The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987. ALECA's mission is to support law enforcement agencies by promoting and assisting in the use of police service dogs for crime prevention and detection. The organization provides training, equipment, education, and support to handlers and trainers throughout the Southwest. Each year, ALECA holds several meetings and training seminars to advance its mission and organizes educational programs to increase public awareness about the vital role police service dogs play in law enforcement.

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, ALECA will host a Police K9 Public Demonstration at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The event starts at 5 p.m., is open to the public, and is free of charge. This demonstration is part of ALECA's initiative to educate the community about the capabilities and importance of police service dogs. The event will feature various demonstrations, including handler protection and tactical obedience, showcasing the dogs' skills and training.

ALECA's main sponsor, the Grand Canyon Division of Circle K, plays a crucial role in enabling the organization's mission. Their generous donations fund the extensive training programs that ALECA conducts, focusing on high-risk deployment training to ensure that handlers and their canine partners are well-prepared for real-world situations. Additionally, the funds support reality-based medical training, including the use of trauma kits and other essential trauma equipment. This financial support not only sustains the high level of training but also facilitates ALECA's community outreach efforts. Events like the Police K9 Public Demonstration educate the public and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The ongoing contributions from Circle K are pivotal in maintaining the quality and impact of ALECA's programs, reflecting a strong partnership dedicated to enhancing public safety and awareness.

In a recent interview, Tony Sanborn, President of ALECA, highlighted the organization's growth and expanding mission over the past eight years. Initially a competition among officers, ALECA has evolved to include comprehensive training and public education programs. Sanborn emphasized that training is crucial, with most donations, primarily from the Grand Canyon Division of Circle K, funding high-risk deployment training. He also mentioned the importance of reality-based medical training, which includes utilizing trauma equipment and providing trauma kits.

Sanborn explained that the demonstrations serve a dual purpose. "The purpose is to demonstrate the dogs' abilities and, more importantly, to represent what we encounter on the street," he said. These demonstrations help raise awareness about the effective use of well-trained police canines and counterbalance brief social media clips that often lack context. Sanborn noted that many more suspects surrender than get bitten, and bites typically occur when individuals refuse to surrender.

The officers and their agencies select the police K9 teams for these demonstrations, ensuring that only seasoned teams participate. Sanborn recounted a handful of stories of K9 teams, which included incidents where the dogs apprehended murder suspects and saved lives despite their own injuries. These events help build stronger connections between law enforcement and the community, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.

Sanborn encourages attendees to engage with ALECA and support their mission beyond the seminar through social media, newsletters, and their website, alecapolicek9.com. By staying informed and involved, the community can help sustain the important work ALECA does in training police service dogs and supporting law enforcement agencies. Public engagement and donations are crucial for continuing the vital programs that enhance public safety and foster stronger community relations.