RPD looking for K9 donations - Page 1

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=78942

Thought this would be a good place to post, I have a feeling they're going to see alot of junk posting this request publicly.

I am a JCO in this city and would like some good dogs catching my criminals, lol. 

Regards,

Melanie

There must be a better way.

I find this obnoxious.  Not only are they looking for a hand out when there are tons of grants out there - they will end up getting crap dogs that will fail, either due to lack of performance or through "over" performance (liability issues)  and then working dogs will again take a hit.  Furthermore, in the case of "over performance" there will be another nail in the coffin of biting patrol dogs leading down the road many departments are now going - buying field labs that can make the big dollar drug busts (raking in cash, accolades and seizures of property that can be auctioned)  all without the loss of cash that comes from paying for bites from the shepherd breeds.

I haven't come across a single K9 program that I'd remotely call well run or respectable and this is just another on the pile.  People who have NO IDEA what they're doing, who at the completion of a 6 week course are deemed "experts" makes me sick.  There should be accreditation requirements for K9 programs and if there are, they need serious overhaul to prevent train wrecks like these.

OP, I'm not ragging on you - it's the issue and presumptive nature of the department that A) they can just ask for "donations" and expect them (when they've got a bigger budget then you or I will ever have) and B) that they can just decide to take in a couple "give always" and wa-la!  instant K9 program.

-Calvin

No offense taken cledford, I can't say similar thoughts didn't cross my mind!