A new bill in California seeks to standardize K-9 programs in all law enforcement agencies statewide, reports an article by KRCR.

The article reports Assembly member, Blanca Pacheco, introduced Assembly Bill 3241 (AB-3241) in mid-February. The proposed legislation aims to enhance trust between law enforcement and the community by addressing training, policies, legal principles, and reporting standards for police dogs, the article shared.

Pacheco stated when announcing the bill that “AB 3241 represents a significant step forward in standardizing law enforcement K-9 programs, enhancing accountability, and fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Together, we are committed to promoting professionalism and excellence in the use of police K-9 units across our state.”

The article listed supporters of the bill as: the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), and California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP). The groups believe the legislation can support the proper use of K-9s, according to the article.

Brian Marvel, president of PORAC, stated in the article that the bill would bring significant progress to law enforcement agencies throughout California.

“This bill will now standardize and make minimum standards throughout the state when it comes to the use of K-9s,” he told KRCR. “By doing that, you’re creating a much more professional usage of K-9s, effectiveness, accountability, data collection.”

If the bill passes, the article reported Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) would draft and publish procedures and send them out to law enforcement agencies, giving them ample time to adapt to the changes.