News Summary
The Santa Ana Police Department has not complied with California law mandating the documentation and public reporting of military equipment usage for two years. During a recent community meeting, Commander Mat Sorenson acknowledged the oversight, admitting to administrative errors. Although reports for 2023 and 2024 exist, they have yet to be made public. The meeting, attended by only ten individuals, highlighted concerns over the department’s transparency and the adequacy of the military equipment reporting system outlined in Assembly Bill 481.
Santa Ana Police Department Fails to Comply with Military Equipment Reporting Law
The Santa Ana Police Department has failed to comply with California law requiring law enforcement agencies to document and publicly report their military equipment usage for the past two years. Under Assembly Bill 481, which was enacted in 2022, law enforcement must submit annual reports detailing their military equipment deployments, along with records of any complaints and internal investigations.
At a recent community meeting, Commander Mat Sorenson acknowledged the department’s oversight, admitting that the department “dropped the ball” regarding compliance efforts. Despite preparing reports for 2023 and 2024, the Police Chief Robert Rodriguez noted that these documents were not made public due to what was described as “administrative oversight.”
Community Response and Meeting Insights
The department hastily organized a community meeting to retroactively discuss the reports, but only ten attendees were present, reflecting a lack of public interest and engagement. Those present expressed disappointment in the meeting’s organization and the insufficient details in the reports presented by the police department. Criticism was also voiced regarding the timing of the meeting, which was scheduled for 4 p.m. on a weekday, limiting accessibility for many community members. It was noted that there was no option for virtual attendance.
Among the critical voices in attendance, a member of the police accountability committee highlighted the brief nature of the presentation and the lack of proper publicity leading up to the meeting. Concerns were raised about the overall transparency and effectiveness of Assembly Bill 481, particularly its lack of enforcement mechanisms and the possibility of bias in the reports.
Military Equipment Usage and Reporting
The report covering the period from May 2024 to April 2025 indicated that the Santa Ana Police Department has access to various military equipment, including armored vehicles, a long-range acoustic device, and a tactical robot. Maintenance costs for this military equipment were calculated at approximately $30,000.
According to the report, police personnel deployed military equipment on 30 occasions in response to field incidents and 11 times during community events. While the equipment was used to detain 21 suspects, the report claimed that there were no serious injuries or fatalities attributed to the use of military equipment. Furthermore, the department reported receiving no community complaints regarding the utilization of such resources, which was defined as appropriate according to internal assessments.
Continuing Concerns and Future Reporting
Attendees at the meeting, including local residents and community leaders, raised questions regarding missing information in the report, such as costs related to transportation, personnel, and training associated with military equipment use. These factors could prove significant in understanding the true impact of the military equipment on community safety and police operations.
Councilmember Jessie Lopez was present at the meeting and acknowledged the police department’s candidness regarding the reporting issues. However, she categorized the report as inadequate and lacking the depth needed for comprehensive public understanding.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
The Santa Ana Police Department plans to present the newly retroactively prepared reports to the City Council for further discussion. In light of the recent shortcomings, community members are encouraged to stay informed about police operations and compliance with Assembly Bill 481 by attending city council meetings and actively participating in discussions related to police accountability and transparency.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Santa Ana Police Department Military Equipment
- KIIS FM: Santa Ana Police Noncompliance
- New York Times: Humvee Theft in California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Equipment
- Google Search: Santa Ana Police Department Military Equipment
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
