Title
Approve and authorize the Sheriff to process the retirement of two canines, Kilo and Spur, owned by Monterey County and to allow the canine handlers to purchase their assigned canine for the sum of $1.00 each in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Monterey and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the Sheriff to process the retirement of two canines, Kilo and Spur, owned by Monterey County and to allow the canine handlers to purchase their assigned canine for the sum of $1.00 each in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Monterey and the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Monterey and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association has the following paragraph in Section 3.1.4.D. regarding canine handlers:
If a canine that is owned by the Sheriff’s Office becomes permanently disabled or is no longer able to perform its duties, as determined by the Sheriff’s Office within its sole discretion, the Canine Handler shall be offered the first opportunity to purchase the canine at a cost of one dollar ($1.00). If so purchased, neither the Deputy nor the canine will be entitled to any benefits described in this section, unless the Deputy is assigned another Sheriff’s Office-owned canine. If purchased, the canine shall become the sole responsibility of the purchaser and the purchaser waives all claims against the County.
Kilo and Spur are trained general service canines being permanently relieved from law enforcement service. Both canines were purchased and placed into service with the Sheriff’s Office in 2011 and have been steadily working. In 2017, the handlers were promoted to positions within the department that make it impossible to keep a canine. If the canines were to be reassigned, that would have required unbudgeted funds to be used for the training of two new handlers. With increasing costs and budgetary constraints, it was determined that the best course of action was to retire the two canines. Further, the two canines are approaching their senior years and have earned retirement status. The Sheriff’s Office is sorry to see the reduction of this program, which is solely due to budgetary matters.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved as to form.
FINANCING:
There is no General Fund contribution increase as a result of this recommendation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The cost of training two new handlers for the canines is unwarranted given the limited life expectancy of both dogs. They would not be in-service for a sufficient time period to justify the expense of training the new handlers.
__Economic Development
X Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by Jerry Teeter, Chief, X3801
Approved by Steve Bernal, Sheriff, X3856