The Sidney Police Department is hoping they will soon be able to recruit a four-legged member to their staff of law enforcement officers. Since October, they have been working on securing funds to incorporate a canine unit within their department. This is part of an effort to continue meeting the growing demands of keeping the community safe while helping ensure the safety of their officers.
"I fully anticipate a canine unit would increase officer safety, which is a big concern for us. It would also help with drug enforcement and patrol operations," said Frank DiFonzo, Sidney Police Chief.
Once enough funds are secured, the next step will be to send an officer to train with potential dogs at a police canine academy.
The department estimates the cost for the complete implementation of a community K-9 Unit will be $75,000. This would cover the cost of the dog, training, equipment and staff time. Due to the City's budget constraints this year, they are unable to manage start-up expenses without the support of the citizens, businesses and civic groups.
Since October, the Department has received nearly half of the seed money needed to secure a K-9 Unit from donations made by local businesses and private citizens.
In the last 36 months there has been a tremendous increase in the number of arrests, DUIs and calls for assistance with criminal offenses tipping the scale with a 112% increase for crimes such as robbery and assaults. The number of DUIs has increased by 376% while the number of calls for assistance received through dispatch has risen by 74%.
The dog would be trained and live with Alex Roselles, a patrol officer with the department for over two years. Roselles' family has a long tradition of working in law enforcement and with a K-9 Unit. His father spent nine years working in law enforcement with a dog in Deer Lodge, Montana.
The use of K-9 Units has become quite common in local law enforcement agencies. These loyal creatures have consistently been chosen to serve and protect communities because of their unmatched skills out in the field. Their wide range of abilities includes sight, agility, and strong sense of smell among other things that make them quite valuable allies.
Canine units can offer exceptional skills in the line of duty as well as economical advantages in the deterrence of crime.
"It has been exciting to see that we have the backing of the community. The response has just been tremendous. I will be excited to have a partner that will keep us safe on patrol and help us secure buildings," Roselles said.
He will spend six weeks in North Carolina at the Southern Police Canine Academy training while being paired up with a dog that best fits his handling style. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the two breeds of dog typically used for a canine unit. The Department is most interested in obtaining a Belgian Malinois because they feel it will create a better fit for a new K-9 officer to work with.
While no name for the canine has been decided upon yet, Roselles has a few names that he is considering. There has also been some discussion about having local students submit their ideas for a name for the newest member of the Department.
The Department tentatively plans to have the K-9 Unit effectively on duty no later than June.
The working life span of the average dog is seven to 10 years.
When Roselles expressed his interest in getting a K-9 for the Department, DiFonzo was hesitant explaining during the oil boom in the 1980s the Department had two dogs. "I did not feel the Department received adequate return on their investment as one officer moved to another agency and the other lost his canine due to the animal passing away from an illness. The level of dedication it takes to be a canine unit can't be overstated. But, Roselles proved to me he had the commitment and plans for longevity we need in order to make this successful," DiFonzo said.
Once the unit is up and running, the City will absorb the costs for maintenance and care of the program.
"This is a community project and I think people in our community enjoy being a part of helping ensure these types of resources are available. I think more people are going to step up," DiFonzo said.
The Department has no plans of coordinating any fundraising events in this effort and are instead relying on word-of-mouth within the community, which to date, has been very successful.
To make a donation, make your check payable to the Sidney Police Department K-9 Fund, and mail it to 300 12th Avenue N.W.., Suite 5, Sidney MT, 59270 or bring your donation directly to Stockman Bank or City Hall.
For more information, contact (406) 433-6846.
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