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Elko council accepts donated electronic‑storage detection canine for police department
Summary
Council approved an MOU to accept a donated electronic‑storage detection canine and related training from Our Rescue (a 501(c)(3)); police said the program requires two‑week training for a handler, will be regionally available, and has modest ongoing costs (approx. $80/month food stipend; $50,000 estimated funding for ~4 years).
The Elko City Council voted Oct. 14 to approve a memorandum of understanding with Our Rescue to accept a donated electronic‑storage detection canine for the Elko Police Department.
Chief Johnston described the dog as a Labrador‑type canine trained to detect storage devices (SIMs, SD cards, embedded storage) during investigations, including in jails and on search warrants. The chief said the program would require about two weeks of handler training, that only one other similar dog exists in nearby jurisdictions, and that the capability could support victim interviews, investigations and community outreach.
Costs and funding: According to the chief, Our Rescue will provide initial training and equipment; annual wellness, vet visits and a monthly food stipend are included in the donation arrangement. The chief said an additional funding approval for approximately $50,000 — intended to cover about four years of costs — was included for council determination at a later date; the chief also cited a monthly food stipend of about $80.
Council members praised the program’s investigative and victim‑support potential and emphasized there was no required city funding for the initial phase. The council voted to approve the MOU and accept the donation.
What council voted on: The motion approved the MOU between the Elko Police Department and Our Rescue, including acceptance of the donated canine and associated gear and training as outlined in the MOU. The motion passed with unanimous ayes.
Next steps: The police department will proceed with handler training if the donation is accepted and will coordinate use of the canine with regional partners. Any later funding requests for long‑term maintenance were not adopted at the Oct. 14 meeting.
