SANTA FE, N.M. — As a puppy, there were high hopes for Ayke to help revive the Santa Fe Police Department’s K-9 program. Now, four years later, the German shepherd is in the doghouse.
He has bitten more people than any other dog in the department’s K-9 unit and is the subject of an internal affairs investigation into an attack in March on one of the department’s own officers. The city also is defending against a lawsuit filed by an officer who underwent plastic surgery after being attacked during a 2022 training exercise, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
Police Chief Paul Joye declined a request by the newspaper for an interview, and the investigation is ongoing into the latest incident involving Ayke, who is one of four dogs used by the department.
Like other law enforcement agencies across the nation, the Santa Fe police force contends that K-9 units can be helpful when trying to detect illicit drugs or explosive materials or apprehend suspects.
Several states earlier this year were considering legislative proposals that would impose tougher penalties for harming or killing police dogs, with supporters noting that thousands of dollars are spent on training and that in many cases the animals are like family to their handlers.
Still, injuries caused by the animals have made headlines in Ohio, Utah and elsewhere in recent years.
The Marshall Project noted in 2020 that while there was no national database for tracking the use of K-9s, an investigation found that bites were documented in nearly every state. The nonprofit group also noted that excessive force lawsuits over dog bites are difficult to win, as police officers are often shielded from liability and federal civil rights laws don’t typically cover bystanders who are bitten by mistake.
In Santa Fe, Ayke is still on the job. Deputy Police Chief Ben Valdez wrote in an email that the department is confident the dog doesn’t represent a danger to the public.
In response to a question about the potential drawbacks of using the dogs, Valdez responded: “Police K-9s are a valuable asset for our community, when properly utilized there are no cons.”
The police department purchased each of the animals for about $4,400 and paid $2,200 for their initial certification course, Valdez said. The department spends about $4,800 annually on dog food and another $2,000 on veterinarian care.
The department requires K-9 units to complete at least 320 hours of training per year and for handlers to undergo physical and psychological well-being testing. The police dogs are certified by the Arizona-based National Police Canine Association.
Every bite by a police dog must be documented, according to Santa Fe’s policy. Those instances are reviewed to determine if policy was followed and if any corrective action for the handler is needed, Valdez said.
The Santa Fe Police Department has recently launched an internal affairs investigation on a member of the K-9 unit, raising concerns among residents and law enforcement officials alike. The investigation stems from allegations of misconduct and potential violations of department policies by the officer in question.
The K-9 unit plays a crucial role in law enforcement, assisting officers in various tasks such as tracking suspects, searching for drugs, and locating missing persons. The bond between a K-9 officer and their canine partner is strong, built on trust and teamwork. However, when allegations of misconduct arise within the unit, it can shake the foundation of trust within the department and the community.
The internal affairs investigation is a necessary step in ensuring accountability and transparency within the police department. It is crucial that any allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated to maintain the integrity of the department and uphold the trust of the community.
The Santa Fe Police Department has stated that they take these allegations seriously and are committed to conducting a fair and impartial investigation. The officer in question has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
While the details of the allegations have not been disclosed to the public, it is important for the department to be transparent throughout the investigation process. This will help to maintain trust and confidence in the police department among residents of Santa Fe.
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny on law enforcement agencies across the country, with calls for greater accountability and oversight. Internal affairs investigations play a crucial role in holding officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that they adhere to department policies and procedures.
As the investigation into the member of Santa Fe’s K-9 unit unfolds, it is important for the community to remain patient and allow the process to run its course. The ultimate goal is to ensure that justice is served and that any wrongdoing is addressed appropriately.
In conclusion, the internal affairs investigation launched on a member of Santa Fe’s K-9 unit highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. It is crucial for the department to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action to address any misconduct. By doing so, the Santa Fe Police Department can maintain the trust and confidence of the community they serve.
