Police in Santa Clara and Vallejo are seeking public input on their polices for use of military equipment in their arsenals such as drones, armored vehicles and large-caliber firearms.

The Santa Clara Police Department will hold a community meeting April 22 to incorporate into a report to the city council on May 7. The Vallejo Police Department is collecting public input online through May 5.

A state law that took effect in 2022, AB 481, requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of a military equipment use policy by their governing bodies. The public is allowed to ask questions and discuss the report.

The law was introduced to increase transparency and accountability by state and local law enforcement agencies about the type, quantity and capabilities of military equipment they hold or plan to acquire.

The Santa Clara police meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, at the Police Building, 601 El Camino Real.