TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KEVIN MENSEN, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT
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Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds - Police Bloodhound K9 (Federal Grant G4255).
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RECOMMENDATION
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1) Establish a Federal Grant Number G4255; 2) appropriate $23,794 from unappropriated reserves of the Asset Forfeiture/Department of Justice Fund 120 for the purchase of a Police Bloodhound Service Dog, including initial training and all necessary equipment for both the dog and handler (Police Bloodhound K9 Team); 3) increase the Asset Forfeiture revenue by $23,794; and 4) authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents on behalf of the City.
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FISCAL IMPACT
These purchases require an appropriation of expenditures and revenue of $23,794 from the unappropriated reserves of the Federal Asset Forfeiture/Department of Justice Fund balance. There are sufficient funds for this appropriation.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above furthers the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Superior Customer Service
• Public Service Excellence through Internal and External Partnerships
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Revenue: 12040002-59500-G4255 |
Expenditure: 12040002-40010/43050/43320/48090-G4255 |
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Transfer Out: Click or tap here to enter text. |
BACKGROUND
For several years, the Chino Police Department has directly participated in investigations or prosecutions that have resulted in a federal forfeiture and, therefore, an equitable share of the net proceeds of the forfeiture is returned to the city. Forfeiture funds can only be designated for law enforcement use and must be used to increase or supplement the resources of the receiving law enforcement agency. Forfeiture funds cannot be used to replace the resources of the Department.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Chino Police Department's personnel allotment designates four police service dogs, but currently staff three. To increase our operational capabilities, the Department has recognized the substantial advantages of incorporating a Police Bloodhound K9 Team to our existing K9 Unit.
Introducing a Police Bloodhound K9 Team into the Chino Police Department's existing K9 Unit offers significant operational benefits. Bloodhounds are recognized for their superior tracking abilities, particularly in locating missing persons and criminal suspects across extended distances and challenging environments. Their highly refined sense of smell enhances the Department's ability to respond to critical incidents, locate individuals who have gone missing, and apprehend suspects fleeing from crime scenes, ultimately boosting public safety. Bloodhounds also excel in search and rescue missions, strengthening community relations and reflecting the Department's dedication to effective policing practices. Overall, a Police Bloodhound K9 Unit significantly elevates the operational effectiveness of the K9 Unit while building trust with residents.
As part of the research process for this project, K9 Unit supervisors consulted with several agencies in Southern California regarding their bloodhound programs and potential vendors. After vetting multiple options, it was determined that Scent Evidence K9 best aligns with Department needs.
Scent Evidence K9, based in Tallahassee, Florida, provides AKC-certified bloodhounds that undergo an extensive 8-month training program before joining a new K9 handler. After the initial training, the bloodhound and handler must complete a rigorous 5-day certification course offered by Scent Evidence K9 in Tallahassee. It is strongly recommended that the unit's supervisory team attend this training as part of establishing the Police Bloodhound program.
The Police Bloodhound K9 Team will be incorporated into the existing K9 MOU and will occupy the fourth K9 position currently allotted.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The costs for the new Police Bloodhound Service Dog are projected to be:
• Purchase of a Bloodhound K9: $12,000
Total cost for the bloodhound is $13,500 - Initial $1,500 deposit paid from 2023/24 K9 operating budget
• Equipment, initial training, travel and lodging expenses for K-9 handler and two supervisors to Tallahassee, FL: $11,794
• TOTAL COST: $23,794
Ongoing costs for the Police Bloodhound will be paid from the annual K-9 Unit operating budget.
The Bloodhound K9 will be purchased through cooperative GSA contract #47QSWA22D0059 as reference in the attached noncompetitive source selection justification form. Cooperative purchasing is authorized per CMC Section 3.32.070.D.2.
The acquisition of a Bloodhound K9 is a strategic investment in the Chino Police Department's operational capabilities and community outreach efforts. With the outlined budget and the broad benefits, this program will significantly enhance our ability to serve and protect the community.