Council To Consider K-9 For Brooksville Police

BROOKSVILLE - Brooksville Police Chief George Turner says it's time to add a four-legged, drug-sniffing member to the force.

Turner will go before the City Council Monday to make that argument with hopes of getting the council's blessing for a K-9 unit.

The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. at City Hall, 20 N. Howell Ave.

"I think the implementation of a K-9 will be very beneficial to the city in curbing our drug issues," Turner said.

The city currently has an agreement with the Hernando County Sherriff's Office to provide one of its three dogs on an as-needed basis.

But the sheriff's dogs aren't always available, so the city must sometimes go without, Turner said.

A drug-sniffing dog on the force could be deployed on demand during search warrants and traffic stops, resulting in more drug busts, Turners said.

"It's a tool that could be used a lot better if we have a dog of our own," he said.

Turner estimates startup costs of no more than $7,000, significantly less than usual, he said.

Turner has been offered a two-year-old Malinois, a member of the shepherd family frequently used as police dogs, for no charge from firm that specializes in K-9 dogs. Agencies throughout the state have volunteered to provide training at no charge to the city, he said.

The startup money would mostly be spent to outfit an existing patrol car with a beefed-up air conditioner and other features to accommodate a dog, he said.

Increased personnel costs would be minimal, with perhaps some overtime if necessary, he said. At least two officers have expressed interest in the training to become one half of the city's K-9 team.

The cost of food and veterinarian bills shouldn't exceed $2,000 per year - an amount easily paid for by revenue raised from the sale of cars and other property seized during drug arrests, Turner said.

"The K-9s pay for themselves," he said.

Turner has experience. He helped start the K-9 programs at the City of Ulster Police Department and the Ulster County Sheriff's Office in New York. Both programs still exist and are successful today, he said.

Turner will likely have the votes of at least two council members.

Council members Lara Bradburn and Joe Bernardini agreed the program would benefit the city.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to elevate our law enforcement capabilities," Bradburn said.

Bernardini called it "an excellent tool and excellent deterrent."