The Henryetta police department may soon have a new crime fighter added.
Tuesday night police chief Steve Norman was given approval to purchase a new K-9 officer, replacing Endy, who retired last month.
Female Malinois 2005 01 29"We are looking at a Malinois," he told the council. Norman said the dog is currently in Tulsa but hails from Spain. It is two years old and is trained in tracking as well as sniffing out illicit drugs.
The $8,500 cost of the dog will be paid for from department savings of asset forfeiture monies accumulated over several years.
"They come to America already trained but just need to have some refinement. The dog looks similar to a German shepherd."
Norman showed video of the Malinois during a training session where it searched several obstacles and found an individual. The dog then held that person at bay until its handler could arrive.
In addition to its drug duties, the dog would also serve as a public relations vehicle for the police. Officers have taken the dog to classrooms over the years, visiting with students and talking about drug prevention. "They can go from work to play in a few seconds," Norman said.
He told the council the cost would include a guarantee for the dog to pass the special CLEET certification as well as unlimited visits by the seller, Performance K-9, to make sure he is trained.
In addition to the $8,500 for the dog, the police department will be spend another $1,500 for additional equipment to be used by the handler. No date was given for the dog's arrival.