HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.4 Canine Program Police Services
CITY CLERK
File # D5Je[Q]-m~
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 6,2007
SUBJECT:
Proposal for Implementation of Canine Program at Dublin Police
Services
Report Prepared by Gary 1. Thuman, Chief of Police Services
A TT ACHMENTS:
None
RECOMMENDA nON: V'1. ~ Receive Report and Authorize Implementation of Canine Program
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Police Services
Operating Budget
DESCRIPTION:
Dublin Police Services has been presented with an opportunity to create a Police Canine Program in
partnership with the existing program at Alameda County Sheriffs Office. Police canine programs have
been successfully used in other communities throughout the United States since the early 1900's. In
addition to Alameda County Sheriff s Office, neighboring cities that have found canine programs to be a
valuable asset to their communities include Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville.
Law enforcement has identified many advantages of canine programs including: the timely apprehension
of suspects; assistance in location of missing persons; provision of an enhanced degree of officer safety;
assistance in the detection of narcotics and bombs; and as a useful tool to complement existing community
relations programs. Canines also provide officers with an additionalless-than-lethal option in protecting
the community and preventing crime.
The primary objective of the proposed Canine Unit is to use dogs for the search for missing persons and
the location of suspects and/or evidence that can be linked to a specific crime. A canine can be one ofthe
most effective investigative tools available for a patrol officer's use. It has repeatedly been demonstrated
that the mere presence of a canine can convince a suspect to cooperate with officers.
COPY TO:
ITEM NO.
8.Lt
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Page 10f3
The creation of a canine program at Dublin Police Services is an opportunity to increase law enforcement
effectiveness with minimal cost impact; advance effectiveness of existing personnel resources; and
improve access and response of canines when the local need arises. Canines can also be a valuable tool
for crime prevention programs especially when used at public demonstrations in schools and at various
community events. Public awareness of these programs can be both positive and supportive.
The use of canines in conducting searches has proven to be significantly more effective in producing
results while appreciably reducing the risk of injury or death to an officer. Most notably the use of canines
can and often does save officers from engagement in physical altercations and confrontations that could
potentially result in injury. The existing four canines assigned to Alameda County Sheriffs Office patrol
division were deployed over six hundred (600) times in the past year, sixty (60) of those deployments
resulted in arrest of a suspect. In fifty-seven (57) of those sixty (60) arrest incidents, the suspect self-
surrendered once it became known that a canine was on scene. During the past six months, canines from
Alameda County Sheriffs Office were directly responsible for three (3) arrests in Dublin.
As with other liability issues associated with police operations, the existing contract between Alameda
County Sheriff s Office and the City of Dublin indemnifies the City against any claims filed by aggrieved
parties in connection with the canine program. Nevertheless, it is important to note that in an informal
survey of surrounding agencies, it was found that there had not been a single cause of action wherein a
claimant received monetary damages. Exposure is significantly reduced through proper training,
supervision and program management.
Based upon an assessment of operational need and existing resources, it is proposed that Dublin Police
Services implement the program with two canine teams (one canine and one officer per team). There
would be no need for assignment of additional personnel to Dublin Police Services; canine handlers
would be selected from the existing personnel contingent. To reduce overall costs associated with
creation of the program, Alameda County Sheriff s Office has agreed to cover a significant portion of the
one time equipment costs (i.e. canine acquisition, kennels, and handler equipment), as well as a significant
portion of the costs for initial canine and handler training and ongoing annual training.
The Sheriffs Office has offered to take responsibility for approximately $50,000 in start up equipment
and training costs associated with the two canine teams. The City of Dublin would be responsible for
costs associated with: (1) the necessary equipment modifications to the City owned patrol vehicles; and
(2) 3.5 overtime hours per officer per pay period for required canine home care (federally mandated
compensation). These costs can be accommodated within the adopted Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Police
Services Operating Budget. Ongoing program costs for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 will be included in the
budget proposal presented to the City Council in June of 2007.
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The table below outlines initial start up expenses and ongoing annual expenses for implementation and
operation of the program; these costs are reflective of expenses associated with the two canine teams as
discussed above:
OANINE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
:ggST ANALYSIS
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FY 2006.:.2007 estimated
Alameda County
Sheriff's Office
$16,450
$4,000
$29,200
Ex ense T e
Capital: Equipment
Operating: Services & Supplies
Training
Personnel:
Overtime for Canine Home Care
TOTAL
Ci
of Dublin
$7,500
$49,650
$2,375
$9,875
Ex ense T e
Capital: Equipment
Operating: Services & Su plies
Training
Personnel:
Overtime for Canine Home Care
TOTAL
Ci
of Dublin
$800
$19,200
$20,000
$10,920
$10,920
The addition of this program to the City of Dublin will significantly enhance existing law enforcement
services to the community at a very modest expense. The need to propose creation of this program mid-
year is the direct result of two factors: (1) the availability of two canines specifically suited to the City of
Dublin; and (2) mandated handler training being offered locally (once only), thus eliminating tuition and
per diem costs for the five week training course. If approved, it is expected that a fully operational Canine
Program would be in operation in the City by May 2007.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and authorize City Manager to notify Alameda County Sheriff s Office of approval to
implement Police Canine Program at Dublin Police Services.
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