There is a lot of overlap between the roles of police officers and Sheriff’s deputies, who are expected to be masters in all things related to public safety and law enforcement, and animal control and humane officers, who are expected to be masters in all things animal-related. That overlap is increasing as pets become our children. We share two common goals: safety for all—people and animals alike; and successful prosecution of those who endanger that safety. We need to reduce our insular thinking and include each other in our respective viewpoints, priorities and methods. This webinar will help bridge the gap and start a conversation between these two branches of law enforcement so we can better support each other, ensure more successful operations on both sides, help prosecutors do their job, and reduce everyone’s workload.
This session will cover:
- Roles of police/deputies in animal-related incidents
- Roles of animal control/humane officers in law enforcement
- Sources of authority of police/deputies and of animal control/humane officers, and how they differ
- Recognizing the gaps in training/expertise in both fields
- Common goals and ways to achieve them
- Benefits of working together
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit.
Presenter:
Harold Holmes has been the Executive Assistant for The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since 2016. Prior, he was a Deputy Director for the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services and before that retired as a Chief of Police in northern California.
Harold is a former U.S. Marine who was recalled to active duty for the Gulf War.
A hostage negotiator and police canine handler of an award-winning patrol dog at Redlands P.D., when he retired from police work, he began a new career as an animal control officer. While at San Diego County Animal Services, he developed the Responsible Pet Ownership Program for animal-law violators, which won an award from the California State Association of Counties. He has experience drafting and shepherding legislation that became law at both the State and local level.
Managing San Diego County’s Dangerous Dog Task Force for three years inspired him to attend law school. Harold graduated as the Valedictorian from Western Sierra Law School and was admitted to the Bar in June 2013. He is also a hearing officer, a trained mediator and teaches a variety of legal and law-enforcement related topics.
He has completed management and executive level trainings, including the County of Los Angeles/USC Executive Leadership Development Program.
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