FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — On Wednesday, less than two dozen concerned Fresnans attended the first community meeting hosted by Fresno Police Department to share findings from its 2025 annual report on its use of military equipment.
The 28-page report detailing the department’s inventory of military equipment, from flash bangs to armored trucks to unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.
The goal is to establish an open discussion with those in the community.
“The materials presented explosive ordinance, robots, armored personnel carriers, high-powered rifles, breaching apparatus and even drone surveillance systems are not designed for community engagement. They are designed for war,” said one concerned citizen.
“This isn’t about militarizing police. It’s about accountability and to make sure we use this equipment correctly,” said Dep. Chief Burke Farrah, who leads the Patrol Division with Fresno Police.
Fresno Police asked for the reason for information.
“Because that would show if there’s disproportionate use in certain areas or neighborhood,” replied the speaker.
“Ok,” said Dep. Chief Farrah.
Assembly Bill 481 requires state and local law enforcement agencies to gain approval from local government, including city council, before obtaining or using military equipment. The bill mandates transparency through public reporting as well as public hearings or community meetings.
On Wednesday, for the first time since the bill’s passage, Fresno Police held its first community meeting on its use of military equipment.
“That’s why we’re in this meeting today because people last year said, ‘No, we need a meeting.’ and here we are. We’re making progress on that front,” said Dep. Chief Farrah.
Attendees from Fresnans for the People’s Budget noticed who was not in attendance at Wednesday evening’s meeting.
“We have leaders who really should be here to also listen to our concerns to take that back with them to have dialogue, but there’s no dialogue happening. It’s people talking at us,” said Daily.
“I’ll tell you right now: I’ll give you my telephone number. It rings on my desk,” said Dep. Chief Farrah.
As far as fiscal impact, the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2026 was about $278,000,000, of which $223,000,000 was allocated for the department’s 930 full-time peace officers and 400 professional staff positions.
On Thursday, the council members are expected to approve the renewal of the department’s annual military equipment use report.
By ABC 30’s Christina Lopez
