The K-9 unit at the Gainesville (FL) Police Department has been disbanded effective immediately until further notice.
City Manager Cynthia Curry announced the temporary executive decision Friday after weighing community input following the July 2020 arrest of Terrell Bradley, who lost his eye during a K-9 apprehension. She said more review is needed before sending the dogs back out to the streets, Gainesville.com reports.
“As always, public safety comes first," Curry said in a prepared statement. "I am not denying the usefulness of a well-coordinated K-9 Unit. However, based on recent information, this affords us the opportunity to reassess how best to serve our neighbors. We will involve the community going forward."
“During this time, we will reassign the officers based on the best needs of the department," GPD Chief Lonnie Scott said in a news release. "The canines will remain in the care of their handlers until such time a decision is made.”
