CRJ405 Advanced Seminar in Criminal Justice Unit 4.1 Discussion: New Initiatives, POST University, September 2025

 CRJ405 Advanced Seminar in Criminal Justice Unit 4.1 Discussion: New Initiatives 

Aside from your project, what other NEW criminal justice/law enforcement initiatives can you think of? 

There is a growing movement to increase the protection of Police dogs. Some have brought up the need to give Police Dogs the same protection as human Police Officers. This coverage also extends into the retirement of police dogs.  

• What type of research is supporting the new initiatives? 

The "Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act" (H.R. 5885) is a U.S. federal bill introduced in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) by Rep. Randy Feenstra to establish a grant program, administered by the Attorney General through the Department of Justice, to help cover the veterinary and medical costs for retired police K9s. The proposed grant program would award funds on a competitive basis to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that assist former law enforcement canines and their handlers with the costs of care after retirement. 

• Why do you feel that is important? 

Since police dogs put their lives on the line every hour of their shifts, just like their human police companions, they should be given protection and coverage. They should be wearing bullet proof vests, and they should be treated like living souls instead of property.  

 

Purpose of the Act 

• Establish a Grant Program: To create a grant program to financially assist with veterinary care, medications, and other medical expenses for former law enforcement canines.  
• Support Retired K9’s: To address the often significant and costly medical expenses police dogs face after their service, which are typically the responsibility of their human partners or departments.  
• Encourage K9 Programs: By reducing the financial burden, the legislation aims to encourage more police departments to add K9 units, particularly small and rural departments that may lack resources.   

• How do you think this new initiative could change the criminal justice world? 

This bill will raise to the proper levels the importance of Police Dogs in the police world and that they need to be taken care of properly beyond a piece of property, which is the standard description of animals.  

“To alleviate the financial strain facing K9 handlers, this legislation – which came to life following my conversations with police and law enforcement officers in Iowa – would help police departments pay for routine checkups and other veterinary care for police dogs after they retire. Due to their demanding work, police K9s face higher risks of developing illnesses like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and separation anxiety – all of which require high-quality, and potentially costly, veterinary care – and our local officers should not be saddled with these expenses.” (Feenstra, R., 2024) 

 

References: 

Feenstra, R., 2024, Randy Feenstra, Law enforcement officers and police dogs deserve our support, https://feenstra.house.gov/media/op-ed/law-enforcement-officers-and-police-dogs-deserve-our-support