State lawmakers are considering a bill that, depending which side you’re on, would either promote social justice, or take away a critically-important tool of law enforcement.
The new proposal, co-authored by San Jose Assemblyman Ash Kalra, would greatly reduce the use of K-9s.
“K-9 units are used against not just poor or Black and brown community members, but just their existence, serves to terrorize, and to create a menacing environment,” said Kalra.
Police canines could still be used for search and rescue, and detecting explosives, and narcotics.
“I think you’re taking away a very big tool to be able to de-escalate things,” said Ron Cloward.
The retired Modesto police lieutenant is founder of Top Dog Police K-9 training. He’s worked with law enforcement in Hayward, Livermore , Alameda and Vallejo.
“I will tell you from my experience throughout my career there were probably at least two incidents. I can recall where I could have gone to deadly force if it wasn’t for the fact that I had a dog,” said Cloward.
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Southern California Assemblymember Corey Jackson co-authored Assembly Bill 742.
“Black Californians are more than twice as likely to fall victims of police canines than any other group,” said Jackson.
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Cloward says, like any other law enforcement tool, K-9s can be extremely helpful when used properly .
“If they want to do something positive, why don’t they do something positive towards proper training for law-enforcement and regulate what the training looks like because I think that’s where the problem is,” said Cloward.
The ACLU and the NAACP co-sponsored this bill. They say it would be another step towards building trust between police and communities of color.
