November 28, 2023
Police Department
DATE: November 28, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Bisa French, Chief of Police
Subject:
Purchase of a Dual-Purpose Police Canine to Fill Vacant Team Position
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed expenditure of $18,231.87 will come from the Police Department’s approved budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 – account string 01191021-400605.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
n/a
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Police Department staff is requesting approval to
purchase a police canine with the associated training to replace a canine due for retirement at the end of the
year. The replacement will allow Police Department staff to maintain one canine on each of the five patrol teams.
The purchase and associated training will be made from
Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the purchase of a police canine and the
associated eight-week training class from Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC. in an amount not to
exceed $18,231.87 - Police Department (Chief Bisa
French 510-621-1802).
AGENDA
REPORT
November 28, 2023
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond Police Department’s Canine Unit has identified three vendors that can provide dual purpose police canines: Vohne Liche Kennels, Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC, and Spectrum Canine. Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC has the largest selection of police canines on hand at any given time.
Their flexibility, location, and number of available dogs would allow us to fill the vacancy, begin training, and certify the canine immediately. Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC is recognized as one of the nation’s premier police service dog suppliers and trainers. Their trainers have a background in law enforcement with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained as previous law enforcement canine handlers.
Richmond Police Department uses police canines on a daily basis and maintains one canine per patrol team for a total of five canines. Canines are used to help clear out residences and buildings that have been burglarized, locate narcotics and firearms, and apprehend individuals who have committed crimes and pose a threat to the community.
The canines work closely with Richmond Police Officers and community members to minimize threats and prevent violent criminals from hiding and eluding capture. Their ability to locate firearms and narcotics allows officers to recover dangerous items that otherwise could not be located. Police canines are vital members of our police force.
Their service is important to the safety of police personnel and the community.
Therefore, Police Department staff are requesting the approval to purchase one new canine officer and the associated training from Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consulting, LLC to replace the police canine officer set to retire later this year.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Quote Top Dog Police K9, LLC.
Attachment 2 – Quote Spectrum Canine
Attachment 3 – Quote Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc.