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Council approves early deployment of K-9 ahead of probation end, votes 6–1
Summary
Council voted to allow a newly certified police K-9 and handler to begin deployment earlier than the previously scheduled probation-completion date; council recorded a 6–1 vote and plans to ratify the action at the next meeting.
Councilors voted to allow a newly certified police K-9 and its handler to begin active duty before the previously scheduled probation completion, citing upcoming events and waterfront public-safety needs.
Police and councilmembers described recent discussions with waterfront security and child-services partners about juvenile-holding options and anticipated public-safety demands during a busy events season that includes a St. Patrick’s Day weekend parade and the NFL Draft. Officer Coles and the police chief recommended accelerating the K-9’s start date so the dog could be deployed for planned crowd and patrol coverage.
A motion to allow immediate deployment carried on a roll call vote: Mister Eads — No; Mister Stein — Yes; Mister Guyette — Yes; Mister Pletch — Yes; Mister Shields — Yes; Mister Estralski — Yes; Miss Jones — Yes. The clerk reported the motion carried 6–1. Several councilors said the vote could be ratified at next week’s meeting because the decision does not immediately obligate borough funds.
Councilors also discussed liability and pay rate impacts; the solicitor (Greg) was reported to have advised that the planned short-term deployment raised no legal bar. The item will be formally ratified at the next regular meeting.
