March 2015 The ACO Voice A Monthly Magazine from Animal Control Training Services State Laws, epubs and Ipads The ACO Voice - Page 1
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State Laws, epubs and Ipads By Steve Scherer, Animal Control Officer Each time somebody would ask me an obscure question about Illinois animal law, I would have to look through seven pamphlets, each a separate law, to find the answer. I m a big ipad fan (I m typing this article on one) and I got tired of this, so I made an epub document to put on my ipad and iphone. Now using a free Apple application called ibooks, I can search a keyword or phrase. I can also browse by each Act or use the index. It is easy to make and I will briefly tell you about my workflow. I went to the Illinois General Assembly website (www.ilga.gov), found the laws, copied and pasted them into an Apple application called Pages. Now, depending on where you get the text of your laws (website, Word doc, PDF, etc.), you will have to spend some time formatting the text and cleaning it up. You will probably need to remove page breaks for example, so that the text flows normally. From Pages on your ipad, you export it to an epub file. You then email it to yourself, tap on it and choose open with ibooks (you can do this on an ipad, but you need to use Pages for Mac to create a table of contents; see this article on Creating epub Files with Pages: http:// support.apple.com/en-us/ht202066). Using this workflow, I was able to make an epub document of our city ordinances. I sent this to our alderman, who were issued ipads last year. Now they can answer animal law questions quickly too. I'm a Mac and ios guy, but I know you can use much the same workflow in Windows using Word and a free conversion program call Calibre. There are various epub readers for Android devices, search for them on Google Play. You can also use these same workflows to save the laws as a PDF, which can be read on almost any device and computer. I hope this helps you answer the questions you get from the public. Be safe out there. Steve Scherer, Animal Control Officer Quincy Police Department, Quincy, IL sscherer@quincyil.gov Fake ACO s Strike Again In last month s issue, the ACO Voice printed a story regarding animal control impersonators stealing animals in South Carolina. Looks like this trend has expanded to other parts of the country. Police officials in Wichita, Kansas, are warning residents about two women who have been posing as animal control officers and taking animals. Kansas.com reported that the fake animal control officers have taken several animals from situations where they have felt that the animals were being abused. According to police lieutenant Steve Kenney, the impersonators have told the victims that they were animal control officers during several incidents where they removed or attempted to remove animals. In one incident, police say the women were able to take dogs from a different yard. They turned the dogs over to a rescue group, and that group called police. The dogs were then returned to their owner. Kenney stated that the most recent incident occurred in the 1500 block of South Palisade. During this incident, two women were attempting to take a mother dog and her eightweek-old puppies. Even though the women were confronted by the couple who owned the dogs, the impersonators were able to take the animals, claiming that the mother dog and her five puppies were underweight. According to Kenney, authorities are first trying to reunite the dogs with their family. The person who has the dogs has been asked to return them to the family or even deposit them in the local animal shelter s night pet deposit. The suspects, who were driving a pickup truck with a kennel in the bed, are described as a woman in her 20 s wearing all dark blue clothing and a white woman in her 50 s, also wearing all dark blue clothing. Both women were reported to have been wearing denim jackets. According to Kenney, real city animal control officers have city photo identification and a badge. While they do wear navy blue jackets, the jackets are not made out of denim. The ACO Voice - Page 3
ACO Training on the High Desert By Jefferey Clemens, ACTS Battle Mountain, Nevada. High desert, cattle ranching, tumble weeds and Animal Control Officer training! Although gambling was not listed, the winnings were big for Lander County and the surrounding animal control agencies. Last month, ACTS visited the Lander County Public Safety Training Center. The Lander County Sheriff s Department hosted a 4-day training program consisting of: Basic ACO Investigations Field Reports Evidence Collection Courtroom Presentation Tactical Communication Officer Safety and Self Defense Animal Diseases/Shelter Sanitation Rabies and Quarantine Procedures Injuries/Emergency Care for Animals Intro to Humane Animal Euthanasia Safe Animal Handling/Capture Techniques Stress Management for the ACO The Role of the Professional ACO One of the unique benefits of Animal Control Training Services (ACTS) is the ability to provide training to agencies that would otherwise not be able to receive training due to their remote locations and small department sizes. These considerations often make it difficult for agencies as they do not have adequate staffing levels for coverage while an officer or staff member is attending training, nor do they have large enough training budgets to cover the costs of travel, lodging, etc. Another benefit is that for every 10 registrations, the hosting agencies receive 2 complimentary reservations. For many departments large or small, they receive their training for free! The greatest importance was focusing on providing the specific training needs of the Animal Control Officer. John Mays and I had this in mind when we were designing the ACTS business model. We established the ACTS business in 2013 which has proven to be a win-win outcome! The past two years have been met with overwhelming success and the 2015 calendar year is filling up fast. John and I and our instructor team would like to thank all of the Animal Control and Public Safety Agencies for supporting Animal Control Training Services (ACTS). We look forward to serving you in the future! The ACO Voice - Page 4
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ACO Receives Top Honor By Melanie Ruberti, LaGrange Daily News Caring for animals is a passion for Chris Bussey. As an animal control supervisor for the city of LaGrange, it is his job to handle loose or aggressive animals, plus check out any cases of animal cruelty on a daily basis. Now, Bussey s hard work has paid off. He was recently named the Animal Control Officer of the Year for the State of Georgia. It was a shock when I got the phone call, Bussey said of the honor. I was shocked and happy at the same time. Bussey received the award from the Georgia Animal Care and Control Association. He said he was nominated, but isn t sure who put him up for the honor. Bussey has been with Animal Control for eight years, more than two years of that as a department supervisor. He s handled a variety of animals loose within the city limits from cats and dogs to snakes and goats. Bussey is most proud of the number of animals for which the department has found new homes. We re helping the community and helping animals find homes, he said. We use a lot of rescue groups. Typically 30 to 90 animals go out to rescue groups locally and across the nation. Plus we have a lot of redemption, owners that come in to find their animals. Bussey broke down the 2014 statistics: LaGrange Animal Control impounded 2,753 animals. 740 were transferred to rescue groups. 363 were adopted. 282 were given back to their owners. 1,388 animals were euthanized. Bussey said that number is down by 13 percent from 2013. Bussey said every day is a new challenge, but he s glad that the hard work of his entire department is being honored. It means a lot, he said. I couldn t have done it without my employees Robyn Morgan and Kim Watts. I m happy and proud. This is the first time someone from the LaGrange Animal Control has won the statewide award. The ACO Voice - Page 6 LaGrange Animal Control is also sponsoring an ACTS Training Course for Animal Control Professionals, May 6-8, 2015 in LaGrange, Georgia. The 3-day course consists of the following training: Field Training Officer Certification - May 6-7 This 16 hour Train the Trainer course will provide participants with the skills and knowledge required of a Field Training Officer. The course will cover the objectives of an FTO program, the FTO as leader and role model, and FTO ethical issues. Specifically, the course will equip FTO s with the knowledge and ability to provide supervision, evaluation and training for recruits during their field training and evaluation program. The course is designed to apply adult learning concepts, instructional and training techniques to promote and develop a recruit s knowledge of an ACO s duties, responsibilities and skills. The course includes a 3 month Field Training Manual. The Field Training and Evaluation Program is an educational process that provides recruits with the proper material and guidelines to perform competently as an Animal Control Officer. It includes standardized evaluation and remedial training forms used for documenting and recommending retention or rejection. Illegal Animal Fighting - May 8 The illegal animal fighting workshop addresses both dog fighting and cock fighting activity. The course covers officer safety considerations, the history of animal fighting, applicable state and federal laws, search warrants and warrantless entries, investigation techniques, evidence collection and impoundment of animals, agency and task force coordination for successful case prosecution. Five scholarships are available for the May 8 training only. Email ACTS at info@aco-acts.com to learn more about the scholarships. To obtain a registration form for the entire course, please visit www.aco-acts.com (click on the training calendar link). Questions? Contact ACTS at 913-515-0080 or via email at info@aco-acts.com. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation letter via email.
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/[ JQY VJKPIU JCXG EJCPIGFŗ SERVICES AVAILABLE TRAINING SOLUTIONS THAT WORK FOR YOUR AGENCY. O N - S IT E A S S E S S M E NT S Want an in-depth analysis of your animal control services? ACTS can evaluate your field, shelter and Animal Control Training Services has else. We bring the training to the agency, long recognized the inherent risk and saving taxpayers hundreds of dollars in A N N U AL T R AI N I NG B U D G E T danger associated with the animal control travelǧrelated expenses. You can even Your agency can purchase blocks of profession. Officer safety is a priority build a program based upon what you training for your staff - you can select when and feel your agency or staff would most the topics later. This is a simple way dangerous behavior from both animals benefit from. Pick and choose the topics and humans. Our program is unique in and the number of days for training. We that we offer real life, practical onsite are flexible in our offerings. Our fees are training. ACTS training is specific to all-inclusive there are no hidden fees. procedures, and more? Our online animal control officers focusing on officer We resources may help. safety and professional service at an agencies to attend in order to keep affordable price. The ACTS training everyone's model is a bit different than everyone training catalog at www.aco-acts.com. administrative operations. to annually budget for training. A CO RE S O U R C E S Need sample forms, policies and Animal Control Training Services The ACO Voice - Page 8 Tel 913.515.0080 dealing E-Mail info@aco-acts.com with aggressive also encourage cost low. surrounding Download WWW.ACO-ACTS.COM our
ACTS Training Schedule For a registration form, visit www.aco-acts.com or call 913-515-0080 Animal Control Officer Specialized Training Course March 9-11, 2015 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Illegal Animal Fighting; Understanding the Link in Animal Abuse; Basic Animal Control Officer Investigations; Performing Animal Exhibitor Inspections; Understanding the ADA & Service Animals for ACO s and Law Enforcement March 19-20, 2015 - Green Bay, Wisconsin Schedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association - 2015 Annual Training Conference March 25-27, 2015 - Lexington, Kentucky Presented by ACTS: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs April 6-10, 2015 - Taos, New Mexico Schedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Baton/Bitestick Certification; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Pepper Spray Certification; Chemical Immobilization Certification; Safe Animal Handling/ Capture and Restraint Equipment; Stress Management for A/C Professionals; Role of the Professional ACO Alabama Animal Control Association - 2015 Annual Training Conference April 13-15, 2015 - Prattville, Alabama Presented by ACTS: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self-Defense; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Interview and Investigation Techniques Training Course for Animal Control Professionals April 27-28, 2015 - Chelmsford, Massachusetts Schedule of Training: Safe Handling of Aggressive/Dangerous Dogs; Interview and Investigation Techniques; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints Training Course for Animal Control Professionals May 6-8, 2015 - LaGrange, Georgia Schedule of Training: Field Training Officer Certification; Illegal Animal Fighting Animal Control Protective Equipment Certification May 11-14, 2015 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Baton/Bitestick Certification; Pepper Spray Certification; Handcuffs - Arrest and Control Certification; Taser Certification; Chemical Immobilization Certification May 18-19, 2015 - Marion, Illinois Schedule of Training: Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Pepper Spray Certification; Baton/Bitestick Certification The ACO Voice - Page 9
ACTS Training Schedule For a registration form, visit www.aco-acts.com or call 913-515-0080 Prairie States 2015 Animal Welfare Conference June 9, 2015 - Bloomington, Illinois Presented by ACTS: Interview and Investigation Techniques Animal Control Protective Equipment Training June 18, 2015 - Westminster, California Schedule of Training: Baton/Bitestick Certification Training Course for Animal Control Professionals July 8-9, 2015 - Puunene, Hawaii Schedule of Training: Officer Safety/Self Defense; Safe Animal Handling - Capture/Restraint Equipment; Basic ACO Investigations; Field Reports and Evidence Collection; Identification of Injuries - Emergency Care for Animals Field Training Officer Certification for Animal Control Professionals July 15-16, 2015 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Field Training Officer Certification July 30-31, 2015 - Wausau, Wisconsin Schedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs Animal Control Protective Equipment Certification August 13-14, 2015 - Yreka, California Schedule of Training: Taser Certification; Pepper Spray Certification September 14-17, 2015 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Officer Safety and Self Defense; Pepper Spray Certification; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs; Baton/Bitestick Certification September 21-22, 2015 - Beloit, Wisconsin Schedule of Training: Tactical/Interpersonal Communication; Safe Handling of Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs Animal Control Officer Specialized Training Course November 2-4, 2015 - North Kansas City, Missouri Schedule of Training: Multiculturalism in Animal Control; Citations, Dangerous and Vicious Declarations; Interview and Investigation Techniques; Investigative Techniques for Cruelty and Neglect Complaints The ACO Voice - Page 10