sr-022211-3cCity Council Meeting: February 22, 2011
Agenda Item: 3-G
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Timothy J. Jackman, Chief of Police
Subject: Retirement and Disposition of Police Service Dog
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Authorize that police service dog Duke be retired from service and sold to Santa
Monica Police Department Officer Mike Von Achen for the sum of one dollar.
Executive Summary
This report concerns the retirement of Police Canine Duke, a 12 year-old police service
dog, and requests that the City Council approve the sale of canine Duke to his handler
for a nominal sum.
Background
During the past eight and one-half years, police service dog Duke has been handled by
Officer Mike Von Achen. During Duke's length of service, he has been involved in
numerous felony arrests and has received several commendations for his capabilities.
Canine Duke has also received commendations from other law enforcement agencies
for the assistance he has given them.
Discussion
Police service dog Duke recently retired from the Canine Program. Canine Duke, at 12
years of age, has experienced several physical limitations that are consistent with a dog
of his age, forcing him to retire from active service in the Canine Unit. It would be
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inhumane to expect Canine Duke to continue working as an active service dog due to
the problems he is experiencing. It has been department policy, since the inception of
the Canine Program, to transfer ownership of the canines that have reached the end of
their active service life, to their handlers for a nominal sum. A staff survey of six other
law enforcement agencies that use canines affirms that they have the same policy. The
policy is in the best interests of the animal and removes the possibility of any potential
liability to the City. Council has approved such transfers in the past when service dogs
have reached an age or developed medical conditions, which prevent their continued
service.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There will be no financial impact, since a replacement canine will not be purchased.
Office Von Achen's payment in the amount of $1.00 will be deposited to account
01304.407473 (Donations).
Prepared by: Kevin McGowan, Assistant to the Chief of Police
Approved:
Forwarded to Council:
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Timothy J. Ja an
Chief of Polic
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Rod Gould
City Manager
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