Several K9 Units from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will soon be equipped with bullet-proof vests, courtesy of a non-profit dedicated to the protection of law enforcement animals.

Since 1979, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been using trained K9 units to assist in everything from locating suspects, to finding evidence, to becoming valuable assets during standoff situations with a possibly violent suspect. Now, officials are looking to provide our canine deputies with the same physical protections given to their human deputies.

According to the LA County Board of Supervisors agenda, the county is set to authorize the acceptance of four bullet and stab protective K9 vests from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

“This award will provide Vests for K9s at the Department’s OSS Bureau,” said Jill Serrano, Assistant Sheriff, in a letter addressed to the Board of Supervisors. “The vests will be custom-made to fit each K9. Vests will be provided for K9s that are actively employed, certified with their handler, and at least 20 months of age.”

On Aug. 3, 2017, the Department notified the Board of their intent to apply for the K9 vests from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. On Oct. 3, 2017, the Department submitted an application and was selected to be a recipient of four vests, according to officials.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of Law Enforcement and related agencies throughout the country, as stated in Vested Interest in K9’s Inc.’s website.

According to Sandy Marcal, Founder and President of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., the non-profit has raised funds to provide over 2,800 bullet and stab protective vests since 2009.

Each vest is valued between $1,744- $2,283 according to Sheriff’s Department officials.

To learn more about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., click here.

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