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Officer Phoenix sworn in as New Haven police K‑9; chief praises narcotics and apprehension skills
Summary
At the June 16 meeting the council held a swearing‑in for Officer Phoenix, a new police canine certified through the Allen County Canine Training Facility; the police chief described Phoenix as excelling in narcotics detection and bite work and noted use in community safety and enforcement.
The New Haven Common Council on June 16 held a formal swearing‑in for Officer Phoenix, the police department’s newly certified canine, and heard praise from department leadership about the dog’s training and capabilities.
Police Chief Prueter told the council Phoenix trained at the Allen County Canine Training Facility and "has been a rock star through the whole thing," noting the dog “excelled in narcotics detection” and had strong apprehension and bite work. The chief also praised the handler’s diligence and intelligence during training.
Officials said the department uses the county training facility for certifications and emphasized the logistical and operational commitments of assigning a canine to the force. Staff invited council members and the public to later sign a ceremonial paw‑print or observe a demonstration; the chief noted the department uses the dog in narcotics detection and apprehension activities.
During the presentation the chief also offered an update on enforcement administration: the department plans to clarify and codify fee amounts for truck‑route and U‑turn violations to allow out‑of‑state drivers to resolve tickets without required court appearances.
What’s next: staff said a demonstration could be scheduled and that administrative updates to the traffic‑violation fee schedule will be drafted and brought forward for council consideration.
