A bill proposing the ban of the use of police canines for arrests, apprehensions and crowd control moved forward this week.
In a party line 6-2 vote, the Assembly Public Safety Committee approved AB 742 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Perris) and Ash Kalra (D- San Jose).
Jackson says the bill aims to end a deeply racialized and harmful practice that has been a mainstay in America’s history of racial bias and violence against Black Americans and people of color.
“The use of police canines has inflicted brutal violence and lifelong trauma on Black Americans and communities of color,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “This bill marks a turning point in the fight to end this cruel and inhumane practice and build trust between the police and the communities they serve.”
On this weeks vote, Assemblyman Tom Lackey was one of two votes against the bill.
“Just a reminder, I was here when the legislator passed a series of laws that directed law enforcement to utilize de-escalation techniques. It was clear the public wanted less lethal force,” stated Lackey. “I feel like this particular bill, AB 742, goes into a whole other direction. I’ll never vote for a bill that will restrict the ability of an officer to use less lethal force and that could de-escalate a life threatening situation.”
Lackey continued calling folks to look at the data.
“When canines are activated, suspects surrenders prior to a bite over 90% of the time,” stated Lackey. “That is a very powerful consideration that you are trying to strip from law enforcement. Its safer for the officer and safer for the suspect despite some of the stories you have shared. If anything, I do believe we should be using police dogs more. That is not meant to sound offensive, its meant to be honest because I believe that getting people to surrender and stop the resistance is powerful because everybody wins. Both the suspect and the officer when you reduce resistance and that is the role of canines so I will obviously not be supporting this bill.”
Assemblyman Juan Alanis also voted against the bill saying bill makes everyone and every community less sage in California.
“The fact it just passed the Assembly Public safety committee isn’t just tragic, it’s reckless & dangerous for public safety,” said Alanis. “I want to reiterate how much I fear the unintended consequences of AB 742 will lead to law enforcement officers having to use a higher level of force because it takes away yet another less lethal use of force option from officers. As written it’s irresponsibly reckless law.”
- Yes votes: (Democrats) Jones-Sawyer Bonta Bryan Santiago Zbur Ortega
- No votes: (Republicans) Lackey Alanis
AB 742 will now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The bills author points out it is important to note that this bill will not prevent the use of police canines for search and rescue, explosives detection, and narcotics detection that do not involve biting.
Bill to End the Use of Police Canines for Arrest and Crowd Control Introduced
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson, joined by co-author Assemblymember Ash Kalra, introduced a groundbreaking bill (AB 742) on Monday, February 13th, to prohibit the use of police canines for arrest, apprehension, and crowd control.
Antioch Police Department K9 officer on scene of an incident in 2014
The bill aims to end a deeply racialized and harmful practice that has been a mainstay in America’s history of racial bias and violence against Black Americans and people of color.
“The use of police canines has inflicted brutal violence and lifelong trauma on Black Americans and communities of color,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “This bill marks a turning point in the fight to end this cruel and inhumane practice and build trust between the police and the communities they serve.”
ACLU California Action, a co-sponsor of the bill, echoed Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson’s concerns. “The use of police canines has severe and potentially deadly consequences for bite victims, especially communities of color,” said Carlos Marquez III, Executive Director of ACLU California Action. “This bill sets a new standard for California and marks an important step in ending this inhumane practice.”
The CA/HI NAACP, a co-sponsor, emphasizes the historical significance of this bill. “Police canines have roots in slavery and have been used as tools of oppression for Black, Brown, and other communities of color,” said Rick L. Callender, ESQ., President of the CA/HI NAACP. “With this bill, we sever ties with the terrorizing past and move towards a brighter future.”
It is important to note that this bill will not prevent the use of police canines for search and rescue, explosives detection, and narcotics detection that do not involve biting.
6 comments
The reason more “ people of color” get bitten more often is because “people of color “ commit more crimes.
All crime statistics nationwide dating back as far as they go address that.
We don’t choose the color of skin the person is that commits the damn crime! This is democratic bullshit at its finest rite here! Thank god I moved out of California because of this garbage! AND HELL YES WE USE K9s in the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS TO APPREHEND SUSPECTS NO MATTER WHAT COLOR THEY ARE BECAUSE COLOR DOESN’T MATTER ! Everyone’s a human !!
The “deeply racialized” allegation reflects an emotional reaction to history, not a realistic consideration of current reality. This is not Bull Connor’s 1963 Birmingham.
K9’s Lives Matter
The number one priority use of police canines has always been for officer safety. Searching for suspects in building burglaries, hiding on property after committing a crime, evidence recovery (locating a weapon tossed by a fleeing suspect, car searched for drugs etc..
The issue of biting is at the control of the officer. An officer can call off a canine prior to biting a suspect during to an apprehension.
Police departments with a professional canine
program have established protocols (Rules of engagement) concerning the use of a canine and mirror those of the use of a weapon. In other words, when a felony has been committed.
Those promoting the cancellation of canines should accompany officers during the nighttime search of a building where a burglary is in progress. The truth of the matter is they would never step into such a danger zone. Yet, they sit back and dictate without common sense or knowledge, the way a department should be run. Ignorance should not be a part of decision making when it comes to the operation of a professional police agency.
A trained canine is controlled by the handler. Any agency promoting the cancellation of a well trained canine is not interested in the safety of their community.
Eric Swalwell
Retired police and canine officer
In addition to the above. The use of a canine has nothing to do with the issue of race. The idea that it even applies is fostered by the racism of those calling it racism. Unfortunately, it seems in todays world the word racism is used more and more and is promoted by those trying to divide our Nation from within. It is shameful.
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