Title
Donation of an Electronic Storage Detection K9 and Training (Ordinance S-52894) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or the City Manager's designee, to accept the donation of an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 and handler training from the Phoenix Police Foundation valued at $20,500 to become property of the City of Phoenix and operated by the Phoenix Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept all funds related to this donation. If not approved, the donation would be declined.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Police Foundation has donated an ESD K9 and handler training to assist with detecting electronic storage devices during investigative searches. ESD K9s are currently used by ICAC Task Forces in 41 states and are traditionally provided to Law Enforcement at no cost. ESD K9s are trained to detect certain chemical compounds used in the glue for circuit boards that prevent electronics from overheating. Current statistics (provided by Operation Underground Railroad) associated with ESD K9s show they are locating electronic storage devices missed by searches on 80 percent of their deployments. In 2025, ESD K9 teams were deployed at over 2,270 search warrants across the country. They assisted with the arrest of 1,400 suspects and the rescue of 428 victims. These deployments result in an 82 percent success rate of locating evidence that was missed in the initial search.
This K9 will not require a specialized vehicle due to its job function. An existing ICAC grant funded vehicle has been identified to be utilized by its handler. This vehicle will be upfitted with a K9 heat alarm. The costs associated with vehicle upfitting and the ongoing K9 maintenance costs (i.e. food, supplies, veterinary visits) can be covered by the existing ICAC grant, which is funded by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
The K9 handler has agreed to remain in their current assignment for a minimum time period of five years to keep the K9 in service and available for deployment.
The Phoenix Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation is committed to addressing unmet capital needs of the Phoenix Police Department, providing financial assistance in crisis situations, and recognizing those who protect our community.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact. The Police Foundation will donate the K9 and handler training, valued at $20,500.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.