) face-off with demonstrators in downtown San Diego, California on May 31, 2020, as people gather to protest against the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd. – Numerous cities across the US saw another day of violent protests after Floyd, an African-American, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and as a white police officer, who has since been charged with murder, knelt on his neck. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
A young girl pours milk over a man’s face who got tear gas in his eyes after the San Diego police used tear gas on demonstrators in San Diego, California on May 31, 2020. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)
NBC 7
EMPTY_CAPTION"They're doing this for black lives, for George Floyd, Martin Luther King -- all the black people that have died and they're done. They want justice," said 10-year-old J'mani Vendely of San Diego.
Joe Little/NBC 7
Downtown San Diego around 4:45 p.m. on May 31, 2020.
Audra Stafford/NBC 7
Marks from pepper balls deployed by police in downtown San Diego, seen on June 1, 2020.
Allison Ash
A woman with tears in her eyes faces off against police officers.
NBC 7
"Since 1619 to 2020, we are still being lynched by the hands of either white supremacy, police brutality and the justice system," said Azikiwe Franklin of San Diego. "Too many police have been getting off and we're upset."
NBC 7
"The only way to get anything done is to take it to the judges. They're the ones who are releasing these police. If the police work for the people, we're paying their salaries then if something like this happens again ever they need to go in front of a jury of their peers, not run off to the judge," Adisa told NBC 7.
Joe Little
Police officers deployed flash bangs and pepper spray to clear an intersection in Downtown San Diego after some individuals threw water bottles at them.
Allison Ash
Protests continue in Downtown San Diego eight hours after it began.
NBC 7
Allison Ash/NBC 7
After SDPD asked a crowd of protesters to move away from their headquarters, some take a knee on May 31, 2020.
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NBC 7
Allison Ash/NBC 7
Protesters outside SDPD headquarters on May 31, 2020.
Allison Ash/NBC 7
Protesters head toward Interstate 5 on May 31, 2020.
Allison Ash/NBC 7
Handful of protesters remain outside Hall of Justice on May 31, 2020.
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Allison Ash/NBC 7
A protester in front of police at First Avenue and Broadway on May 31, 2020.
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Niala Charles/NBC 7
A view from behind police lines on May 31, 2020.
NBC 7
A looted CVS on May 31, 2020.
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SDPD deploys tear gas at First Avenue and Broadway on May 31, 2020.
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Joe Little/NBC 7
Downtown San Diego around 4:45 p.m. on May 31, 2020.
NBC 7
A group smashed windows and some went in and out of a store in downtown.
NBC 7
Protesters gather outside Fashion Valley.
Police officers assembled in response to a protest at Fashion Valley on Sunday night.
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Police block access to the Coronado Bridge on May 31, 2020.
NBC 7
Demonstrators gathered on the edge of Balboa Park along 6th Street on Tuesday, the third day of protests in San Diego to oppose police violence.
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Protesters in Mira Mesa on June 3, 2020.
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Todd A. Davidson
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Lauren Coronado/NBC 7
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Niala Charles/NBC 7
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NBC 7, Steven Luke
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MAR GONZÁLEZ/T20
NBC 7, Ramon Galindo
Locals are seen cleaning up an acupuncturist office.
NBC 7, Steven Luke
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Telemundo 20, Mar Gonzales
Community members come together to clean up the aftermath of the protests.
Anobel Khoushabeh
A protester suffers an injury to his upper back during a demonstration in La Mesa.
Ramon Galindo, NBC 7
This is the Randall Lamb building, an engineering firm, that was burned on Saturday night in La Mesa.
Carmen Adams
Armored vehicle in La Mesa
NBC 7
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Cleaning up in La Mesa
NBC 7
Leslie Furcron, 59, was shot in the head by police bean bags at the La Mesa protests on May 30, 2020, leaving her in a medically-induced coma.
Anobel Khoushabeh
A woman has milk on her face to help recover from wounds following a protest in La Mesa.
Anobel Khoushabeh
A protester with milk on his face in La Mesa.
SkyRanger7
A sea of protesters floats along 6th Avenue on their way to North Park during a June 4 protests march led by black youth.
In addition to listing types of military-grade equipment that the San Diego Police Department potentially could use, the draft policy outlines training requirements officers must undergo to deploy the gear and methods of funding it, including "applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state or federal funds, in-kind donations or other donations or transfers."
The recently enacted state law designates the following as military equipment:
Unmanned, remotely piloted aerial or ground vehicles
Mine-resistant, "ambush protected" vehicles or armored personnel carriers
"High mobility" multipurpose wheeled vehicles, 2.5- and 5-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached
Armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants and use tracks instead of wheels for mobility
"Command and control" vehicles that are built or modified to facilitate operational control and direction of public safety personnel and equipment
Weaponized vehicles, including aircraft
Battering rams and breaching apparatuses that are "explosive in nature"
Firearms and ammunition of .50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns and shotgun ammunition
Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including firearms and accessories identified by law as assault weapons, with the exception of standard-issue handguns
Any gun or firearm accessory designed to launch explosive projectiles
"Flash bang" grenades, explosive breaching tools, "pepper ball" projectiles and tear gas, excluding standard service-issued hand-held pepper spray
Taser Shockwave electroshock "cannons," microwave weapons, water cannons and long-range acoustic devices
Projectile-launching platforms and associated munitions, including 40mm projectile launchers, beanbags, rubber bullets and "specialty impact" munitions
Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or state agency to require additional oversight
California law enforcement agencies must seek approval of such equipment prior to May 1 for any gear acquired before the beginning of this year.
Working with the Independent Commission on Police Practices, the SDPD will present the draft procedure and 2021 Military Equipment Annual Report at a public meeting of the panel on Feb. 22, then at a hearing of the Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee in early March, according to city officials.
Once approved by the city council, the final procedures will be posted to the SDPD's "policies and procedures" section of its website, as well as its "mandated disclosures" online page
