The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) was founded to bring together canine handlers across Arizona for the Desert Dog K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo. Now in its 21st year, this event has evolved into a significant public engagement and entertainment occasion. Through the support of sponsors, ALECA has expanded its mission to include top-tier training for law enforcement and the provision of life-saving medical and safety equipment for both canines and officers.
“The support we provide to our member agencies is vast,” says Tony Sanborn, president, Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA). “We assist agencies in purchasing canines, paying for their training, buying medical equipment and equipment for their vehicles. And of course, we provide ongoing rigorous training of our professional law enforcement K9 teams out there. Many don’t realize it takes years in the field before officers are invited to become K9 handlers. It’s intense, rugged duty, so our ongoing training is critical.”
ALECA also, with the support of Circle K, developed the Handler Trauma Kit (HTK). Designed to be worn under the vest, the HTK ensures handlers are always prepared for emergencies. The kit includes tools to manage common canine injuries, such as cactus needle removal and opioid ingestion. Over 400 kits have been distributed throughout Arizona, with plans for at least 120 more each year.
The HTK has gained attention for its effectiveness, leading to requests for similar kits for family pet emergencies.
Sanborn says the organization’s biggest impact on public safety and the community has been the Desert Dog K9 Trials (this year’s event will be held Oct. 26-27 at WestWorld of Scottsdale).
“Thanks to our four-legged partners, the general public is keenly curious about all we do. We make more connections and build more bonds and public trust in that one weekend than any event all year,” says Sanborn. “It is the marquee event in Arizona for public safety appreciation. We’re proud of the results and feedback received from the thousands of guests who attend each year.”
Meet Officer Shawn Fitch, Chandler PD [Badge #563]
As an ALECA-trained officer handler, what is the best way you believe you’ve been able to impact the community?
The best way I am able to impact the community is by being able to effectively switch between both extremes of the profession: going from tracking down violent felons while holding nothing but a leash to being Officer Friendly later in the day because a little kid wants to see my police doggie.
What is one thing you train every dog to do?
Every Chandler K9 is trained in patrol work which includes searching for suspects in open areas and buildings, searching for items, trailing suspects, and apprehensions, which involves biting and holding a suspect until officers can arrest the suspect.
How old is the average police K9? And how old must they be to start?
Working K9s at Chandler Police Department have ranged in age from 2 ½ to almost 12 years old. The current average age of K9s at Chandler Police Department is 8 years old—we have three K9s, a 10-year-old, a 6-year-old, and a 3-yea- old. New K9s start their police career between 2 ½ and 3 years of age.
How many active police K9s are on duty in Chandler?
Chandler Police Department currently has five handler-K9 teams. Three are trained to detect four different drugs (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl) and two are trained to detect explosives. All are trained in patrol work.