Sheriff Miyamoto presented the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office annual military-equipment report for calendar year 2024 and asked the Rules Committee to approve purchase and continued use of several inventory items, including a requested new chemical-agent launcher and a PPC breacher.

The presentation described current inventory (unmanned aerial drones, mobile command and rapid response vehicles, patrol and SRT rifles, sniper rifles, diversionary devices, chemical-agent launchers, less-lethal munitions and other breaching tools), summarized 2024 usage primarily for training, and explained the office’s plan to replenish items used during the reporting period and to add one new platform described as a pepper-ball VKS pro with a targeting system. Sheriff Miyamoto said the department’s drones have live feeds but “don’t have any recordable abilities” and cannot deliver items; he said deputies who operate drones hold FCC remote pilot certificates and that most equipment use in 2024 was training rather than field deployments.

Miyamoto also addressed a May 21, 2024 training incident at the San Bruno complex in which chemical-agent dispersal traveled downwind and affected a nearby elementary school. He said the department is completing an internal investigation, has produced preliminary administrative reports, and has paused all outdoor chemical-agent training at that site. The sheriff said the department has changed procedures and is “looking into enclosed areas with HVAC systems and negative airflow capabilities” for training going forward. He said the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) assisted with complaint handling on the incident and that the office is also engaging the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in follow-up.

Public commenters included residents who opposed further militarization and questioned why a new chemical-agent launcher was being requested while an investigation is underway; one commenter urged approval for safety and training. After discussion the Rules Committee voted to continue the item to the Feb. 3, 2025 Rules Committee meeting so a full membership could consider the request and while the investigation remains open.

Discussion vs. decision: the presentation and public comment constituted discussion only; the formal committee action was to continue the matter to the Feb. 3 Rules Committee meeting. No purchase approvals were granted at the Jan. 27 meeting.

Next steps: the sheriff’s request for new and replacement equipment will return to Rules Committee on Feb. 3, 2025, for further committee consideration and possible recommendation to the full Board of Supervisors.