In July 2007, the Village Board approved a Police Department proposal to implement a K-9 unit. The initiative was launched shortly thereafter with the acquisition of two handler/dog teams serving in the Patrol Bureau. In 2010, a third team was added, providing coverage on each of the three Patrol shifts. In retrospect, the K-9 program has yielded significant benefit to the community and Department alike. Tangible benefits can be measured by increased drug seizures, apprehension of fleeing suspects and successful tracking of missing persons. Over the past seven years, the K-9 Program has received an overwhelming positive response from residents and community organizations during exhibition drills at public events. The three handler/dog teams are providing sufficient coverage for the Department.

The second K-9 acquired in this process, Marco, is nearing ten years of age, which is the expected service life of a police K-9. His handler is next in line for promotion to sergeant.  Plans to retire Marco after successful and dedicated service to the Arlington Heights Police Department are pending. Marco is responsible for locating approximately $500,000 in cash tied to narcotics and identifying hidden compartments containing illegal drugs with a street value of roughly $1,000,000. In addition, Marco continues to thrill the crowds by demonstrating his skills at over 30 events each year.

All three dogs have been acquired and trained, including annual recertification, at Vohne Liche Kennels.  Their training philosophy - developing a strong police working dog while providing a K-9 that is capable of social interaction - is important to the program's success.  Continuing to utilize Vohne Liche will allow for consistency and continuity within the K-9 unit. 

A funding source for the K-9 Program was provided through a generous gift to the Police Department by a local resident's estate.  Sufficient funds are available to cover this expense. In order to use these funds, the money must be transferred from the gift account to the operating account.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board waive the requirement of formal competitive bidding and authorize the purchase of a dual purpose narcotics detector dog, compatible equipment, and initial handler/dog training from Vohne Liche Kennels, Inc. of Denver, Indiana, in the amount $17,283. It is further recommended that a budget amendment in the amount of $17,300 be approved, transferring money from the gift account (101-0000-350.62-00) to the Canine Program Operating Account (101-3001-511.40-67).