HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - January 2, 1985 (48)PC}I,ICf: CtkNINNE
CCI2PS I'I,'C:CV M
RL INST Y11, I D
CITY COUNCIL Y=L+3G
JANUARY 2f 19851(0
Chief of Police I�'illi<uns regIN,
Fol Ia��ing a preseTitat ivn by x}sera D-
ing the Police Canine Corps, with questions being I.
Counci 1 , on rpt iorr of Counci 1 � ,ber Pinkerton, Snider
rxl Council authorized the Police I}eI>artment tc, reinstate
,,, ,O
the, Police Canine C01 -Ps Progral".
to: THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
SUBJECT:
.',OUNCIL COMMUNICATIM
Police Canine Corps
DATE NO.
December 27, 1984
As most of you are aware, the Lodi Police Department began a
canine program in 1969. This program was extremely successful
during its early years - resulting in the capture of fleeing
suspects and, in a couple of instances, esca;oed prisoners. The
community support for the program was very good and the dogs
were used for demonstration at numerous schools, etc. In short,
both this department and other departments have found the canine
program to be a very effective tool.
In the latter years of the program it began to suffer due to
several factors - age of the animals, injuries to a couple of
our handlers (injuries not related to the program) which re-
sulted in retirement and one handler leaving the force. This
left us with one of the four original animals and handlers left.
With the passage of Proposition 13 and the possibility of budget
cuts, Chief Yates discontinued the program in 1978.
We are at the present time consi,iering reinstituting the program.
Although that will hove some fiscal impact, it is minimal and,
if necessary, could be raised in part in the community. ley
question at this point is one of the Council's stand on such a
program. Would the Council philosophically be in support or
opposition to a Canine Unit? Realizing the new fiscal year
does not start until July, it would appear we have a lot of time
however it takes approximately six months to train and certify
a dog and handler. With this in mind, I would like to be able
to move forward quickly once we decide to go ahead with the prog-
ram and request Council's feelings on the matter before making
that decision.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Floyd A. Williams
Chief of Police