Controversial State Bill Would Limit Use of K9 Units

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Sheriffs Deputy Brady Spaulding credits his K9 partner, Icarus, for helping to flush out a deadly shooting suspect who tried to lose authorities in the dense woods of Cowlitz County, Washington.

Icarus’ days as Spaulding’s partner may be numbered, however, if proposed State Bill 1054 passes in Washington state. In addition to banning choke holds and tear gas, the bill would nix the use of K9s to arrest or apprehend even violent crime suspects.

WA State Senate Representative Jesse Johnson (D) of the 30th District and a member of the House Public Safety Committee, is the bill’s prime sponsor.

“In many cases, bad policing is the result of bad policy,” Johnson said in a news release. “By doing away with dangerous and harmful tactics, we can begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and communities of color. We can deliver on true public safety that is equitable and just.”

However, Cowlitz County Chief Deputy, Troy Brightbill, says that the public safety is exactly what would be jeopardized: “If this [bill] is passed as written, it’s going to make our job more difficult. It’s going to make our job less successful. It’s going to make things less safe for our communities and our law enforcement officers.”

According to Cowlitz county records, in the 414 times K9s were deployed between 2018 and 2020, only 29 episodes (7 percent) culminated in the use of force, including a dog bite.

“Once they see the dog coming, they say ‘I give up. I’m done. We’ve resolved that situation peacefully,” Spaulding told KGW News.

Spaulding cited his K9’s heightened senses of smell, sight and hearing as making him an indispensable tracking and locating tool in the department’s arsenal against crime. “This is their first and foremost function.” They are not just attack animals, Spaulding asserts. They warn officers of impending dangers and absorb much of that danger themselves.

The bill would not place restrictions on K9s used for search and rescue missions or narcotics detection.

Many states have introduced police reform legislation in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers last May. Massachusetts is among those considering bills that contain provisions that may limit the use of police dogs.

There’s no doubt that many law enforcement agencies nationwide are in dire need of police reform including an overhaul of apprehension tactics and the increased use of deescalation techniques. However, removing K9s, such a vital and potentially life-saving member of policing teams, is ill-advised. The evidence shows that, used judiciously and responsibly, K9s facilitate quick — and generally non-violent —apprehension of dangerous suspects and may prevent additional crimes committed by an individual perpetrator.

Since our bond with canines was forged 14,000 years ago, we have been a healthier, happier and more well-protected species.