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Moscow council approves expansion of police K-9 program to add second narcotics dog
Summary
The council voted unanimously to add a second narcotics K-9 and a second handler, funding the dog and training from drug-investigation funds and buying an upfitted vehicle from the fleet fund (about $80,000). Staff cited fentanyl risks and operational benefits.
Acting Mayor Julia Parker and the Moscow City Council unanimously approved an expansion of the Moscow Police Department's K-9 program on Sept. 15, authorizing a second narcotics-detection canine, handler training and an upfitted patrol vehicle.
Chief Dellinger and Sergeant Ryan Snyder told the council the program would be paid largely from restricted drug-investigation (TIP) funds and fleet accumulation in the FY26 budget, so the request requires no new general-fund appropriation. Staff estimated the vehicle and upfit at roughly $80,000 and the purchase, kennel and initial equipment for the dog at about $13,000; training is a 160-hour certification course.
In presenting the request, the chief emphasized growing fentanyl risks and local seizure statistics. "Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine," the chief said, noting that small amounts can be lethal. Sergeant Snyder described how existing K-9 Ragnar, who recently became certified to detect fentanyl, has supported seizures and arrests and that a second canine would allow continuous coverage and succession planning as dogs retire.
The chief acknowledged a correction to a prior memo: department-wide drug totals had been shown where Ragnar-specific numbers were intended. After the clarification, the council discussed operational timelines (handlers typically require several months for training and certification), vehicle upfit lead times (staff estimated 3—4 months depending on supply chains) and scheduling implications for patrol staffing.
A council motion to approve the K-9 expansion passed with an aye vote from all members present. Councilors asked staff to return if implementation details or additional budget adjustments are needed.
The immediate next steps staff described were selecting a handler and canine, arranging the 160-hour certification, purchasing and upfitting the vehicle from the fleet fund, and initiating local training to reduce travel costs for certification.
