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, 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.”
ALECAPoliceK9.com
Meet Tempe Police Officer Michael Bloomer and his police K9 Chance
As an ALECA-trained officer handler, what is the best way you believe you’ve been able to impact the community?
I’ve used the skills provided by ALECA training to help reduce crime by apprehending criminals who commit habitual crimes. This, in turn, also reduces violent crimes as the only type of criminals we use a K9 to apprehend are violent ones. I have also successfully used my K9 partner and training from ALECA to de-escalate many potentially violent situations.
What is one thing you train every dog to do?
One thing I would train every K9 to do is trust their handler. Once you have trust established with your K9 partner, he will do anything you ask.
How old is the average police K9? How old must they be?
Most K9s are about one to two years old when they come to the police department. The average age can range quite a bit, but they typically work until they are about eight to 10 years old
How many active police K9s are on duty in Tempe?
The City of Tempe currently only has three active dual purpose K9s and four single purpose K9s. However, we have three in training and two more will be placed in training before the end of the year.
"We make more connections and build more bonds and public trust in that one weekend than any event all year.”