Police Advisory & Accountability Committee 04/15/2026

The City of San Rafael Police Advisory & Accountability Committee met on April 15, 2026, to discuss several community and public safety topics, with a significant focus on traffic safety and police equipment procurement. The committee reviewed the implementation of Assembly Bill 43, which allows for reduced speed limits to improve pedestrian safety. The city plans to adopt an ordinance to lower speed limits by 5 mph on 23 roadway segments, including establishing 20 mph zones outside downtown, with full implementation expected in summer 2026. The committee also received a presentation on the Assembly Bill 481 Military Equipment Annual Report, detailing the police department's current military equipment inventory, usage, and funding sources. The department currently operates drones as first responders and is seeking council approval and funding to acquire additional drones with enhanced capabilities, such as entering buildings and field battery swaps. The committee unanimously recommended that the city council approve funding for these advanced drones, including trunk drones, to enhance operational effectiveness. Public comments emphasized transparency, community oversight, and the importance of Spanish-speaking drone operators. No new equipment acquisitions beyond the drone program were requested for the current budget cycle.