To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
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APPROVE THE RETIREMENT OF POLICE CANINES “ACE” AND “BALTON” AND THE ASSOCIATED CANINE TRANSFER AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZING THE HANDLERS, OFFICER DANIEL HALEY AND SERGEANT DAVID ARNOLD, TO PURCHASE THE CANINES FROM THE CITY FOR ONE DOLLAR EACH
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Canine “Ace” is approximately 7 years old and has served the City for 5 years. Canine “Balton” is 10.5 years old, and has served for 9 years. Ace has lived with Officer Haley and his family throughout his service career, and Balton has resided with Sergeant Arnold and his family for the duration of his career. Both canines have been tremendous assets to the community and have reached the end of their service lives. As such, the Police Department recommends the City Council approve their retirement and authorize the transfer of ownership to their handlers for the sum of one dollar each.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach purchased Canine Ace over five years ago, and the canine has lived and worked with Officer Daniel Haley twenty-four hours a day for the duration of his service life. During his service, Ace has participated in hundreds of searches for criminal suspects, explosives, and contraband in the City of Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay. While assigned to Patrol, these efforts resulted in the discovery of firearms and ammunition. His work has included explosive sweeps at events such as BeachLife, various City signature and special events, and with regional partners at venues including SoFi Stadium. Their work has directly contributed to the safety of tens of thousands of people. Continuous evaluation conducted with subject matter experts, including the Department’s contracted training service(s), indicated that canine Ace had reached the end of his service life and, as a result, should be retired rather than placed into service as a single-purpose explosive detection canine.
Canine Balton was acquired over nine years ago, and has lived and worked continuously with Sergeant David Arnold. As a “Vapor Wake” canine, specially trained to detect body-worn explosives by following the scent trail left in a person’s wake, Balton has conducted hundreds of detection sweeps at major events such as BeachLife, SoFi Stadium, the Golden Globes, and the Los Angeles Marathon, playing a vital role in enhancing public safety across the South Bay and greater Los Angeles County.
Balton and Sergeant Arnold have partnered with local, state, and federal agencies, including the United States Secret Service (Vice Presidential Dignitary Protection), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), making a significant regional impact on public safety. An evaluation conducted with subject matter experts, including the Department’s contracted training service(s), indicates that canine Balton has reached the end of his service life and should be retired.
The Police Department recommends that the City Council approve the proposed Canine Ownership Transfer Agreements and authorize the sale of Canine Ace to Officer Haley and Canine Balton to Sergeant Arnold for the sum of one dollar each. These transfers are in the best interest of the canines, the Police Department’s Canine Unit, and the City of Redondo Beach.
COORDINATION
The Canine Ownership Transfer Agreements have been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City associated with the retirement of Canines Ace and Balton. The sale of each canine would result in a one-dollar payment to the City.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Canine Transfer Agreement, Canine Ace
• Agmt - Canine Transfer Agreement, Canine Balton