HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 7205 SEPARATION OF POLICE CANINE "HARLEY" Cal of
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Texas
www.PortArthurTx.gov
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: September 12, 2024
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager
From: Timothy W. Duriso, Chief of Police
RE: PO 7205 —Separation of Police canine"Harley"
Introduction:
The intent of this Agenda Item is to seek the City Council's approval for the separation of
police canine "Harley", and sale of his services as a single purpose canine.
Background:
"Harley"is a 3-year-old Bloodhound that the police department has owned for approximately
2 1/2 years. After review of the capabilities of the canine,it was deemed that the canine was
not efficient to be utilized for patrol purposes due the fact that Harley is a single purpose
tracking dog only and can't work in any other capacity. Our current canines are dual purpose
dogs and receive training in tracking and could serve in several other capacities. Operational
procedures and handling instructions have changed to optimize the use of dual-purpose dogs
allowing for a faster response to scenes which lowers the chance of the track the dog will
follow to be contaminated and allow the track to be easier to contain and secure. With
eliminating a single purpose canine as in the case with Harley, this will allow the police
department to utilize our dual-purpose canines which are utilized for narcotics detection,
suspect apprehension, and tracking to allow a more effective use of our K-9 team to better
serve the citizens of Port Arthur. Further it is the belief of the canine coordinator that Harley
would have issues being transferred to a new trainer. Due to these findings it was decided that
Harley's service would not be needed with the police department. Harley can still be utilized
as a single purpose canine, and the Police Department is actively looking to sell Harley at this
time.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
City of
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Texas
www.PortArthurTx.gov
Budget Impact:
There is no budgetary impact for the separation of canine Harley.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the separation of police canine"Harley", and
potential sale of his services as a single purpose canine.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
P.O. 7205
JLH 9/12/24
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORNINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SEPARATION OF POLICE
CANINE "HARLEY" .
WHEREAS, the Police Department has a police canine
known as "Harley" that has been in service for the City of
Port Arthur for the past two and a half years; and
WHEREAS, it is the belief of the canine coordinator
that Harley would not be efficient to be utilized due to
being a single-purpose canine and not having the same skill
set as the other canines that we currently have in our
possession; and
WHEREAS, operational procedures and handling
instructions have changed to optimize the use for dual-
purpose dogs allowing for a faster response to scenes which
lowers the chance for the track the dog follows to be
easier to contain and secure; and
WHEREAS, with eliminating a single-purpose canine as
in the case with Harley, this will allow for the police
department to utilize dual-purpose canines which are
utilized for narcotics detection, suspect apprehension, and
tracking to allow a more effective use of our K-9 team to
better serve the citizens of Port Arthur; and
WHEREAS, it is the belief of the canine coordinator
that Harley would have issues being transferred to a new
trainer; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of the
City to approve the separation of police canine "Harley"
and sale of his services as a single purpose canine .
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR:
Section 1 . That the facts and opinions in the
preamble are true and correct .
Section 2 . That the City Council of the City of Port
Arthur hereby authorizes the separation of police canine
P.O. 7205
JLH 9/12/24
"Harley" and sale of his services as a single purpose
canine.
Section 3 . That a copy of the Ordinance shall be
spread upon the Minutes of the City Council .
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of,
September A. D. , 2024 , at a Regular Meeting of the City
Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following
vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers :
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Roxann Pais Cotroneo
City Attorney
P.O. 7205
JLH 9/12/24
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Artsk--
Ronald Burton CPM
City Manag?
Timothy W. Duriso '06
Chief of Police