Sheriff’s office plans fourth K9; county attorney to review policy on officers signing EMS refusals

Chief Brandon Napier told Jasper County commissioners on Feb. 17 that one of the department’s K9 handlers plans to retire a dog in September and that the office wants to add a fourth K9. Napier said handlers traditionally conduct fundraising and that the department aims to have a canine on each shift during warmer months by rotating animals.

Napier said training takes place in Valparaiso and is intensive: "the training in Valparaiso will be an 8-week course and is vigorous," he said. He estimated the cost "is around $15,000 for purchase and training" per dog and noted they were already interviewing deputies and seeking funds to have two canines in place before September.

Napier also raised a separate operational question from EMS Director Corrie Myers about whether sheriff's officers could serve as witnesses to EMS refusal-of-care incidents. Napier said current policy language from Lexipol advises against officers 'signing off' on refusals; he asked whether that prohibition is necessary given that officers would typically record that medics were on scene and the patient refused care.

County Attorney Eric Beaver said he would review the Lexipol guidance and the Indiana Sheriffs' Association policy the county plans to adopt mid-April and did not immediately see a legal barrier to an officer recording their impression in an incident report. Commissioners requested Beaver examine whether a hold-harmless clause could be drafted so officers would be comfortable serving as witnesses when appropriate.

The commissioners asked that the chosen handler return with fundraising materials and cost information once selections are finalized.