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California K-12 schools with military-style rifles don’t always disclose them as law requires
Several districts posted reports only after inquiries, while five school police forces still had not disclosed military equipment inventories required by state law.
Several California school police forces have failed to publish mandatory annual military equipment reports, violating transparency requirements established by Assembly Bill 481.
Enacted January 1, 2022, Assembly Bill 481 mandates police agencies disclose equipment inventories, maintenance costs, and planned purchases while holding public forums within 30 days of publication.
Before CalMatters inquiries, five K-12 school police forces—Apple Valley, Fontana, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego—had not published reports in the past year.
Following inquiries, San Diego and Montebello released updated reports, though other districts declined to comment on whether they held required forums this year.
Proponents argue these tools ensure safety during emergencies, while critics, including families of Black and Latino students, raise concerns about the risks and impacts of police militarization.