Hermosa Beach Police Welcome K9 Arco

The Hermosa Beach Police Department introduced its newest four-legged officer Tuesday night—a three-year-old Belgian Malinois named Arco.

Unlike the department's previous canines, which were trained only for narcotics and explosives detection, Arco is a dual-purpose apprehension and detection dog, imported from the Netherlands with an elite pedigree.

"Arco holds a KMPV title, which is a prestigious title from the Royal Dutch Police Association, which emphasizes in control and apprehension," Officer Ivan Torres, Arco's handler, told the City Council. "Prior to arriving in Hermosa Beach, Canine Arco already established an elite standard in police work."

After arriving in the United States, Arco and Torres completed a 240-hour intensive police training program in Riverside covering obedience, searches, and real-life deployment scenarios. They're now required to train a minimum of 20 hours per month to maintain Arco's skills.

A De-Escalation Tool

Torres emphasized that Arco's primary value may be his presence rather than his bite.

"Crucially, his mere presence is a tool in and of itself because it can encourage the safe surrenders of these kinds of suspects and allow us to not use force," Torres explained. "He is a de-escalation tactic which more often than not, if you hear this guy barking, you'll come out."

The dog is also being trained in explosives detection, which will assist the city in keeping schools, public events, and facilities safe.

Life-Saving Protection

The evening's presentation centered on a crucial piece of equipment: a bulletproof vest donated by Canine Armor, a public benefit charity that provides protective gear to California police dogs.

Co-founder Suzanne Saunders presented the $4,000 vest, which features a removable collar—a first in the 20 years she's been providing vests to departments.

"Sadly, some dogs are injured and killed in the line of duty when they don't have a bulletproof vest," Saunders told the council. "They need them and they deserve them, but most departments don't have the budget for a $4,000 vest."

Saunders noted that Burbank Police Department's K9 Spike was killed in November, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers police dogs face. The new vest design with the removable collar allows Arco to maintain full mobility while staying protected.

"It doesn't hinder their movements and so he can still run and bite and do his duty, but it'll keep him safe," Saunders said.

Police Chief Landon Phillips explained that the department had never budgeted for bulletproof vests because previous canines didn't have Arco's apprehension capabilities and faced different risk profiles.

"Just like officers here in Hermosa Beach where we run towards the danger first, Arco will as well," Torres said. "So having a ballistic vest is very important."

Torres noted Arco's intelligence extends beyond following commands: "He understands context more than anything... When he's ready to work, when he's in drive, he's just all go."

Torres said that Arco 'speaks' Dutch—though the actual command vocabulary is only about 10-12 words. More important is context.

"He understands the context very smart, he's a very intelligent dog," Torres said, noting he even had to adjust his morning routine: the handler shared that Arco won't eat breakfast if he comes out in his police uniform—the dog immediately knows it's time to work and refuses food until after the shift."I have to come out in my PJs first, Arco has his breakfast, and then I come out in uniform and let's go to work."

The council thanked Canine Armor for their support and formally welcomed Arco to the Hermosa Beach Police Department.

As Saunders put it: "Thank you for putting your lives on the line for the city of Hermosa Beach. And thank you council members for taking care of the citizens."