ACLC and Allies Turn Out and Speak Out Against K-9 Unit at Gainesville Commission Special Meeting

On Wednesday, November 16th nearly 50 activists gathered outside of city hall steps for a rally organized by the ACLC before crowding into the city commission’s special hearing, where the Gainesville Police Department attempted to justify its need for continuing the canine unit. Inside, there was standing room only. Citizens and activists organized by the ACLC, Florida Prisoner’s Solidarity, and activist Dani Chanzes were there to ask the Gainesville Commission to abolish the canine unit, noting the long history of dogs used as a weapon of terror against Black men, and most recently against Terrell Bradley. 

While GPD insisted the canine unit was needed to “chase down rapists” and find missing persons, GPD’s own presentation confirmed the dogs are used primarily against non-violent offenders (most of whom are disproportionately Black men), and activists were quick to remind GPD that more often than not, the police delay investigating rape and have other means to find missing persons. GPD said the dogs are “fun” for the community, while activists relayed the pleas of the community to end an out-of-date practice that goes back to slave patrols, noting this history is more important than any benefit from the dogs’ public appearances. ACLC Justice Committee activist Nicole La Roque recited findings from the internal affairs investigation of the Terrell Bradley incident, in which officers texted each other about taking the dogs hunting on the “eastside.” Finally, activists pointed out that in 2022, more humane options exist for apprehending suspects. The commission directed staff to investigate alternatives and voted to table the issue until the new commission is sworn in.

For background on the issues with GPD’s K-9 Unit, please read Sheila Payne’s and Bobby Mermer’s op-ed in the Independent Florida Alligator at this link.