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Allan Classen's avatar

Thanks for the comment. The 2012 DOJ settlement is no secret, but some police decisions regarding the standoff on Northwest 21st Avenue last month were not known by the public.

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Corinne's avatar

Thank you for highlighting the settlement agreement in your article. My point was aimed at mainstream journalism that does not seem equipped with very basic information. Whenever a tactical décision is made within the municipality regarding law enforcement, refer first and foremost to the settlement constraints.

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Corinne's avatar

The DOJ settlement agreement is no secret to anyone. It's easy to access online and connect the dots. Sam Adams invited the DOJ in 2012. This is nothing new. We, as a city, demanded rigorous procedural scrutiny for use of force and other matters. That stand off and custodial process are the natural outcome of those demands. We can not expect the police bureau to play by any other rule.

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Tim Larson's avatar

But we can give them better tools to use in safely disarming mentally ill individuals like this more quickly and efficiently, so they can receive the help they so desperately need. See my response for more details.

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Tim Larson's avatar

I am looking for support for a new policy that would allow the use of animal capture techniques for the safety of both the dangerous individuals like this man and the Police we have hired to protect us from the increasing number of dangerous situations like this! The use of netting is my personal choice as it can be done very quickly and safely, ending the incident in minutes rather than hours, greatly reducing the costs involved, returning peace to the area in a timely manner and ensuring the safety of the people residing in, or visiting the area.

Here is what AI has to offer about the best practices for protecting the public from dangerous or rabid animals:

“Animal control officers prioritize safety for themselves and the public when capturing a potentially rabid animal. Their methods involve a combination of specialized equipment, careful techniques, and a thorough understanding of animal behavior. Here's a breakdown of how they typically approach such situations:

1. Assessment and Planning:

* Information Gathering: Before approaching, officers gather as much information as possible about the animal's species, size, behavior, and location. This helps them determine the appropriate equipment and strategy.

* Risk Assessment: They evaluate the potential risks to themselves, other people, and the animal. Rabid animals can be unpredictable and aggressive, so caution is paramount.

* Developing a Plan: Based on the assessment, they formulate a plan that aims to capture the animal safely and efficiently, minimizing stress and the risk of bites or scratches.

2. Utilizing Specialized Equipment:

Animal control officers have a range of tools at their disposal, and the choice depends on the specific situation:

* Catch Poles (Snare Poles): These are long poles with a loop at the end (made of rope or cable) that can be used to gently restrain an animal around its neck or body. This allows the officer to keep a safe distance.

* Nets: Heavy-duty nets, sometimes attached to poles, can be used to scoop up or throw over smaller animals.

* Live Traps: Box-like traps baited with food can be effective for capturing animals without direct contact. These are particularly useful when the animal is in an accessible area.

* Animal Grabber Tongs: These long-handled tongs allow officers to grip and move animals while maintaining a safe distance.

* Protective Gear: Officers wear bite-resistant gloves, and sometimes full protective suits, to minimize the risk of injury. Eye protection is also crucial to prevent saliva or other fluids from entering the eyes.

* Chemical Immobilization (Dart Guns): In some situations, particularly with larger or more elusive animals, trained officers may use dart guns to administer tranquilizers. However, this method has legal and medical complexities and requires specialized training and authorization.

3. Capture Techniques:

* Maintaining Distance: Officers always try to maintain a safe distance from the potentially rabid animal.

* Using the Least Restrictive Method: They aim to use the least stressful and most humane method of capture possible for the situation.

* Securing the Animal: Once captured, the animal is typically placed in a secure transport cage to prevent escape and further contact.

* Avoiding Direct Contact: Officers take extreme precautions to avoid direct contact with the animal's saliva or other bodily fluids, as rabies is transmitted through these means.

4. Post-Capture Procedures:

* Quarantine and Observation: The captured animal is usually quarantined and observed for signs of rabies by trained professionals or public health authorities.

* Testing: If rabies is suspected, the animal will likely be euthanized, and its brain tissue will be tested for the virus.

* Reporting: Animal control officers document the incident and report it to the appropriate public health agencies.

Important Considerations for Officers:

* Vaccination: Animal control officers who work with wildlife or domestic animals are typically vaccinated against rabies as a preventative measure.

* Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If an officer is bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, they must undergo immediate and thorough wound cleaning and receive PEP, which includes rabies immunoglobulin and a series of rabies vaccine shots.

* Training: Proper training in animal handling, capture techniques, and rabies awareness is essential for animal control officers.

In summary, animal control officers capture potentially rabid animals using a combination of specialized tools, careful planning, and techniques that prioritize safety and minimize stress to both themselves and the animal. Their goal is to safely contain the animal for observation and testing to prevent the spread of rabies.”

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