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Assemblyman Tri Ta released this statement strongly opposing the partisan party line vote to pass Assembly Bill 784 out of the Public Safety Committee. If passed by the legislature, this bill would significantly restrict the use of police dogs putting the lives of police officers and suspects at risk.
“Canines are a critical resource for law enforcement,” said Assemblyman Ta. “This is bad policy that removes a key tool from police, places law enforcement at risk, and makes California a more dangerous place to live.”
Police dogs help detain, pursue, and identify a suspect. They also assist in detecting illegal drugs, explosives, deterring crimes, protecting officers, and controlling crowds. California’s Department of Justice ranks police dogs as a use of force alternative less serious than the use of Tasers.
“Law enforcement across northwest Orange County utilize police dogs to keep our community safe,” added Assemblyman Ta. “Sacramento politicians must decide if they want to stand with law enforcement or with criminals. I urge my colleagues to reconsider their decision on AB 784.”
