Altoona police seek council approval to add K-9 unit

Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Clint Berge | WQOW

Altoona (WQOW) - The Altoona Police Department is looking to expand its staff by adding a K-9 unit.

Patrol officer Anthony Helstern told News 18 not having a K-9 has left a void for the department. The last time they had the program was in the spring of 2015, but the handler left the department and took the dog with him.

Helstern said the goal is to have a new K-9 by the spring of 2018, which would cost the department between 40-60 thousand dollars, which they hope to raise through donations.

He said it is important to re-start the program because the dogs keep both officers and the public safe by helping in some of the biggest issues in our community.

"Drugs are on the rise in the Chippewa Valley, as well as many other areas, so we want to be very proactive in combating that as best as we can," Helstern said. "Not to say a dog will be the end all be all to stop drugs, but it will definitely help in that location, and detection in getting those people the help they need."

The department will take its proposal to the city council Thursday night. If it is approved, police officers will be able to apply to become a dog-handler, and go through the necessary training.

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