Deputy Dog

The pooch patrol is going to be unleashed on the Jefferson County Legislators Tuesday night.

The Sheriff is expected to request another canine for the department, bringing the total to 3 dogs. The department is said to have a $50,000 grant from the Office of Homeland Security, which will cover the upfront cost. Logical questions the legislators should be asking. How much are the other 2 dogs being utilized? Will this increase staffing requirements with an additional patrol above and beyond the patrols on any current shift? Define what the $50,000 will specifically cover of the cost associated with this program, such as the handler and dog training, retro-fitting a patrol vehicle or new vehicle? Further, why is the Office of Homeland Security not funding a federal agency like the Border Patrol for a canine unit?

A situation like this always creates a pause to follow up on the performance of prior similar requests by departments. The Sheriff claimed there would be a significant increase in retention of seized drug money by the department as a result of the obtaining the first dog, has that occurred?

Provided there is justification of the need, performance by the existing units and no, or even minimal, cost to the taxpayer, then this would be an asset. Legislators will need to sort between wants and needs as with any request from a department and proceed to spend taxpayer's money prudently.

If there is a significant burden to the taxpayer, caution should be exercised. How much safer are you and do you feel now that the department has two dogs compared to before they had them?