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North Bend council approves drug-detection K-9 program, allows donations and training contract
Summary
The North Bend City Council voted to allow the police department to buy and train a drug-detection K-9, accept community donations to cover startup costs and provide a 5% special-pay differential to the handler.
The North Bend City Council on May 27 approved a plan to establish a drug-detection K-9 program for the North Bend Police Department, authorize a training and purchase contract with vendor Maycor Canine, accept community donations to cover startup costs and apply a 5% special-pay differential to the designated handler.
The police chief presented the proposal to councilors, saying the department has operated without a dedicated drug-detection dog for nearly nine years and has relied on neighboring agencies, which can delay investigations. The chief said the initial capital cost is about $32,000 — roughly $22,000 for the dog and handler training and $10,000 to outfit a patrol vehicle — and projected recurring care and training at about $5,000 per year. The chief said a local donor had already pledged $10,000 toward the project.
“The dog’s ability to detect minute amounts of controlled substances strengthens officer and public safety and helps us interdict drug trafficking and related crimes,” the police chief said. The presentation described additional public-outreach benefits, including school demonstrations and community events.
Councilors asked about operational impact, officer scheduling and whether the animal would have dual duties. The police chief said the canine will be assigned to a patrol officer on regular shifts to maximize deployment and that the department does not intend to train the animal for patrol/apprehension or search-and-rescue duties at this time.
Councilor Johns moved the authorization; Councilor Hamilton seconded. After discussion, the council voted in favor with the motion carried.
The approved motion authorizes the department to accept private donations and external funds to cover startup costs, to purchase a training contract with Maycor Canine and to apply a 5% special-pay differential to the designated handler. The council and staff said they expect to continue fundraising before using general fund dollars for the program.
