Opportunity to TEAM with LCSO on K-9 Drug/Patrol Dog
Photo courtesy vectorolie and freedigitalphotos.net
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has a goal to raise $16,500 for the purchase of a well-trained drug/patrol dog, deputy training, and needed equipment. We all see the negative impacts with the distribution and use of illegal drugs in our area.
Regionally law enforcement is lacking in Police K-9 services. Locally Troop H of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cameron Police, and the Carrollton Police Department each have a drug/patrol dog program that I am aware of. The Missouri Department of Corrections in Cameron has K-9 tracking dog(s) available for use in certain situations.
There have been multiple times which our office and other area law enforcement has needed a K-9 to assist with drug investigations, building searches, or tracking needs which went without due to no availability or a timely K-9 response. We are confident several of these incidents would have resulted in seizures of drugs and/or arrests if we had the K-9 use available.
For liability reasons we must obtain any K-9 and deputy training/certification from a trainer/company approved by the counties liability insurance provider. There are many trainers around the United States with several having great programs which come highly recommended.
Once we are within reach of our financial goal we will contract for a well-trained and motivated dog from a trainer who provides several weeks of training for the deputy. Lesser expensive places only offer a few days of training but it is recommended the officer receive multiple weeks of training and certification. This will only strengthen our desire and commitment to provide the best services to citizens of Livingston County and surrounding areas.
A K-9 police dog should be in service for 8 to 10 years and the K-9 dog would have only one handler at a time. We have staff eager to accept this responsibility and commitment. The price for a good dual-purpose dog and officer training/certification is approximately $15,000. The additional $1,500 would be applied towards necessary equipment. But to get there we need financial help.
The LCSO’s goal for a K-9 is not just a drug dog. We desire and need a “dual purpose” K-9 with the dog also being trained as a police patrol dog. Some of the “patrol training” includes protection for the deputy, building searches, take down on command, guarding the deputy and/or suspects, and tracking. Livingston County is more than 500 square miles. A lot can happen when backup is needed immediately. A dual purpose K-9 can mean the world of difference in numerous situations. Use of our K-9 and deputy would be made available for all local and nearby law enforcement and fire organizations in addition to use for emergencies in all of north Missouri.
Sheriff Steve Cox and other LCSO staff will be happy to talk with you or your civic group more about this opportunity to TEAM with our office in filling this law enforcement need in our area.
The Office of Sheriff will soon be working with businesses, civic groups, and citizens in our community by providing self-defense type classes with our trained instructors and staff. There may be a small fee or free-will donation for attendance and this will also be applied to the K-9 fund raising program.
Tax money for Livingston County and the Office of Sheriff is very limited. The 2016 budget did not provide opportunity to fund our desire for a K-9 program.
Sheriff Steve Cox and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, with the endorsement of the Livingston County Commission, are seeking donations dedicated for the purchase of a quality K-9, deputy training, and equipment. Again our goal total is $16,500. Anyone interested in teaming with the LCSO and K-9 program may send a check or money order to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 901 Webster Street or the Livingston County Clerk, 700 Webster Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Please call Sheriff Steve Cox at 660-646-0515 should you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
Thank you for your past, present and future support of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Steve Cox