They can chase down the bad guys and sniff out bombs. That is what makes K-9 units an integral part of the police force. However, many area departments are finding they can no longer afford their four-legged recruits.
Police departments across Michiana are finding the cost to purchase a canine is too high. Many are turning to the community for help.
Two-year old Zane is the newest member to hold a badge with the Indiana State Police.
"He's specializes in tracking, obedience, active search, building searches, and six different narcotics," says Ryan McNamara, K-9 handler for Zane.
He's now one of four canines working for I-S-P, but it took a lot of work to get him here. McNamara had to raise 17,000 dollars on his own. Zane was paid for entirely by the community, mostly through private donations.
"Not only is it nice for us to utilize the dogs, but it's also nice to take them to businesses and show them that this is what we are doing with their money," says ISP Sgt. James Strong.
Turning to the public is a new reality for the Elkhart City's Police department. The budget has always covered their K-9 department, until recently.
"Having to go to the public and get different things, if you wanna see your department advance, that is what's going to have to happen," says Chris Snyder, Elkhart City's K-9 department.
In order for them to get two-year old Xantos, they had to do what I-S-P did. They knocked on doors and asked for help.
"It's a big commitment, but the gain you get, the evidence you collect, the suspects you can catch, it's well worth it in the long run," says Snyder.
He says it's a great investment in the officers, as well as the community.
Just to bring in a new K-9 team, it cost between 18 and 20 thousand dollars. The funds include buying the dog, the training, and the equipment.
To keep it up, it costs between 800 and 3500 dollars a year for food and vet bills.
Most departments say they're able to keep the yearly costs in their annual budget.
However, it's the initial cost to bringing in the dog, that they need the community's help.
Online reporter: Colleen Bormann
