Police seek seizure‑funded explosive detection canine and training for regional use

Spokane Police Department officials asked the council for approval to use seized funds to purchase and train an explosive‑detection canine for regional deployments, and to cover the dog's equipment and handler training.

The department described the proposed purchase as an addition to the existing canine program. Officials said the new canine would be managed by the investigations unit and used regionally, including for event screening and investigative support. Cost estimates presented to the council included a roughly $42,000 up‑front figure for acquisition, handler training and equipment; the department said ongoing upkeep would be part of future budget considerations.

Council members asked whether the county would co‑fund or compensate the city when the canine is deployed outside Spokane and whether the dog could be cross‑trained for other detection tasks. Police said the dog would be an SPD asset but available to assist county and regional partners; compensation or cost‑sharing would be negotiated later. The department cautioned that dual‑training (for example, drug and explosive detection) can reduce a dog’s reliability for specialized tasks and said many agencies now prefer single‑purpose training.

Officials also noted that the canine would increase local capacity and reduce reliance on distant resources for events that require explosive screening, potentially helping local economic development by meeting venue security requirements. The council asked for additional data on the current balance of forfeiture funds and a cost‑benefit analysis of owning the canine versus recurring rental or mutual‑aid costs.

No final appropriation was approved at the meeting; council members asked staff to return with fund balances and a proposed agreement for regional deployments.