02-06-2001 - Purchase of Police CaninesCity of West Covina
Memorandum
TO:
FROM:
Daniel G. Hobbs, City Manager
and City Council
Frank J. Wills, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF POLICE CANINES
AGENDA
ITEM NO. C-6d
DATE FEBRUARY 6, 2001
® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
SUMMARY: The Police Department requests the City Council's approval to replace two Police
canines who must be retired for health reasons. The Department's K-9 handlers have
selected two canines from Alderhorst International, and there are ample funds in the
State COPS Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) for this purchase.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department deploys three specially trained law enforcement canines, used primarily for
drug searches, building searches, and SWAT deployment. Two of the three canines were projected to
need replacement because of aging, towards the end of the 2001-02 fiscal year. However, recent
medical problems with these two necessitate their immediate retirement and replacement.
DISCUSSION:
Because of their long-standing status as one of the premier training institutions for Police K-9 units in
the State, all of the Police Department's canines have been .purchased from Adlerhorst International of
Riverside. Adlerhorst's training methods lessen civil liability by focusing on less injurious techniques
for capture and detection of suspects. Over the past twenty years, the Police Department has used
Adlerhorst and has remained very satisfied with the results. Utilizing canines trained by another
kennel would needlessly disrupt long-standing canine training protocols. Alderhorst is viewed as the
sole source vendor for meeting the needs of the West Covina Police Department.
Our K-9 handlers have selected the canines (two Belgian malinois), which have already received basic
Police training.. After purchasing them through Alderhorst, our K-9 handlers will complete their
training here, geared specifically toward our applications.
There are ample funds in the COPS Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (Fund 155) for the
purchase of these two canines. By State legislation, this grant is targeted for front-line law
enforcement, so using these funds in this manner is appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The $12,900 for the purchase of the canines will come from the State COPS Supplemental Law
Enforcement Services Fund (Fund 155), which contains sufficient funds. Any subsequent mandated
training for the canines is reimbursed by POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training). The Police
Department's annual General Fund budget already contains funds for the on -going costs of the three
canines in the K-9 Maintenance object.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council:
Find that Alderhorst International is a sole source vendor and authorize the direct purchase of these
two Police canines, at a cost of $12,900, to be paid from the SLESF grant (Fund 155-320-2110-
7160).
Frank J. Wills, Chie of Police
view d andZApved by:
cla
rtie Fields, Acting Finance Director