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Assembly Bill 742, authored by Assemblyman Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), would prohibit the use of K-9 units for arrest, apprehension, and crowd control, while allowing K-9 units for search and rescue, explosive detection, and non-biting narcotic detection.
Jackson said he authored AB 742 in response to the high number of injuries reported with police dogs, as well as the claimed historical use of K-9 units disproportionately against African Americans and other people of color.
AB 742 made it past two Assembly committees last year, but ultimately failed because of the outcry from law enforcement leaders and groups across the state, the report noted. Police departments statewide emphasized the need to use dogs to apprehend suspects, safeguard officers' lives, and protect the public. Opponents also warned of an overall increase in crime if the bill passed, the article said.
Jackson is pushing for the bill to be brought to an Assembly floor vote by month's end for it to have a chance at full passage later this year.
Law enforcement groups remain opposed to the bill, citing the effectiveness of K-9s in promoting peaceful suspect surrender and protecting officers from harm, the article noted.
“Our canine units are only deployed after extensive verbal warnings and announcements are given to the suspect, bystanders, and surrounding residents,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna in a statement. “Often, the mere presence of a canine is enough to dissuade criminal acts or compel a suspect in hiding to surrender without incident.”
Experts believe passing the bill this year will be an uphill battle, as reported by the Globe.
Former police officer and K-9 unit member, Ronald Davis, says he’s puzzled by the push for this legislation. “Our dogs are there … because they help protect and defend,” he said. “Yes, they do bite people. But what the people trying to get this bill passed don’t tell you is how often they stop suspects with weapons who would have otherwise harmed an officer.”
He told the California Globe, “I don’t see how this can be passed. So many people came out against it last year, and unless they make big changes, it will entice no one else. People know how important police dogs are.”
