TITLE:
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AUTHORIZATION FOR THE RETIREMENT OF POLICE SERVICE DOG BODI AND THE SALE OF POLICE SERVICE DOG BODI TO OFFICER GEORGE MARIDAKIS
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DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY: JESSE CHARTIER, SERGEANT
CONTACT INFORMATION: JESSE CHARTIER, SERGEANT, (714) 754-5043
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Approve the retirement of Police Service Dog Bodi after five years of outstanding service to the community.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase agreement for the sale of Police Service Dog Bodi to Officer George Maridakis.
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BACKGROUND:
Bodi was born in the Netherlands on February 20, 2014 and joined the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) in December 2018 as the first Police Service Dog with the Police Department in many years. Bodi and his partner, Officer George Maridakis, joined forces and began patrolling the City of Costa Mesa in 2019. By 2020, Bodi became a dual-purpose police service dog certified in narcotics detection.
Over the course of 5 years, Bodi has provided safety to officers, and saved countless hours in building and area searches, and made numerous finds of criminal suspects. On three separate incidents, Bodi found violent suspects who concealed themselves and remained unseen by the police helicopter overhead.
Bodi has been an excellent de-escalation tool. On multiple occasions, his mere presence and barking caused armed felons to surrender and be safely taken into custody. Bodi has also been instrumental during illegal narcotics investigations resulting in over 40 arrests. His work has led to the seizure of over 30 kilograms of cocaine ($900k), 55 kilograms of fentanyl ($1.1m), 2 pounds of heroin ($26k), and 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine ($3.5m).
For five years, Bodi has served the Costa Mesa community and put his life on the line for his partner and fellow CMPD officers.
ANALYSIS:
At the age of 9 years old and in the twilight of his career, Bodi’s age and physical condition preclude him from further effective service to the City and the Police Department. It is recommended that Bodi be officially retired, with his retirement date set for January 27, 2024.
ALTERNATIVES:
No alternatives can be considered on this item.
FISCAL REVIEW:
No fiscal impact.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has approved this report and the attached purchase agreement as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen Public Safety and Improve the Quality of Life
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Approve the retirement of Police Service Dog Bodi after his five years of outstanding service to the community.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase agreement for the sale of Police Service Dog Bodi to Officer George Maridakis.