TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing an agreement of transfer for Police Service Dog Jaxx.
SUMMARY
DATE: July 6, 2021
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Transfer of Police Service Dog
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code 614, Subchapter L, a political subdivision may enter into a contract with a person for the transfer of a law enforcement dog that has been determined by the head of a law enforcement agency to be suitable for transfer, after (1) consulting with the animal’s veterinarian, handlers, and other caretakers; and (2) the animal is at the end of the animal’s working life or subject to circumstances that justify making the animal available for transfer before the end of the animal’s working life.
An animal determined to be suitable and eligible for transfer may be transferred only to a person who is capable of humanely caring for the animal and selected by the applicable head of a law enforcement agency. If more than one authorized transferee requests to receive the animal, the applicable head of a law enforcement agency shall determine which potential transferee would best serve the interest of the animal and the political subdivision.
Jaxx is a multi-purpose Police Service Dog (PSD) with the Killeen Police Department and has been partnered up with his handler, Officer Scott Gillman for many years. Officer Gillman was recently transferred to a patrol shift and by the nature of his new assignment, it is not feasible for him to have a K-9 partner. PSD Jaxx has approximately 18 months of service life remaining and due to the high cost of training and the time commitment required for the transition to a new handler, it would not be cost effective or reasonable to have PSD Jaxx transition to a new handler, to just be retired a few months later. We are requesting to retire PSD Jaxx and per his request, transfer the ownership to Officer Gillman.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
To keep PSD Jaxx in service for the remainder of his service life and then allow transfer.
To transfer PSD Jaxx to Officer Gillman.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that the City Council allow the City Manager the authorization to execute the agreement of transfer to Officer Gillman.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This transfer conforms with the Texas Government Code as well as Article 3, Section 52l of the Texas Constitution, which allows for the transfer of a law enforcement animal in certain circumstances for no consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In the agreement, the City will be responsible for any food or medical care for PSD Jaxx for the remainder of his life.
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
FY 2021 - $500
FY 2022 - $1,000
FY 2023 - $1,000
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
Recurring expenditure
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in accounts 010-6035-441-41-95, Animal Supplies and 010-6035-441-47-04, Veterinary Services.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the Agreement to Transfer the Police Service Dog Jaxx to his longtime partner, Officer Scott Gillman
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Legal
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Agreement