Sheriff's Department Canine Unit Report of the 2000-2001 San Francisco Civil Grand Jury

Recommendations 3

• R1
  The SF Civil Grand Jury recommends the priority funding of a reliable vehicle outfitted for canine transport to the SFSD K-9 Unit. Further, the CGJ recommends that this vehicle should have the capability to lower its "profile" when off duty either through a plain "unmarked" paint job or through the inclusion of SFSD logo removable magnetic signs to an "unmarked" vehicle so as to prevent acts of retaliation and ensure the safety of the SFSD K-9 Unit when the Unit is both outside of San Francisco and/or off duty. Required Response Sheriff - 60 Days
• R2
  Recognizing that the recording and maintaining of data regarding the activities of the SFSD K-9 Unit are vital to the effective operation of this unit, the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury recommends that a "laptop" computer with both spreadsheet and multiple database capability be made available to the Unit immediately. Required Response Sheriff - 60 Days 3 The effectiveness of the initial SFSD K-9 Unit has demonstrated the value in its expansion. The value of the Unit relies upon the performance level set by the deputy in charge of the Unit, and any expansion should be undertaken with his supervision and approval. With those caveats, the CGJ recommends that the existing SFSD K-9 Unit be expanded at those levels deemed proper by the deputy currently in charge of the Unit. Required Response Sheriff - 60 Days
• R4
  In the course of this investigation it was pointed out that a large degree of contraband is smuggled in during visiting hours. The canine officer assigned to the SFSD K-9 Unit is an "aggressive response" canine. Therefore, unacceptable levels of liability are inherent in use of the Unit to search visitors. It is apparent to the CGJ that this is an area in need of attention. The CGJ recommends that the SFSD examine the possibility of augmenting the "aggressive response" canine in the SFSD K-9 Unit with a "passive response" canine, to be used in parking lots and in entry areas prior to allowing visitation. Required Response Sheriff - 60 Days