Military Equipment

  1. 2025 Annual Report on Military Equipment Inventory Usage.pdf
  2. 2025 Military Equipment Policy (09-24-2025).pdf

Dear Baldwin Park Community,

The Baldwin Park Police Department is committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of our city while fostering trust and transparency with the public we serve. In accordance with California Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481), we are required to provide an annual report detailing our use and acquisition of equipment classified as "military equipment" under this legislation. It is important to note that the term "military equipment" in this context does not necessarily refer to equipment used by the military, but rather includes items such as drones, armored vehicles, less lethal weapons, and other gear commonly employed by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

We believe that the judicious use of this equipment is crucial for enhancing the safety of our community members and officers, particularly in high-risk situations. Our officers receive extensive training on the proper use and deployment of this equipment, which is strictly regulated by our Military Equipment Use Policy and subject to rigorous oversight. The Baldwin Park Police Department is dedicated to using this equipment only for its intended purposes, such as de-escalating potentially violent incidents, increasing proficiency through training, minimizing the need for the use of force, and improving our ability to respond effectively to critical situations.

As part of our commitment to transparency, we have attached our 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report and updated inventory for public review. This report provides a comprehensive summary of how our military equipment was used in 2023, any complaints or concerns received, the results of internal audits, and our planned acquisitions for 2024. We encourage our community members to review this report and provide input on our use and acquisition of this equipment. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our policies and ensuring that we continue to serve our community with the utmost professionalism and dedication. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can work towards building a safer and more transparent Baldwin Park.

Sincerely,

Robert A. López
Chief of Police
Baldwin Park Police Department