City to buy, train explosive-detection K9 with $32,000 DHS award

Police staff told the Public Safety Committee the city was awarded $32,000 from the Department of Homeland Security to acquire and train an explosive-detection K9 and support equipment and overtime backfill. The presenter said the city currently has a drug-detection K9 but does not have an explosive-detection dog.

"We currently don't have an explosive detection K9. Um, we only have a drug K9," staff said, adding the new dog would be trained for explosives, firearms detection and tracking. Members asked about sourcing and training timelines; staff said training typically lasts about six months and that state police sometimes host training courses. The committee moved to accept the grant and the motion was seconded and declared carried.