title
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”
body
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 apprehension rates with K9 involvement are up to ten times (10x) higher than rates of non-K9 officers, as many perpetrators are intimidated and surrender to the presence of a K9 officer. The data suggests that media perceptions on the use of overly aggressive dogs is not applicable in Solano County. Secondly, the report found that pre-and-post deployment training practices of K9 animals has shifted from negative, harsh and forceful training to a more positive reinforcement environment, with improved results.
The Civil Grand Jury report found that K9 officers are no longer used for crowd control, rather, they are being used for single task and/or direction, in addition to being included in Peer Support environments, providing emotional and behavioral health support. K9 support training is currently taking place at California Medical Facility (CMF) and California State Prison (CSP). As the K9 animals age and retire from service, much of their care (and costs) are shifted from the law enforcement agencies to their current handler.
The Civil Grand Jury report has six (6) findings and six (6) corresponding recommendations. The report identified the Solano County Sheriff and the Solano County Board of Supervisors as responding agencies on behalf of Solano County. The report also required responses from all seven (7) of the County’s city police departments. The Board of Supervisors’ proposed response is set forth in Attachment A - Response to the Grand Jury Report of June 21, 2024: Solano County Canine Officer Training, Handling and End of Career Policies. Copies of Grand Jury reports are available upon request from the Clerk of the Board or can be viewed on the Civil Grand Jury section of the Solano County Superior Court website.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of preparing this report is nominal and is included in the County Administrator’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The is no County General Fund impact.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose to disagree with the recommended responses and direct staff to prepare a different or more elaborate response to the Civil Grand Jury.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
There is no other agency involvement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION