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GWOT V - California Weapons and Security Regulations
GWOT V - California Weapons and Security Regulations
TSI SCI NOFORN Project Liberty
This document is an intelligence product. Sources and methods have been sanitized. However, even the format of intelligence products is considered TS/SCI keyworded to the client for whom the intelligence is prepared.
Question: how difficult is it to enter with, obtain locally, smuggle, carry and/or conceal firearms and other weapons in the rebel state of California? What measures are taken to keep the population controlled?
Answer:
At California borders, great care is taken to screen persons and cargo entering the state. The old system of agricultural inspection stations has been greatly augmented and now includes two to three additional internal layers on the Interstate system (which is now renamed CA-# instead of I-#).
At these inspection points, it is important to understand that failure to comply with traffic signals, directions of uniformed personnel, and posted signage is immediately and swiftly corrected through deadly force. Not only is signage posted to this effect, but CA has launched a public education campaign (!) outlining the essential elements as follows:
- STOP at the white line
- HALT when ordered to do so
- NEVER cross a red line
The practice at checkpoints is if anything harsher than that in the POW or prison environment. Checkpoints have discretion to fire warning shots but are authorized to shoot at once and to kill without them. Contrast this to prisoner handling where California implements strictly the requirement to shout HALT three times before opening fire, and prison guards must explain why they did not take at least one warning shot before aiming at the attempted escapee.
California's contraband searches are extremely thorough. It is our evaluation and that of allied agencies that only the smallest personal items (coins, flash sticks, etc) will make it through a search.
While limited commerce, especially with other rebel states, has resumed, CA has adopted numerous measures to make smuggling difficult. Notable among them is the requirement to 'break bulk' and transfer containers or trailers at the point of entry. A prime mover or tractor used in US Federal commerce is not allowed to enter CA; a CA or Mexico homed rig exiting CA is not allowed to enter USA unless the owner agrees in writing to pay for a Level III tear down search prior to returning it to California service. This service is provided by private vendors under CA agency supervision and is quite thorough.
Unlike pre-War practice, all traffic must go through security control points. In isolated areas, a security control point without search capability may issue a 'red card' or 'nugget' that admits the vehicle but identifies all passengers and requires the vehicle to proceed directly to a full inspection site. Failure to so proceed results in confiscation of vehicle and arrest of passengers, as does arriving at the full inspection site with a different number of persons, etc.
There are certain highways and freeways in California where a minimum speed limit is posted. Failure to comply, or a breakdown, results in confiscation of vehicle and arrest of passengers as above.
California security forces consist of guards (recognized as being in state service by a Golden Bear brassard), paramilitaries (CHP troopers, scout-soldiers) and troops (soldiers, Naval Militia, Marines and Strategic Defense Force troops). Guards are always found in numbers of 3 or more and almost always as a 'thickener' or 'force multiplier' for other California forces. A person by themselves wearing a Golden Bear brassard will be arrested on contact by any other organization, and citizens are taught to call the police on them (!). Paramilitary troops are typically found near 'borders' and are notable for their patience and courtesy. Do not mistake this for a lack of resolve. The words "it is requested" or worse, "it is respectfully requested" are a warning sign that paramilitaries are about to resort to force.
Except in peacekeeping and counterinsurgency operations, CA military troops rarely come into contact with the public in an enforcement context. However, they do mount an aggressive guard of their bases and respond to nearby emergencies much as a pre-War SWAT team or mutual aid would have. CA has no posse comitatus law and troops will make arrests but summon a paramilitary to take control of the suspect(s).
California does not permit private persons, immigrants or travelers to enter California with arms. However, California encourages frequent travelers to rent arms lockers or rent weapons (!) on its side of the border, a practice first adopted by Arizona and Nevada. The only limitation on such rental is a required identification check that associates the traveler with the firearm and proof of past or present training. Note of course that some forms of proof of training would completely blow the cover of a covert traveler.
California firearms law is very confusing to many travelers, both US and global. The essential point is "permitted until forbidden", a phrase Californians seem to relish that means nothing.
The possession of a vehicle without proof of ownership or permission to use that vehicle is considered a violent felony. Car thieves who attempt to flee will be shot.
However, if a person is lawfully in possession of a vehicle, this carries with it the right to possess firearms, loaded or unloaded in that vehicle. This is a derivation of the Texas 'peaceable journey' rule but dramatically extended. It includes such possession during fueling, during loading or unloading of the vehicle (as for lodging) and during an actual journey from point to point if the possession of the firearm is legal at both ends of the journey claimed.
Conversely, taking a vehicle somewhere it is not permitted means that driver and passengers are subject to arrest and vehicle and contents to confiscation.
California also has what is called a "lawful occasion" doctrine. If a person is going about their ordinary business, this act enjoys a great degree of legal protection - with the greatest possible protection at home, a derivation of the Castle doctrine. Commuting, shopping, going to the doctor or to the college (CA has no law against possessing firearms in higher education facilities), even going to the park is a "lawful occasion."
However, activity that would be a minor offense in pre-War America, such as loitering or disturbing the peace or aggressive soliciting, is no longer a "lawful occasion" and people can be detained and questioned just for that reason. Typically this is resolved by being sent on their way, but if there are other circumstances, an event report is filed. The danger to special operations personnel should be obvious.
If, however, weapons are possessed, this questioning becomes much more pointed. California law allows for the 'safe surrender' (temporary confiscation) of weapons, and their mandatory return at the local police station within three days unless charges are preferred. This return is usually automatic and is viewed much in the same way as a pre-War speeding ticket - a minor matter that has to be taken care of, that can accumulate to become an issue that affects firearms ownership rights, but not that big a deal either.
This requires some explanations. The police station and the local community armory have weapons storage available for free or for a nominal fee. It is a common practice for California residents to keep some firearms at home and others in storage. California "safe storage" laws make keeing firearms at home unsecured an offense, rarely enforced unless there is an unfortunate outcome. However, if a firearm is stolen from a California resident, being the victim of such a theft is a serious offense unless it is reported at once. "Failure to report" carries with it an automatic conspiracy to commit attempted murder charge (!) on the legal theory that as a firearm is so easy for a law abiding person to obtain, the only reason to steal one is to murder with it.
It is not uncommon for a California resident to voluntarily turn in _all_ their firearms for a period of at least three days but no more than thirty days. Typically this is on the advice of a mental health professional, but sometimes at the urging of family members. It can also be during a vacation, during mandatory militia training (usually two weeks), or during construction when the firearms would otherwise be unattended.
Employers sometimes issue firearms to their employees, sometimes maintain their own armories, and sometimes permit authorized concealed carry on site. If an employer chooses to prohibit firearms, they must file a workplace security and safety plan amendment explaining this choice and providing for enhanced parking lot security (as 'peaceable journey' still applies to parked vehicles) and for employers above a certain size, weapons screening and on-site armed response. (If they allow firearms, the details must be explained in the workplace security and safety plan, as the default.) These plans are filed with and audited by CAL-OSHA, a former regulatory agency turned law enforcement agency, and all CAL-OSHA field inspectors are armed peace officers with absolute and immediate warrantless right of inspection of all retail, commercial and industrial property.
Government facilities are under similar administrative rules. Additionally, weapons lockers must be provided if areas open to the public are to be weapons free. Site security and safety plans specify that immediate armed response is required, and if any of a number of conditions are met, this coverage must be provided by on-site guards, employees and/or police.
Military facilities are under far stricter rules. In particular, duty officers and NCOs are required to be personally armed; guards and sentinels must be armed; and physical barriers must resist both tool and explosive (!) attack. Naval Militia facilities are especially strict and negligent shootings have occurred.
In practical effect, the combined effect means that in California firearms are everywhere and there are no 'soft targets.'
Silencers are a felony to possess and are not even authorized to police or military personnel. The legal theory is that anyone who wants shots to be quiet and not sound an alarm, must therefore be an assassin. California "Bear Force" special operations troops and "Collections" intelligence officers are personally accountable for individual silencers and the loss of one is treated as the loss of a secure cryptographic system or top secret night vision equiopment. Bases have been locked down for over a week searching for just one missing silencer.
Pistols are classified for legal purposes into three types: target, concealed, and personal defense. A caliber below .380 Auto is automatically considered a 'target' pistol regardless of its size and must be kept in a locked case outside the home, residence, armory or a shooting range. The theory is that a target pistol can be used for practice, or as an assassin's weapon, and that greater restrictions on target pistols are necessary due to the latter. Carrying a target pistol concealed is grounds for felony arrest without special permit or strong cause (such as an emergency).
A concealed pistol, whether or not actually concealed, is of a legal caliber but has a barrel less than four inches in length. Possession requires a permit that is also valid for concealed carry. This permit requires mental health clearance and a two week training course, both free.
A personal defense pistol is both of legal caliber and has a barrel four inches or greater in length. If concealed, it requires a concealed pistol permit as above, but if openly carried or kept at home requires no permit.
A threaded barrel, however, is a felony to possess as the only reason for a threaded barrel is for a muzzle brake or a silencer as above.
Rifles and shotguns do not require a permit. However, those rifles that look like potential automatic weapons must either have a dominant color other than black, or be kept cased in transport for reasons that will become clear.
Automatic weapons are automatically the property of the State of California and as such can never be sold. They are also invariably black in color with reflective gold trim (civilian issue including police and paramilitaries, see below) or no trim (military in uniform ONLY). Common types include automatic rifles and submachine guns. Machine pistols are common issue to soldiers and especially scout-soldiers for personal defense. The Strategic Defense Force carries submachine guns, no trim, as one of their identification trademarks. Only those assets of greatest value and danger to the California Republic are protected by SDF, including all weapons of mass destruction.
However, automatic weapons are commonly _issued_ to soldiers, police, paramilitaries, guards, militia, civil defense workers, large employers (for use in their facility security plans) and the general public. A legitimate need is required (and California has a wide interpretation of 'need') but the firearm is registered by indelible and multiple serial numbers (SN) to that individual in a database that can easily be searched by anyone. Repeat anyone. A private person doing a lookup only finds whether authorized or not ("green" or "red"), authorized paramilitaries get more information, and military and police get detailed information sometimes redacted i.e. Naval Militia but not whether they are a sailor or not.
As 'assault weapons' automatic weapons must be kept locked up when not in use. An automatic weapon kept or carried in compliance with organization security procedures is "in use", as is one on the range.
CHP for example requires that automatic weapons be carried or secured in a vehicle gun lock system. Many employers and militia have a two person or even a three person rule - the intent is to allow people to react to a single individual carrying an automatic weapon as a deadly threat.
The gold trim is an extremely important detail. People who think nothing of seeing an automatic weapon with gold trim will run away, activate panic buttons, and/or open fire immediately on sight if they see an automatic weapon that is 'naked' or 'dirty.' The carriers of automatic weapons know this and take care to carry accordingly. Shoulder sung with muzzle down is common.
Some premises, especially government and military, will ban rifles and shotguns but permit automatic weapons. This is on the theory that persons permitted automatic weapons are carefully screened and more highly trained.
Explosives are a violent felony to possess without special permit. Legitimate transportation of explosives is always by couriers armed with automatic weapons. Heavy weapons are treated as explosives.
Machine guns, including light, medium and heavy machine guns, are considered automatic weapons under State of California ownership. The application and permit process for loans is extremely strict. A liability bond of $100,000 CAD is required for private and militia loans. These bonds cost from $7,000 CAD to $15,000 CAD per year depending on third party validation of the safety and security procedures including background checks of the organizations and individuals loaned to. It is a status symbol for a community militia or civil defense team to be entrusted with a machine gun.
A special operations team may be able to impersonate a militia, police, military or paramilitary unit for a brief period. However, under normal conditions all the forces in an area know each other and have a good working relationship. It would be uncommon and suspicious for them not to at least wave at each other, if not stop and gossip.
In a general emergency, response units may work together without that relationship. Commonly, units carry rolls of duct tape in several colors and bandanas of several colors. Radio traffic and response orders will specify a valid combination (i.e. "BLUE X, SHOW PINK") and units will _immediately_ stop and configure accordingly. Unmarked units will be considered potential hostiles and challenged.
The second part of the question is nonsensical.
The government and the people of California view themselves as the same entity. The population does not need to be 'controlled,' but rather it is the duty of everyone to help each other and their 'state' as much as they can. Recent disturbances in San Diego fomented by American agitators are instructive in this regard. Troops called into to suppress protests consistently refused. Instead, they met with and talked to protesters, and took up their causes as their own. Until the 'proper' or 'correct' resource arrives, everyone else will do the best they can. The populace cannot be frightened into sitting out disorder they will grab their guns and other emergency equipment and flock to it, as moths to a candle.
Individuals will respond as individuals do. Threats to life, family, blackmail, etc are as effective as usual. However, the collective response to what is perceived as an outside threat reminds some observers of Somali militia - an incoherent but immediate clumping of persons racing to respond, most armed and nearly all willing to risk their lives to stop it.
One of the most popular songs on California radio and television is titled "Without Counting" and has to do with this attitude, which is pervasive across the population.
We work hard every day,
to make a better day,
I spend all my pay, without counting the check
My brother at sea,
Whom I never see.
I hope that I will, without counting the days
Our friends who have died,
So long we have cried,
Remember them always, without counting the tears
At death he scoffed,
Came home in a box.
I know it's just dirt, without counting the clods
When I must go,
Just where I don't know.
I know it's my turn, without counting the cost
Just raise a toast,
To our Golden Coast.
Remember our dead, without counting the graves
And empty your glass,
Keep in good cheer,
Savor your beer, without counting the drops
Obviously this attitude is the product of a sophisticated propaganda campaign, white and gray and black agitprop, with the critical distinction that the authors believe it and the population _wants_ to believe in it.
Even remaining nostalgia and sympathy for America is flavored by the question of what is good for _California_ about being part of America. Appeals to American patriotism will fall on deaf ears.
TSI SCI NOFORN Project Liberty
This document is an intelligence product. Sources and methods have been sanitized. However, even the format of intelligence products is considered TS/SCI keyworded to the client for whom the intelligence is prepared.
Question: how difficult is it to enter with, obtain locally, smuggle, carry and/or conceal firearms and other weapons in the rebel state of California? What measures are taken to keep the population controlled?
Answer:
At California borders, great care is taken to screen persons and cargo entering the state. The old system of agricultural inspection stations has been greatly augmented and now includes two to three additional internal layers on the Interstate system (which is now renamed CA-# instead of I-#).
At these inspection points, it is important to understand that failure to comply with traffic signals, directions of uniformed personnel, and posted signage is immediately and swiftly corrected through deadly force. Not only is signage posted to this effect, but CA has launched a public education campaign (!) outlining the essential elements as follows:
- STOP at the white line
- HALT when ordered to do so
- NEVER cross a red line
The practice at checkpoints is if anything harsher than that in the POW or prison environment. Checkpoints have discretion to fire warning shots but are authorized to shoot at once and to kill without them. Contrast this to prisoner handling where California implements strictly the requirement to shout HALT three times before opening fire, and prison guards must explain why they did not take at least one warning shot before aiming at the attempted escapee.
California's contraband searches are extremely thorough. It is our evaluation and that of allied agencies that only the smallest personal items (coins, flash sticks, etc) will make it through a search.
While limited commerce, especially with other rebel states, has resumed, CA has adopted numerous measures to make smuggling difficult. Notable among them is the requirement to 'break bulk' and transfer containers or trailers at the point of entry. A prime mover or tractor used in US Federal commerce is not allowed to enter CA; a CA or Mexico homed rig exiting CA is not allowed to enter USA unless the owner agrees in writing to pay for a Level III tear down search prior to returning it to California service. This service is provided by private vendors under CA agency supervision and is quite thorough.
Unlike pre-War practice, all traffic must go through security control points. In isolated areas, a security control point without search capability may issue a 'red card' or 'nugget' that admits the vehicle but identifies all passengers and requires the vehicle to proceed directly to a full inspection site. Failure to so proceed results in confiscation of vehicle and arrest of passengers, as does arriving at the full inspection site with a different number of persons, etc.
There are certain highways and freeways in California where a minimum speed limit is posted. Failure to comply, or a breakdown, results in confiscation of vehicle and arrest of passengers as above.
California security forces consist of guards (recognized as being in state service by a Golden Bear brassard), paramilitaries (CHP troopers, scout-soldiers) and troops (soldiers, Naval Militia, Marines and Strategic Defense Force troops). Guards are always found in numbers of 3 or more and almost always as a 'thickener' or 'force multiplier' for other California forces. A person by themselves wearing a Golden Bear brassard will be arrested on contact by any other organization, and citizens are taught to call the police on them (!). Paramilitary troops are typically found near 'borders' and are notable for their patience and courtesy. Do not mistake this for a lack of resolve. The words "it is requested" or worse, "it is respectfully requested" are a warning sign that paramilitaries are about to resort to force.
Except in peacekeeping and counterinsurgency operations, CA military troops rarely come into contact with the public in an enforcement context. However, they do mount an aggressive guard of their bases and respond to nearby emergencies much as a pre-War SWAT team or mutual aid would have. CA has no posse comitatus law and troops will make arrests but summon a paramilitary to take control of the suspect(s).
California does not permit private persons, immigrants or travelers to enter California with arms. However, California encourages frequent travelers to rent arms lockers or rent weapons (!) on its side of the border, a practice first adopted by Arizona and Nevada. The only limitation on such rental is a required identification check that associates the traveler with the firearm and proof of past or present training. Note of course that some forms of proof of training would completely blow the cover of a covert traveler.
California firearms law is very confusing to many travelers, both US and global. The essential point is "permitted until forbidden", a phrase Californians seem to relish that means nothing.
The possession of a vehicle without proof of ownership or permission to use that vehicle is considered a violent felony. Car thieves who attempt to flee will be shot.
However, if a person is lawfully in possession of a vehicle, this carries with it the right to possess firearms, loaded or unloaded in that vehicle. This is a derivation of the Texas 'peaceable journey' rule but dramatically extended. It includes such possession during fueling, during loading or unloading of the vehicle (as for lodging) and during an actual journey from point to point if the possession of the firearm is legal at both ends of the journey claimed.
Conversely, taking a vehicle somewhere it is not permitted means that driver and passengers are subject to arrest and vehicle and contents to confiscation.
California also has what is called a "lawful occasion" doctrine. If a person is going about their ordinary business, this act enjoys a great degree of legal protection - with the greatest possible protection at home, a derivation of the Castle doctrine. Commuting, shopping, going to the doctor or to the college (CA has no law against possessing firearms in higher education facilities), even going to the park is a "lawful occasion."
However, activity that would be a minor offense in pre-War America, such as loitering or disturbing the peace or aggressive soliciting, is no longer a "lawful occasion" and people can be detained and questioned just for that reason. Typically this is resolved by being sent on their way, but if there are other circumstances, an event report is filed. The danger to special operations personnel should be obvious.
If, however, weapons are possessed, this questioning becomes much more pointed. California law allows for the 'safe surrender' (temporary confiscation) of weapons, and their mandatory return at the local police station within three days unless charges are preferred. This return is usually automatic and is viewed much in the same way as a pre-War speeding ticket - a minor matter that has to be taken care of, that can accumulate to become an issue that affects firearms ownership rights, but not that big a deal either.
This requires some explanations. The police station and the local community armory have weapons storage available for free or for a nominal fee. It is a common practice for California residents to keep some firearms at home and others in storage. California "safe storage" laws make keeing firearms at home unsecured an offense, rarely enforced unless there is an unfortunate outcome. However, if a firearm is stolen from a California resident, being the victim of such a theft is a serious offense unless it is reported at once. "Failure to report" carries with it an automatic conspiracy to commit attempted murder charge (!) on the legal theory that as a firearm is so easy for a law abiding person to obtain, the only reason to steal one is to murder with it.
It is not uncommon for a California resident to voluntarily turn in _all_ their firearms for a period of at least three days but no more than thirty days. Typically this is on the advice of a mental health professional, but sometimes at the urging of family members. It can also be during a vacation, during mandatory militia training (usually two weeks), or during construction when the firearms would otherwise be unattended.
Employers sometimes issue firearms to their employees, sometimes maintain their own armories, and sometimes permit authorized concealed carry on site. If an employer chooses to prohibit firearms, they must file a workplace security and safety plan amendment explaining this choice and providing for enhanced parking lot security (as 'peaceable journey' still applies to parked vehicles) and for employers above a certain size, weapons screening and on-site armed response. (If they allow firearms, the details must be explained in the workplace security and safety plan, as the default.) These plans are filed with and audited by CAL-OSHA, a former regulatory agency turned law enforcement agency, and all CAL-OSHA field inspectors are armed peace officers with absolute and immediate warrantless right of inspection of all retail, commercial and industrial property.
Government facilities are under similar administrative rules. Additionally, weapons lockers must be provided if areas open to the public are to be weapons free. Site security and safety plans specify that immediate armed response is required, and if any of a number of conditions are met, this coverage must be provided by on-site guards, employees and/or police.
Military facilities are under far stricter rules. In particular, duty officers and NCOs are required to be personally armed; guards and sentinels must be armed; and physical barriers must resist both tool and explosive (!) attack. Naval Militia facilities are especially strict and negligent shootings have occurred.
In practical effect, the combined effect means that in California firearms are everywhere and there are no 'soft targets.'
Silencers are a felony to possess and are not even authorized to police or military personnel. The legal theory is that anyone who wants shots to be quiet and not sound an alarm, must therefore be an assassin. California "Bear Force" special operations troops and "Collections" intelligence officers are personally accountable for individual silencers and the loss of one is treated as the loss of a secure cryptographic system or top secret night vision equiopment. Bases have been locked down for over a week searching for just one missing silencer.
Pistols are classified for legal purposes into three types: target, concealed, and personal defense. A caliber below .380 Auto is automatically considered a 'target' pistol regardless of its size and must be kept in a locked case outside the home, residence, armory or a shooting range. The theory is that a target pistol can be used for practice, or as an assassin's weapon, and that greater restrictions on target pistols are necessary due to the latter. Carrying a target pistol concealed is grounds for felony arrest without special permit or strong cause (such as an emergency).
A concealed pistol, whether or not actually concealed, is of a legal caliber but has a barrel less than four inches in length. Possession requires a permit that is also valid for concealed carry. This permit requires mental health clearance and a two week training course, both free.
A personal defense pistol is both of legal caliber and has a barrel four inches or greater in length. If concealed, it requires a concealed pistol permit as above, but if openly carried or kept at home requires no permit.
A threaded barrel, however, is a felony to possess as the only reason for a threaded barrel is for a muzzle brake or a silencer as above.
Rifles and shotguns do not require a permit. However, those rifles that look like potential automatic weapons must either have a dominant color other than black, or be kept cased in transport for reasons that will become clear.
Automatic weapons are automatically the property of the State of California and as such can never be sold. They are also invariably black in color with reflective gold trim (civilian issue including police and paramilitaries, see below) or no trim (military in uniform ONLY). Common types include automatic rifles and submachine guns. Machine pistols are common issue to soldiers and especially scout-soldiers for personal defense. The Strategic Defense Force carries submachine guns, no trim, as one of their identification trademarks. Only those assets of greatest value and danger to the California Republic are protected by SDF, including all weapons of mass destruction.
However, automatic weapons are commonly _issued_ to soldiers, police, paramilitaries, guards, militia, civil defense workers, large employers (for use in their facility security plans) and the general public. A legitimate need is required (and California has a wide interpretation of 'need') but the firearm is registered by indelible and multiple serial numbers (SN) to that individual in a database that can easily be searched by anyone. Repeat anyone. A private person doing a lookup only finds whether authorized or not ("green" or "red"), authorized paramilitaries get more information, and military and police get detailed information sometimes redacted i.e. Naval Militia but not whether they are a sailor or not.
As 'assault weapons' automatic weapons must be kept locked up when not in use. An automatic weapon kept or carried in compliance with organization security procedures is "in use", as is one on the range.
CHP for example requires that automatic weapons be carried or secured in a vehicle gun lock system. Many employers and militia have a two person or even a three person rule - the intent is to allow people to react to a single individual carrying an automatic weapon as a deadly threat.
The gold trim is an extremely important detail. People who think nothing of seeing an automatic weapon with gold trim will run away, activate panic buttons, and/or open fire immediately on sight if they see an automatic weapon that is 'naked' or 'dirty.' The carriers of automatic weapons know this and take care to carry accordingly. Shoulder sung with muzzle down is common.
Some premises, especially government and military, will ban rifles and shotguns but permit automatic weapons. This is on the theory that persons permitted automatic weapons are carefully screened and more highly trained.
Explosives are a violent felony to possess without special permit. Legitimate transportation of explosives is always by couriers armed with automatic weapons. Heavy weapons are treated as explosives.
Machine guns, including light, medium and heavy machine guns, are considered automatic weapons under State of California ownership. The application and permit process for loans is extremely strict. A liability bond of $100,000 CAD is required for private and militia loans. These bonds cost from $7,000 CAD to $15,000 CAD per year depending on third party validation of the safety and security procedures including background checks of the organizations and individuals loaned to. It is a status symbol for a community militia or civil defense team to be entrusted with a machine gun.
A special operations team may be able to impersonate a militia, police, military or paramilitary unit for a brief period. However, under normal conditions all the forces in an area know each other and have a good working relationship. It would be uncommon and suspicious for them not to at least wave at each other, if not stop and gossip.
In a general emergency, response units may work together without that relationship. Commonly, units carry rolls of duct tape in several colors and bandanas of several colors. Radio traffic and response orders will specify a valid combination (i.e. "BLUE X, SHOW PINK") and units will _immediately_ stop and configure accordingly. Unmarked units will be considered potential hostiles and challenged.
The second part of the question is nonsensical.
The government and the people of California view themselves as the same entity. The population does not need to be 'controlled,' but rather it is the duty of everyone to help each other and their 'state' as much as they can. Recent disturbances in San Diego fomented by American agitators are instructive in this regard. Troops called into to suppress protests consistently refused. Instead, they met with and talked to protesters, and took up their causes as their own. Until the 'proper' or 'correct' resource arrives, everyone else will do the best they can. The populace cannot be frightened into sitting out disorder they will grab their guns and other emergency equipment and flock to it, as moths to a candle.
Individuals will respond as individuals do. Threats to life, family, blackmail, etc are as effective as usual. However, the collective response to what is perceived as an outside threat reminds some observers of Somali militia - an incoherent but immediate clumping of persons racing to respond, most armed and nearly all willing to risk their lives to stop it.
One of the most popular songs on California radio and television is titled "Without Counting" and has to do with this attitude, which is pervasive across the population.
We work hard every day,
to make a better day,
I spend all my pay, without counting the check
My brother at sea,
Whom I never see.
I hope that I will, without counting the days
Our friends who have died,
So long we have cried,
Remember them always, without counting the tears
At death he scoffed,
Came home in a box.
I know it's just dirt, without counting the clods
When I must go,
Just where I don't know.
I know it's my turn, without counting the cost
Just raise a toast,
To our Golden Coast.
Remember our dead, without counting the graves
And empty your glass,
Keep in good cheer,
Savor your beer, without counting the drops
Obviously this attitude is the product of a sophisticated propaganda campaign, white and gray and black agitprop, with the critical distinction that the authors believe it and the population _wants_ to believe in it.
Even remaining nostalgia and sympathy for America is flavored by the question of what is good for _California_ about being part of America. Appeals to American patriotism will fall on deaf ears.