WHEREAS, While canines were used by law enforcement in the United States as early as 1907, with the establishment of the first official police dog program by the New York City Police Department, their institutionalization in southern California saw significant growth in the late 1970s, expanding from state-level law enforcement to city and county law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, The Richmond Police Department Canine Unit has a long and proud history of both canines and handlers. The Richmond Police Department Canine Unit was formed in 1961, and is second only to the Stockton Police Department as the longest continuous canine program in northern California; and

WHEREAS, Canine teams work collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies on various projects and incidents when needed; and

WHEREAS, Canine units significantly benefit California law enforcement by enhancing suspect apprehension, detecting narcotics and explosives, locating missing persons, and acting as a deterrent, all while often reducing the need for lethal force through their superior senses, speed, and ability in situations, protecting officers and the public; and

WHEREAS, The role of a canine unit extends from tracking criminals and finding evidence, including drugs or firearms, to providing community relations through demonstrations; and

WHEREAS, All of the handlers in the canine units enjoy working with the public and frequently conduct demonstrations. The handlers enjoy meeting the public and answering questions concerning the unit and canines in general. The canines enjoy all of the attention they get from the children who attend the demonstrations; and

WHEREAS, Studies and experts have highlighted canines’ immense value, and suggested that a single dog saves hundreds of personnel hours yearly, by preventing searches and deterring aggression, through rigorous, large-scale data on officers’ lives; now, therefore, be it