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Last updated on Thursday, June 2, 2016
(BLOOMINGTON) - The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is seeking donations to purchase a new K-9 unit.
The department needs the dog because of the recent increase in illegal narcotics due to the opening of Section 4 of I-69.
Officials say the dog will be trained to detect illegal narcotics, apprehend fleeing suspects and locate missing persons.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office hasn't had a K-9 unit since 1996.
The IU Police Department and the Bloomington Police Department each have their own K-9 unit and the sheriff department relies on those units for assistance when needed.
The Herald Times reports the total estimated cost of the K-9 unit will be $18,000, including $10,000 for the dog and its training, $5,000 for necessary equipment and $3,000 for a kennel. Recurring costs - including food, medication, vaccinations and veterinary care - will also affect the Monroe County Sheriff's Office annual budget.
The handler will be selected from the current officers and must have a minimum of three years of full-time law enforcement experience and take an annual physical ability test.
The breeder will train the K-9, so when the Monroe County Sheriff's Office purchases the dog, the K-9 will already be trained. The dog and its handler will then attend a K-9 handler academy which will train the handler and the dog as a team.
To make a donation contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.
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