Auburn chief seeks approval of K-9 officer
Auburn Police Chief Fred Brown is looking to add a four-legged officer to his force.
Brown outlined to the city council last week why a K-9 officer would benefit the department and how it would be paid for at no cost to the taxpayers.
“Recently, we had a need for a K-9 officer and the only one available was in Monroe,” Brown told the city council during a work session. “Winder’s was in use so we had to look elsewhere.”
The chief said drug activity has increased in Auburn and the addition of a K-9 officer would help with property and vehicle searches.
The Auburn Police Department previously used a K-9 officer, but the program was discontinued. Brown said the time is right to bring the program back.
If approved, a K-9 officer would work with a pre-determined officer, whom Brown did not want identified since he works undercover at times.
“We have not found one yet,” the chief said. “They range in price from $3,000 to $12,000.”
Brown asked the council to grant him permission to purchase the dog without approval if one is found for $5,000 or less. If the cost is more, he would have to request permission.
The K-9 officer would live with its partner, but would remain the property of the Auburn Police Department should that partner ever leave.
The council could take action on the chief’s request at the Jan. 8 meeting.
“Recently, we had a need for a K-9 officer and the only one available was in Monroe,” Brown told the city council during a work session. “Winder’s was in use so we had to look elsewhere.”
The chief said drug activity has increased in Auburn and the addition of a K-9 officer would help with property and vehicle searches.
The Auburn Police Department previously used a K-9 officer, but the program was discontinued. Brown said the time is right to bring the program back.
If approved, a K-9 officer would work with a pre-determined officer, whom Brown did not want identified since he works undercover at times.
“We have not found one yet,” the chief said. “They range in price from $3,000 to $12,000.”
Brown asked the council to grant him permission to purchase the dog without approval if one is found for $5,000 or less. If the cost is more, he would have to request permission.
The K-9 officer would live with its partner, but would remain the property of the Auburn Police Department should that partner ever leave.
The council could take action on the chief’s request at the Jan. 8 meeting.
The previous K-9 required a special vehicle fitted for the animal and citizens' shelled out the money for an SUV. Fitting the SUV with radios, lights, a computer, etc. isn't free.
The ink is barely dry on the approved budget for all departments within city government. Where was the request for the K-9 officer in the budget?
The Auburn City Council shouldn't even consider the request until the next budget year.
I think it's a great idea.