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Approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2023/2024 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 21, 2024, entitled, "Solano County Canine Officer Training, Handling and End of Career Policies"
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2023/2024 Civil Grand Jury Report of June 21, 2024, entitled, "Solano County Canine Officer Training, Handling and End of Career Policies."
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On June 21, 2024, the Solano County Civil Grand Jury issued a report entitled "Solano County Canine Officer Training, Handling and End of Career Policies." As part of their investigation, the Civil Grand Jury examined canine (K9) officers' training, handling, policies, and procedures in all the County's law enforcement agencies, including the Solano County Sheriff. The investigation on the use of K9 dogs by law enforcement agencies explored media perceptions that the animals are dangerous, that third-party pre-deployment training practices are aggressively harsh and overly demanding, and that K9s don't receive the care they deserve at the end of their career.
Civil Grand Jury members conducted an in-depth review of career policies regarding the use of K9 animals, including the type (or types) of breeds used, initial training, handler training, K9 responsibilities, training within specialty areas, medical care, annual activity statistics, K9 apprehension rates and end of carer handling. The investigation also explored K9 activities and uses, including K9 officer deployments, search areas, narcotics detection, explosives, cadaver detection, special alerts, indications, and seizure incidents.
After a thorough review, the Civil Grand Jury reported that less than one percent (1%) of all apprehensions by law enforcement with a K9 resulted in a bite. The report also indicated that a...
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