Police Department
www.santa-ana.org/pd
Item # 23
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 21, 2026
TOPIC: Resolution and Agreement for Police Department K-9 Poppy
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution and Agreement Authorizing Police Corporal Patrick Marshall to Purchase a Retired Santa Ana Police Department K-9
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase agreement between Santa Ana Police Corporal Patrick Marshall and the City of Santa Ana for the sale of a retired Santa Ana Police Department K-9.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CORPORAL PATRICK MARSHALL AND THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OF A POLICE K-9
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with Santa Ana Police Corporal Patrick Marshall the sale of a retired Police Department K-9 in the amount of $1 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) Narcotics Unit utilizes a narcotics detection dog trained to assist with narcotics investigations, serving as a valuable tool in narcotics interdiction efforts. The police narcotics detection dog is used in narcotics investigations, car stops, and search warrant service to help officers and detectives locate and seize narcotics during criminal investigations. In addition to enforcement duties, the police narcotics detection dog performs public relations activities that enhance the Police Department’s community engagement efforts. During public events, community members are able to “meet and greet” the police narcotics detection dog and observe simulations of narcotics finds.
Resolution and Agreement for Police Department K-9 Poppy April 21, 2026
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K-9 Poppy served SAPD for approximately five years. Poppy is an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever and the average retirement age for a narcotics detection dog is 8-10 years of age, dependent on multiple factors. At this time, Poppy’s overall performance has shown a noticeable decline. Despite consistent maintenance training and handler-led reinforcement, her engagement levels and search intensity no longer meet operational standards required for a full-duty narcotics detection dog. The training staff at Adlerhorst International evaluated Poppy and recommend retirement based on their observations.
At her age and physical condition, it would be impractical to keep her in service as a K-9 team with Corporal Patrick Marshall. During their assignment as a narcotics detection K-9 team, Poppy has lived with Corporal Marshall.
As Poppy retires, Corporal Marshall wishes to purchase Poppy for the standard fee of one dollar ($1). Police Corporal Marshall will assume ownership and full responsibility for the care, maintenance, food, housing, medical, and any other expenses that arise out of Corporal Marshall’s ownership of Poppy. In order to provide a consistent home and care for K-9 Poppy, it is recommended that the agreement between Corporal Marshall and the City of Santa Ana be approved.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will deposit the one dollar ($1) payment from Corporal Marshall for the purchase of K-9 Poppy into the Police Department’s Miscellaneous Reimbursement revenue account (No. 01114002-57402).
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
2. Agreement with Corporal Marshall
Submitted By: Robert Rodriguez, Police Chief
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager