UCLA Police Department Spent Over $200,000 on Rubber Bullets and Drones

The UCLA Police Department recently acquired three Skydio X10 drones for $216,543 and significantly increased its inventory of rubber bullets and pepper powder projectiles, according to the department's annual military equipment report. The total expenditure for these items exceeded $200,000, funded by general departmental funds.

The report also revealed requests for an additional 1,000 units of pepper powder projectiles, including a new type of projectile designed for use in sensitive locations where a widespread powder release is undesirable. The department already possesses 1,875 units of PepperBall Live-X PAVA rounds and 1,000 units of the more impactful PepperBall Live-X PAVA VXR projectiles.

These projectiles are designed to incapacitate targets through kinetic impact and the release of an irritant powder that mimics the effects of chili peppers. The powder can create an airborne cloud affecting bystanders, particularly those with respiratory conditions. The report noted that the VXR variant offers greater accuracy and a larger impact area.

UCLA PD also requested authorization for two practice versions of each pepper bullet type, which contain a non-irritant powder. These "Inert" and "VXR Inert" projectiles would allow officers to train in enclosed spaces without the risk of powder dispersal.

The report also addressed expired ammunition, including 141 units of "Def-Tec 40mm Direct Impact Munition Model #6320" and 58 units of "Def-Tec 40mm eXact Impact Munition Model #6325." These rubber bullets, which come with warnings about potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm in California, will be allocated for training.

UCLA PD stated that the additional equipment is necessary to support the department's expansion due to new university properties and in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for which UCLA will serve as the Olympic village. The department also noted requests for an increase in authorized pepper powder projectiles and up to six additional drones for training and field use.

The campus has been the site of numerous protests, particularly following the October 7 events, which led to clashes between pro-Palestine encampments and opposing groups. Law enforcement officers have been called to manage demonstrations on campus.