Agenda Packets - 2011/08/01 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item 04 August 1, 2011, Work Session Page 3 Canine handlers must be certified by the USPCA in order to achieve high professional standards and also to limit any liability. This standard is essential to having the best qualified handler and dog. Annual recertification is also a key factor to maintaining these high professional standards. A squad car is required to be assigned to the handler for take home. A simple rear seat conversion can be installed allowing for the appropriate design for canine use. The rear seat could be a full area for the dog or possibly a 2/3 insert for the dog to allow room to transport one prisoner. The existing squad fleet would not increase, but would use a squad car already in service to act as the canine vehicle. Expense and Cost Research has been conducted into the approximate cost of starting up a canine unit to be approximately $18,000. The initial cost includes the cost of the dog, initial training academy, vet bills, dog food, dog care, installation of equipment, and other equipment that is needed. (See table 1 below) Table 1 Establishing A Canine Unit (Pricing Based on 2011 Figures) Police Service Dog $7,500.00 Veterinarian Care $1,000.00/yr. Food $500.00/yr. Basic Equipment Package $800.00 Basic Canine Handler School $2,500.00 Basic Narcotic Detector School $500.00 K9 Transport Container $2,000.00 Installation $1,500.00 Tactical Deployment and Heat Alert System $900.00 Dog house and kennel at the handler’s residence $800.00 ________________ $18,000.00 Total While this initial cost can be considered a large expense, there are ways to reduce this cost through various means. The St. Paul Police Department has a nationally recognized canine program that is highly respected. Communication has occurred with staff from the St Paul Police Department canine unit and an invitation has been extended to our agency to attend the spring 2012 basic canine handler school. In addition, a non profit organization in St Paul called the St Paul Police K-9 Foundation has placed the Mounds View Police Department on a list to receive a grant worth $6000, should this program be approved and able to move forward. This is only one of two grants available for agencies outside of St Paul. The St Paul Police K-9 Foundation does require a response as soon as practicable, so the reserved grant opportunity may be offered to another interested agency.