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Become a K9 Champion
Police canines safeguard public events , find missing persons , detect bombs , locate evidence , and de-escalate very dangerous situations , preventing shootings and preserving life .
For the past 19 years , every police service dog at SDPD has been purchased with funds donated by community members through the San Diego Police Foundation .
You can become a K9 Champion with a donation to purchase a new dog that will follow in the paw prints of one of our soon-to-be retiring K9 Crimefighters .
New dogs typically come to the K9 Unit at age two or three and usually work with one officer , their handler , until they ' re about eight years old . When they retire , they live in comfort with the handler with whom they have long served .
The K9 Unit is mobilized when a dangerous call is in progress , such as a burglary , robbery , or vehicle pursuit , often de-escalating potentially violent confrontations .
The dogs are able to clear areas before officers approach on foot , and they can perform searches for fleeing and hidden suspects in urban areas , canyons , or buildings . Because the canines can cover up to four-times the distance as their human partners , they save SDPD nearly 700 service hours annually .
The specially bred dogs that make great police canines are in huge demand world-wide , elevating their price . The current cost to the Police Foundation is $ 14,223 per dog .
Last year SDPD ’ s K9 Unit responded to approximately 21,000 calls , working 24 hours a day , seven days a week throughout the entire city , benefiting all our communities .
Will you help us keep our K9 Crimefighters on the case ?
Creating a Safer San Diego for All
“ Safety is something so basic to life that every human craves it ,” states Sara Napoli , President and CEO of the San Diego Police Foundation . “ Yet , our safety is often something we take for granted – until it is threatened . Safe neighborhoods are the underpinning of all that we hold dear : our families and friends , our businesses , and the way we live our lives . This is something we should all care about .”
The goal of the Police Foundation is simple , yet essential : to create a safer San Diego . That means safety for ALL who live , work , and play in San Diego . Through community donations , the Police Foundation funds equipment , training , and outreach programs vital to creating safer communities . The Police Foundation does not fund weapons or anything already allocated in the City budget .
By providing programs that enhance policecommunity relations and supplying vital equipment needed to do their jobs safely and with excellence , the Police Foundation builds trust between peace officers and the neighborhoods they serve , as well as increasing officer safety and community wellbeing . Crime prevention benefits those most at risk , such as victims of domestic violence and violent crimes , children , and the elderly . Yet , the interests of everyone in San Diego are served by a region that is safe , peaceful , and secure .
Funded by community contributions since its founding in 1998 , the Police Foundation has provided a wide range of programs , equipment , and services including SafetyNet : Smart Cyber Choices ® safety education to keep kids safe online , outreach to enhance police-community relations , programs to divert youth from gang recruitment , scholarships for aspiring female police officers , conferences to elevate the professional development of SDPD personnel , police service dogs , lifesaving devices , and officer safety equipment .
A gift of any size is warmly welcomed at sdpolicefoundation . org or by calling Sara Napoli at ( 619 ) 232-2130 . Your generosity will propel our mission to create a safer San Diego for ALL .
98 GBSAN . COM | AUGUST 2022