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.
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.
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