Thanks slamdunc and others - Page 1

A few days ago I read a thread regarding the cost of police dogs....
I do not post a lot on the board, since I've never felt that I have much to contribute. 
However, that particular topic hit a nerve.  So I vented a little.  I tried to be brief...not let my emotions get out of control.  Thanks to all for listening.
I apologize if the post came across as harsh or offensive to anyone.

Thank you Jim for responding to my post.  I was out of town and did not see it until today.

In trying to be brief, I may have left out a few details.
The local department has had a great K9 unit in the past with as many as 14 dog/handler teams.  Historically they bought green dogs and had "in house training". 
But with various administrations offering varying degrees of support, it has been a roller coaster ride.
At times the unit needed rebuilt and the old timers were retired....It was at such a time that Tony and 2 other handlers travelled to the midwest for dogs and the training program that was offered.  Since then they have returned to the tried and true, bought green dogs and did the in house training.

The current admin is on a mission to erradicate the unit.  I am not sure anymore if is some kind of personal vendetta, financial/budgetary or some other unknown reason.
It is frustrating and most of all, heartbreaking.  We have had some very dedicated handlers and excellent police officers as well.  The dogs have performed valuable services time and time again.  Recently they have had numerous calls from patrol officers for a dog for crowd control or break ins and at times there has been no dog to send.  One officer, out of frustration, confided to Tony that he had made the announcement to "Come out or We're sending the dog!"  Even though no dog was on site.  The guy came out with hands in the air. 

Now what does that tell you?  We need the dogs. 

We (we personally, not the department) currently have a certified narcotics/patrol dog which the department will not allow in service.  No one understands why.  He found a lot of drugs for his previous department.  He can be social when necessary but can flip that switch when needed.
The vice unit has requested this dog be put in service, the D.A.s offfice has requested the dog, we even had the police chief from his previous department phone our chief to list the dog's many, many accomplishments but to no avail. 

I can't believe the costs factor into this department's decision since we have had funds donated by local businesses to purchase dogs and the last dog was bought with Homeland security money..........
as I said.  It is exasperating and frustrating.



Thanks to all for listening and also for the valuable information that has been offered on this and other topics....I've had GSD's all my life but I am always learning something new and enjoy reading the posts.  Well, most of them! 
Thanks again everyone!

Charity,
Not sure why you are thanking me, but your welcome. 

I read your post and can certainly understand your frustration.  If the upper brass do not support the K-9 unit or see it's value it is doomed.  Our dogs are consistently making high profile arrests and helping to solve crimes.  Our previous chief was not a big fan, but our current administration is very enthusiastic about our unit.  We make lots of arrests and lots of asset seizures and document that every month.  It is in black and white showing how effective the unit is. 

The cost of the dog is only one factor in getting new dogs for a K-9 unit.  Actually, the cost of the dog is probably the cheapest part of the equation.  The PD then has to assign a handler and man power is a major issue.  Then a car has to be designated and specially outfitted for the dog.  Man power is usually the biggest factor and if the admin doesn't see the need they won't designate and officer for the job taking him/her away form other Police functions or units.  In the past we were constantly justifying our value to the PD.  Now, they really appreciate what we do.  We just need more dogs and handlers.

Jim