Administrative
Report
H.14., File # 25-1011 Meeting Date: 7/15/2025
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2507-050, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE DONATION,
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF
TORRANCE FOR THE DONATION OF A POLICE SERVICE DOG TO THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Police Service Dog Max has served with the Torrance Police Department’s Canine Unit since December 2023. Due to the separation of Max’s assigned handler and current staffing shortages, the Torrance Police Department is unable to reassign a handler, resulting in Max’s removal from active duty. Without continued deployment, Max is at risk of losing his perishable skills and facing premature retirement. The Redondo Beach Police Department has a current handler vacancy allowing for immediate redeployment of Max into City service upon approval.
BACKGROUND
The Redondo Beach Police Department has the need, capacity, and a trained handler to immediately place Max into active service. Acquiring Max through a donation, provides an opportunity to fill a current canine handler vacancy within the Police Department at no cost to the City, preserve Max’s operational capabilities, and enhance regional public safety. This acquisition will not expand the size of the Police Department’s Canine Unit, but rather fill in an existing vacancy that will enhance overall capability and services.
The City’s contracted canine training provider and subject matter expert, Canine Deployment Strategies, LLC (CDS), has also trained the Torrance Police Department’s Canine Unit, including Police Service Dog Max. CDS has determined that Max is suitable for placement with the Redondo Beach Police Department and will complement the department’s existing capabilities. Max is expected to provide service for Redondo Beach for four years.
Accepting Max as a donation aligns with both agencies’ public safety goals and ensures the wellbeing of the canine. Should the Council approve the donation, the City of Redondo Beach will assume full responsibility and liability for Max, including indemnifying and holding harmless the City of Torrance from any future claims or damages arising from Max’s performance.
COORDINATION
H.14., File # 25-1011 Meeting Date: 7/15/2025
The resolution was approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. Based on a standard police service depreciation formula, Max’s four years of remaining service life have an estimated commercial value of $9,635.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Reso - Acceptance of Service Dog Donation
· Agmt - Service Dog Donation Agreement with City of Torrance