HomeMy WebLinkAbout05. Appropriate Funds to Purchase a Police Service Dog, Train Handler and Purchase Equip]�1111110
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: DEAN R. MILLIGAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2019
That the City Council appropriate $35,000 from the Asset Forfeiture Fund to purchase a Police
Service Dog, to train the dog and the handler, and to purchase related equipment.
In 2013, the Police Department re -started the dual-purpose Police Service Dog Program with the
purchase of "Dash," a Belgian Malinois. As a dual-purpose Police Service Dog, Dash is trained in
narcotics detection and suspect apprehension. The program has grown to a total of four dual-
purpose dogs with the additions of "Dani," a Dutch Shepard, "Zeke," a Belgian Malinois and "Rex" a
German Shepard.
Recently, Canine "Dash" has had medical problems and will be retired as a Police Service Dog on,
June 3, 2019. The Police Department would like to keep the program at four dual-purpose Police
Service Dogs and with the retirement of "Dash" we would request to purchase a new Police
Service Dog.
The advantages of keeping the Downey Police Department's Police Service Dog Program at four
duel -purpose dogs include, but are not limited to the following:
• Maintaining enhanced officer safety by the dog's unique ability to detect and locate a
hidden suspect.
• Decreased chance of physical confrontation between the officer and suspect because the
dog's presence encourages suspect cooperation, which increases safety for officers,
citizens and suspects.
• Deterrent to criminal behavior.
• Efficiency in locating narcotics and suspects.
• Increased number of apprehensions.
• Reduction in the amount of personnel time spent searching for suspects.
• Enhanced public relations through public interaction in the community and at schools.
The Department will purchase and train the dogs through Adlerhorst International Inc., who
specializes in police canine training. Our department has used Adlerhorst International for the
purchase and training of our dogs and handlers since the program was re -started.
UNSCHEDULED PURCHASE REQUEST FOR POLICE SERVICE DOG
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
PAGE 2
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the General Fund. The total cost of approximately $35,000 is
included in account #78-4-2120-0140.
Efficiency & Adaptability
Quality of Life, Infrastructure & Parks
Public Engagement
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