CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake Police Department is working toward establishing a K-9 program within its realm of service. Efforts to raise funds for the program are ongoing with contributions totaling $6,861.36 as of July.
Because of budget constraints, the department is depending on community support to establish the program. The cost to cover the purchase of the animal, equipment and training for the dog and officer is approximately $20,000.
Clearlake Chief of Police Allan McClain said that K-9 units are tremendous tools for the department. “There is no other tool that we can get that can do the things those animals do,” he said.
According to McClain, the inclusion of a K-9 unit within the department”s scope of service has several benefits not only for the officers but for the community as well. “The biggest thing is that it is a huge public relations tool for the police department,” he said. “We are able to go out and do a lot of public functions, go to schools, talk with service clubs, etc. It helps build one-on-one relationships between the officers and the community, which we are trying hard to do here.
“People will bond with an animal a lot quicker than with a person,” McClain continued. “It will help bridge some of the gaps between the department and the community. The more positive things we can do, the better interaction will be.”
McClain said that cross-training the dogs for narcotics detection is a major asset as well. It helps limit the availability of narcotics to our children, he said, especially methamphetamine.
According to McClain, the ideal canine would be an alpha male dog with a sense of independence and a high “toy drive.” “The dog will work hard to find the scent you want so he gets his toy,” McClain elaborated.
The dog and handler will spend six to eight weeks training together in a program designed to build a bond between them. Together they will learn the commands to gain responsive action from the dog and how to safely conduct the services expected of them.
McClain said the dog must be confident and independent. “You need a dog with enough confidence to leave its handler”s side and do article and building searches independently,” he said, adding that an officer is not put at risk when a dog is utilized in such activities.
“A dog is also good on the protective end, especially when there is resistance involved. You can utilize the dog to take that person into custody without using deadly force,” McClain said, adding that through his own experience he has seen resistant people, especially those with mental health issues, surrender simply because they don”t want to get bit by the dog.
“The dog is able to change the situation in our favor so we don”t have to use deadly force,” McClain said.
Donations for program have been contributed by various sources including individuals, businesses, service clubs and fellow law enforcement organizations. Among the largest donations is a $1,000 contribution by the Clearlake Police Association; $700 from Dragonfly Caf?; $600 from Wal-Mart; $500 apiece from Main Street Caf?, A-1 Check Cashing, Lakeshore Lions and Lakeshore Lioness. Curt and Judie Giambruno donated $300.The Lake County Iron Pigs and Strohmeyer”s Plumbing each donated $250 and Lakeshore Inn and Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes contributed $200 apiece to the effort.
To join the list of “Friends of Clearlake K9 Program” please send your tax-deductible donation to: Clearlake Police Department K9 Fund, 14050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake CA 95422.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
